[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6108866,"mediaKeyId","2765654-1b3f4fffea1dfe6e6a89e6ff6c5f09f2","parentId",2765654,"title","Planning Board backs easing special-permit burden for many renovations to single- and two-family homes","audioSeconds",1628,"startMs",4876620,"endMs",6505000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2765654-1b3f4fffea1dfe6e6a89e6ff6c5f09f2&start=4876&end=6505","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2765654-1b3f4fffea1dfe6e6a89e6ff6c5f09f2/thumbnail_4876620.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6108866/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Planning-Board-backs-easing-special-permit-burden-for-many-renovations-to-single-and-two-family-homes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6108866-481e1e23994ccacf7388d6bd0a85ee67/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191090&Signature=mByEoKsa5QvfsV71PPnuxc9oltKJusLwimdmElEUaTLfFj3AUOwW6iSRPTt8iieqqlsMJqVBamkM70CY9n8JusO~Rn5yEOrFQ6L9Zzs7gp4LUI0d11UWa4w2JLN2-OjXLgpAui58hnYY4kV9~oKfuDFtE~hWsaA44Z2eZrp1TKvJkFSLnaoV7V6pLuCcL-DuUdTPBl-VOeNK-P51A4tKaahfhZ0x49N8B2REZB65dGcCs3fm5YN6cbqao-p8C59ens-DFpA8C7KhRY-gGOw2UM4ORTzESKDRqVCWdwfA2yrGxHf5OeIEO5su6UVwqYLE0CouFlzkaa801Y-o5ot9~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Norwood, MA","date","2025-03-25T00:00:00Z","article","The Norwood Planning Board voted March 24 to recommend that town meeting approve amendments to the town’s nonconforming-structure provisions that change when property owners must obtain more extensive relief for renovations.

Under the proposed amendment, alterations to preexisting nonconforming single- and two-family structures that increase habitable floor area by 75% or less would not automatically require a special permit; the building commissioner could approve such changes if they do not increase the nonconforming nature. The change raises the current special-permit threshold from 25% to 75% of the original habitable floor area. The amendment also clarifies that creating or expanding new nonconformities would require variance relief where appropriate, aligning the standard across property types.

Board staff and Zoning Board of Appeals members said the change reflects local practice and reduces the need for routine, costly appeals where the ZBA typically grants relief. Planning staff told the board the ZBA and building inspector had reviewed the language and supported the revisions.

A board member moved that the Planning Board give a favorable recommendation to town meeting on the article; the motion carried on a roll-call vote with one board member recorded as opposed. The amendment will be submitted on the town meeting warrant, and the board’s recommendation will accompany the article.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Norwood: Planning Board 3.24.25","oneSentenceSummary","The board recommended that town meeting raise the special-permit threshold for increases in habitable floor area from 25% to 75% and clarify relief for nonconforming structures; the board voted to forward a favorable recommendation.","taxTitle","Town of Norwood, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",52806,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6108873,"Planning Board continues ADU hearing after wide public comment and questions about scope",4042,1030410,5072600,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2765654-1b3f4fffea1dfe6e6a89e6ff6c5f09f2&start=1030&end=5072","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2765654-1b3f4fffea1dfe6e6a89e6ff6c5f09f2/thumbnail_1030410.jpg","/articles/6108873/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Planning-Board-continues-ADU-hearing-after-wide-public-comment-and-questions-about-scope","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6108873-23e10e187cb7ede35e4d82f641034dfe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191090&Signature=Q-K6eWaalCC1pnC4jr1yOwQhobPslmJHOXZISjO1tY9jLsqrnvHm-dQsq3FRcZjW1l9QzdLKgYcc09s9tpdFtganNkThtHWwdf1XL7huoceW0D73Y69UV11DaoDzVuWYvGuT5h4aQUFVE0FALkFZUPE8nzCbO1-RkTkD9C4lAc8XXT5evdWMkAgzY5tDYlPv-93lOBC6Br5UJQhMKOzEvULLQzZi~kX1geaPrf2ANWpRntP2wzltG03uYsRk8na4FrZjTSxEIeG2SD68Pwqu7JxuW8NUtzkJdd19QtWzwSMLymlDeUt5I-5GgLZ5jPXz0WZ1CmCpjlT4WwTkI~~4Yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwood Planning Board continued a public hearing March 24 on proposed zoning changes to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs), prompting extensive public comment and board discussion about state mandates and local limits.

Staff said the draft adds the state definition of ADU to the town’s zoning bylaw and adds ADUs to the use table so the town’s regulations match the state law that went into effect Feb. 2. Sarah (community development staff) summarized the state definition for the board: “The ADU definition is described as a self contained housing unit inclusive of sleeping, cooking, and sanitary facilities on the same lot as a principal dwelling,” she said. She also told members that state guidance makes clear municipalities cannot impose some restrictions, such as limiting occupants to family members or banning detached ADUs.

Public commenters and several board members pressed for clarity on two main points: (1) whether the draft allows ADUs “in all districts” or only in districts where single-family dwellings are permitted, and (2) whether the town can impose design standards or other limits consistent with state rules. Attorney David Hearn, a resident, urged limiting ADUs to the districts that currently permit single-family dwellings and said the draft’s current phrase “in all districts” will confuse residents. Multiple commenters raised concerns about potential parking, density and use impacts, including the possibility of detached structures, shipping containers or converted garages.

Staff and several board members said the proposed language follows the state’s protected-use approach and is intended to allow ADUs only on existing dwelling units; staff explained that preexisting residential units in nonresidential districts could still be eligible as preexisting nonconformities. Several board members asked staff to get additional written guidance from the state and to circulate a clean draft showing any recommended clarifying language and why it is necessary.

A motion to continue the hearing to April 14 carried. The board agreed to include the ADU definition in a clean draft to present to town meeting while staff and counsel pursue clearer written guidance on district scope and permissible local regulations.","The board continued its hearing on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) zoning amendments after extensive public comment and requests for clarification about where ADUs will be allowed and what local regulations remain permissible under state law.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6108877,"Planning Board continues floodplain bylaw hearing to allow review of edits from town counsel and DCR",467,552015,1019520,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2765654-1b3f4fffea1dfe6e6a89e6ff6c5f09f2&start=552&end=1019","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2765654-1b3f4fffea1dfe6e6a89e6ff6c5f09f2/thumbnail_552015.jpg","/articles/6108877/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Planning-Board-continues-floodplain-bylaw-hearing-to-allow-review-of-edits-from-town-counsel-and-DCR","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6108877-2647c5beb60ddc5a641bab85483f7024/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191090&Signature=j77gYmIR6luLaLC4jmRiITVPKdKlnwEmflXaylmmdae4cQUrlNNTNj0dGXQJ3HoSQBfRd3XVYD1L-SWP1vvIGsexf69oL01KvzfHrH48Ey13-3OJncGvz0VvNYWMbwpKXvoMg8fjn~aPBL5tnvYBANRpByFTaCyDTXTZJGMDTacwbngTjZ13lcyhNjwDzu4DV9Xs23AV7gMjodnxtc8hXC3T6s9lMPjDjmK96Mh7oSEdq4ygQtQucotco1mQoZMoxTbuujY30ePDsDw2QFGfwaV4XjkqtT5woatq5GMH8POoC8y0ojpIrlvwa5vZIHVLLfmU34Oat3ZNDocJSh5wag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwood Planning Board continued a public hearing March 24 on draft amendments to the Floodplain Overlay District so staff could circulate late edits recommended by the town manager’s office and confirm state review.

Sarah (community development staff) told the board she received suggested language from Mike Rosen, the assistant general manager, and that the edits would change the official title of the town’s conservation planner to environmental planner and add “or other designee as directed by the general manager” as the local floodplain administrator. She said the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) had reviewed the earlier draft and found it acceptable, but staff had not yet confirmed DCR concurrence with the new language.

Board members requested a clean version of the article that incorporated the manager’s and counsel’s edits so they could review it before sending a recommendation to town meeting. One member noted that floodplain-by-law language must be approved by the state before it goes to town meeting.

A motion to continue the hearing to the Planning Board’s April 14 meeting carried on a roll call vote. Staff said they would seek written confirmation from DCR that the revised language remains acceptable and circulate the clean copy prior to the continued hearing.","The board continued the public hearing on proposed floodplain-overlay updates after staff flagged late edits recommended by the town manager’s office; the board asked staff to seek written confirmation from state reviewers before final action.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6108880,"Planning Board recommends banning kennels in MBTA Communities multifamily overlay",293,283590,577375,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2765654-1b3f4fffea1dfe6e6a89e6ff6c5f09f2&start=283&end=577","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2765654-1b3f4fffea1dfe6e6a89e6ff6c5f09f2/thumbnail_283590.jpg","/articles/6108880/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Planning-Board-recommends-banning-kennels-in-MBTA-Communities-multifamily-overlay","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6108880-1942a180ec834e8bba3822fd774df195/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191090&Signature=Xc-hxbvRqfwdc02pOXy6bThxlYfsW1JdR742YMpVCT-oZtCZWNMDJ87l1Yq7F7TeltiahEGd-RI-kQuLpsJnN8w-sHijVBdG6ns7ST3Jpqn1Qw5H~OQSl-okdhV3gBUxce2fmjRRv2LdQE24Q~1ODUYv42-V5yUHr-zy1dgiJQm66hf5eFd5j8p2blpN-rfCfZZQVKTZOhHKA5Mz6ePAEGTuTEedCEycJ8GKYBVsiYrWEiwcz6EFCJ2aZ4oiIbNV12Jj-AH8QvuQinHD0jRtppM3zPn~La5BRERVtOI7TkLKmqyNbNLXiY3wCNUHhTj9vTLNuSI3Uhu3tgkO3bmZOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwood Planning Board voted March 24 to recommend that town meeting amend the zoning bylaw to prohibit commercial and personal kennels in the MBTA Communities Multifamily Overlay District (MCMOD).

The amendment would add a use-table entry that specifies “no” for both commercial boarding/training and personal kennels within the overlay district. The board’s public hearing notice described the change as an addition to the use table to fill in blank entries created when the overlay was added; staff characterized it as an add rather than a substantive change to previously permitted uses.

Sarah (community development staff) read the public hearing notice and told the board the draft amendments were on file with the Community Development Department. After limited public comment and no objections, a board member moved that the board recommend approval of the article to town meeting, and the motion carried on a roll call vote.

The recommendation now goes to town meeting for final action; the planning board’s vote was a recommendation rather than a zoning-adoption decision by itself.","The Planning Board voted to recommend that town meeting prohibit commercial and personal kennels in the MBTA Communities Multifamily Overlay District (MCMOD).",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6108881,"Planning Board approves amended Moderna site plan",159,136275,295565,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2765654-1b3f4fffea1dfe6e6a89e6ff6c5f09f2&start=136&end=295","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2765654-1b3f4fffea1dfe6e6a89e6ff6c5f09f2/thumbnail_136275.jpg","/articles/6108881/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Planning-Board-approves-amended-Moderna-site-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6108881-12f1acd1923cfa9419e80deec3a73ce5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191090&Signature=GJAS2TUqfwrhQYBqD0Ao5Vc1agCxxmLNLf2bmSkNp33JxLVw-WD5H~TaHzNZIuB3Rk8kPIpaE-cAgzHRIZuztJ5yOJsnYciMxqOQw6yS8KYdcrM7KVaYBSAO3HTn8LE5wZOGNvi98fdnegINtaROw5XKZrYY~Qr8G7aJmNwmCHP5g~7oUGywcfv1JrWrQ0RWqKWS6bv8ULjrK7DvjMl2og5IKRWmn5EP1zr8b0CSXdEZKDBJAojeNswicjd9nGmwsKMy6-7EIlZ0~BQq0M-H9aeUSSxThQxCAzHyoWNqUwoDpHP1suPsDtOttiUgmnjtnqV1zejKqV76fP16pJPKxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwood Planning Board approved an amended site plan for Moderna’s facility on Moderna Way during its March 24 meeting, the board’s chair said.

The approval clears edits submitted after comments from the town’s building and fire departments. Sarah (community development staff) told the board that the fire department had indicated verbally it was satisfied with the revisions and that the building department had sent a few minor notes. Josh Hins, a Moderna representative, said, “The fire department, at least, verbally said that they were satisfied.”

The board moved from questions to a vote after members said they were comfortable with the outstanding departmental comments. A member made a motion “to approve the site plan approval as amended,” the chair said; the motion carried on a roll call of board members recorded in the meeting minutes.

The approval is limited to the site-plan amendment presented and does not, in the meeting record, include additional conditions beyond those noted by town staff or the fire department.

Board members and applicants did not identify any further outstanding technical conditions in the hearing. With that, the chair closed the item and the board resumed the evening’s remaining agenda.

Moderna’s project team and town staff will proceed under the approved site plan and any follow-up review required by building or fire-code officers.","The Norwood Planning Board voted to approve an amended site plan for Moderna’s facility on Moderna Way after staff and emergency-services comments were addressed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning Board backs easing special-permit burden for many renovations to single- and two-family homes

Planning Board continues ADU hearing after wide public comment and questions about scope

Planning Board continues floodplain bylaw hearing to allow review of edits from town counsel and DCR

Planning Board recommends banning kennels in MBTA Communities multifamily overlay

Planning Board approves amended Moderna site plan