[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6055377,"mediaKeyId","3319174-4b399927f709b67f8b179c548e4c2272","parentId",3319174,"title","Malden planning board narrows landscaping materials, splits on front‑yard paving rules","audioSeconds",6477,"startMs",3549000,"endMs",10026000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3319174-4b399927f709b67f8b179c548e4c2272&start=3549&end=10026","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3319174-4b399927f709b67f8b179c548e4c2272/thumbnail_3549000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6055377/Malden-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Malden-planning-board-narrows-landscaping-materials-splits-on-frontyard-paving-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6055377-6b73dee4979885bb58427a912387cad9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157212&Signature=lXuaaBAqOJEU8wBVSYUFPBrCyLTZJ9MJeivdxozO2z5e0WAOszLOtMFCW-3gYSb2baNKMnRO6aDNnjJmw5OFhKyr4aiFENJ9sb2m8ig08ESS~v6sKYT5Cw7pmILEPEl0RMYIqZ067bkWD3RySJkXG6IxWDdhPtU74USn6Glhb1rcCtBDG2ngCcXjNAn9i3qRVjoRZdRAxWOytfScXLDXMYEjkGeXTKKsSN5QOHNCR8OAft6nT6snxgIMXmhHqDLnWSpMMZJo0gX9WdsuhN~dr3GwPHM0NXwS8QLltHi9SQkFL3Foq7tbWLCZ3F~LytsqHiIfktKqpieEtVIpx7PHQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Malden City, MA","date","2025-05-15T00:00:00Z","article","The Malden Planning Board on May 14 reviewed a slate of related zoning papers (including City Council Papers 153 and 186 of 2025) proposing changes to off‑street parking, landscaping materials and usable open-space requirements. The board endorsed some measures while rejecting others after extended public and member discussion.

Sponsors said the package aims to protect open space, reduce impervious cover, and prevent landscaped areas from functioning as informal parking. Councilor Constance O’Malley and Councilor Steve Winslow described neighborhood instances where yards were converted to hard surfaces or crushed stone and later used for parking, and said the amendments would encourage on-site infiltration and preserve neighborhood character.

Planner Michelle summarized the proposals: amendments to off‑site (stand‑alone) parking lot landscaping to prohibit overly compacted materials (for example, crushed stone or stone dust) in landscape areas; clarifying the general off‑street parking requirements and landscaping language to encourage infiltration; and revisions to how the city calculates the 50% limitation on front/side/rear yard paving for certain residential uses. Michelle and the building commissioner noted the ordinance language interacts with existing paving/permitting requirements.

After discussion, the Planning Board voted to recommend approval, in part, of City Council Paper 153 — approving the landscaping restrictions for off‑site parking and related parking landscaping changes, but disapproving the proposed revision to the paving limitation subsection as presented. The recorded advisory recommendation on Paper 153 passed, seven in favor and two opposed (Patrick Hayes and Stephanie Stone voted no).

Separately, on City Council Paper 186 (usable open space and the paving limitation language), the Planning Board approved language that was ultimately passed by a 5–4 advisory vote. The passed language specified that no more than 50% of any individual yard area (front yard, combined side yards and rear yard) of a residential property may be used for parking or surfaced with pavement. Some members said they preferred to keep cross‑references to the ordinance’s pavement definition rather than enumerating materials within the paving clause; the building commissioner advised that clearer, more specific language would aid enforcement.

Board members and staff acknowledged enforcement and equity questions: members asked how rules would affect accessory dwelling units (ADUs), older properties with existing paving, and lower‑income homeowners for whom permeable pavers would be costly. Planner Michelle and the building commissioner said existing permits and a paving‑permit process help track changes; the board recommended further coordination with Inspectional Services and the City Solicitor on precise wording prior to Council ordination.

The Planning Board’s advisory votes will be transmitted to the City Council for final consideration. The staff report and ordinance text were incorporated into the record; the Council must act within 90 days of the public hearing close (Aug. 12, 2025, if the hearing is closed May 14).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Malden City Planning Board May 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning Board recommended approval in part and disapproval in part of council papers on parking, landscaping and usable open-space rules: it endorsed restrictions that would bar overly compacted surfaces (for landscape areas and parking‑lot landscaping) but split on a proposal to tighten front/side/rear yard paving limits.","taxTitle","Malden City, Middlesex County, Massachusetts","taxId",5722,"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},6055382,"Malden moves to update floodplain rules, maps and notification procedures ahead of July FEMA map changes",1199,4206000,5405000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3319174-4b399927f709b67f8b179c548e4c2272&start=4206&end=5405","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3319174-4b399927f709b67f8b179c548e4c2272/thumbnail_4206000.jpg","/articles/6055382/Malden-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Malden-moves-to-update-floodplain-rules-maps-and-notification-procedures-ahead-of-July-FEMA-map-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6055382-c20a4e78615eb7d8348990bc4693cfdc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157212&Signature=BeIUaM4uAXNAegmI4tosqa6Uqf~-Q65akdkWQl6zI6yU9v10OCWmIjXBkiFhVtWkuO3eSFa-poB-QbnHBQxjJtc4Vb2wdTwlEU1OV3AWlL0JmIrY6dMhph3DKEW4O9QtlEPojUw9JM~GA0GyYdCpu0obSokZXzKlmreSIePzxUjG~xlmu4CLiJDa07wVC2EWke3uAYl~FG9PGdLinj3pya5cfHZ4Mp4P1O96a6WVlPI0hHe3XWjjkKYENoIbW~HNO4TRv~4zbr2uVFJb5SJJs6hMQgxTReq16uk5XUNF1KvrhkcQfRxM~wdPoutRWkD3W0I0ANF~5D-3P7QtqrB-Cg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Malden Planning Board on May 14 recommended that the City Council adopt zoning amendments to update the city’s floodplain regulations, align local ordinance references with new FEMA flood-insurance maps effective July 8, 2025, and add administrative and notice requirements tied to building-code variances.

Councilor Steve Winslow, sponsor of city council paper CCP 172 of 2025, described the changes as necessary to preserve property eligibility for federally backed flood insurance once the new maps take effect. “If we don't do that as a city, then people can lose eligibility for federal floodplain insurance,” Winslow said.

Planner Michelle (city planner) summarized the proposed edits: update map and study dates to match Middlesex County Flood Insurance Rate Map revisions; designate the city engineer as the floodplain administrator; require permits for development in the Flood Plain District; update base flood elevation and regulatory floodway data; add definitions (for example, highest adjacent grade, new construction, substantial repair); and add notice and record-keeping for variances of state building-code floodplain standards, including notifying property owners of potential flood-insurance premium impacts.

The paper incorporates recommended changes from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and FEMA. Michelle told the board the state stands ready to approve Malden’s updated ordinance once the edits are made. The staff report recommended the Planning Board advise the City Council to approve the changes subject to review and approval by the city solicitor and building commissioner.

During discussion, board members asked which city office will handle the additional administrative duties. Nelson Miller, building commissioner, said he receives notice of variances from the State Building Code Appeals Board but did not yet coordinate a routine notice path to residents; he and Yem Lip, identified as the city engineer, would need to confirm internal procedures. Miller said more discussion is needed on timing and notice mechanics.

The Planning Board voted to recommend the City Council approve the floodplain amendments as proposed, subject to solicitor and building commissioner review. The recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council; the board noted the council must act within 90 days of the hearing close.","The Planning Board recommended approval of zoning amendments to update Malden’s Flood Plain District regulations, align them with new FEMA maps and require new notice and recordkeeping for building-code variances; staff recommended solicitor and building commissioner review before Council ordination.",{"_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},6055386,"Malden to remove development cap, amend MBTA overlay map to win state approval",935,3209000,4144000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3319174-4b399927f709b67f8b179c548e4c2272&start=3209&end=4144","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3319174-4b399927f709b67f8b179c548e4c2272/thumbnail_3209000.jpg","/articles/6055386/Malden-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Malden-to-remove-development-cap-amend-MBTA-overlay-map-to-win-state-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6055386-3ca5476dc037cc1fa8f6e1a8ec6b3809/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157212&Signature=WC1tvItejy7lX~2MWwUjABh2F7ghbkfAfC6zIklADhEWfSsbY1PA0KAXA7tH0KTG6aXWI48FsWzPXpk-u4bYivQVeb2obFP1KuvEUtfh7oZYGKAUS9eUQ5mVyTrQsCvdMRxJHo~ZlUu~I9kzdgl1iv5TV9g~d71IFK2Sb7fS0-kfckE~~Eaaklfz7LvoQ9IrcuizYUgzIewR8JwDk6jT6lhOO-Oz5snVrZ9Q6JeaEJw314JB3qilDq5hKA-f6~CyOu-D0aS8rgBEFVCuv3b8krY27lj-7TD-VH7Zso-7U-2MomNigeXjbXFmZECGekuW9QE-bY79tkkOqN1mNfevhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Malden Planning Board on May 14 recommended that the City Council adopt zoning amendments to the MBTA Communities multifamily overlay that delete a development cap and revise district boundaries so the city can achieve full compliance with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

Councilor Steve Winslow, sponsor of city council paper CCP 171 of 2025, said the amendments respond to the state’s conditional compliance letter and are intended to align the city’s ordinance with the state’s interpretation of the MBTA Communities Act. “They gave conditional compliance, and we just have to make a change to conform our districts with that,” Winslow said.

Planner Michelle (city planner) pointed the board to an 11/08/2024 letter from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (in the packet) that identified two recommended revisions. She said the city must delete language creating a local development cap in the MCMOD-MD1 subdistrict and remove an ordinance effective-date clause that tied effectiveness to final state approval. Those changes, Michelle said, would allow the state to grant full approval of Malden’s district compliance application.

The staff report outlined key program facts required by state law: Malden must provide zoning capacity for 6,930 multifamily units (25% of the city’s 2020 housing units) in a minimum of 31 acres of properly zoned, developable land within a half-mile of transit stations; 50% of that capacity must lie within a half-mile of Malden Center or Oak Grove rapid transit stations. The proposed amendments adjust district boundaries (removing 474–488 Broadway and adding parts of the Overlook Ridge parcel and other assessor parcels) and delete the cap limitation.

The Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the amendments as submitted, with a note that the official map should carry the City Council’s ordinance date as the revised map date. The recommendation will be sent to the City Council for final action; staff reminded the board the council must act within 90 days of the public hearing closing (deadline Aug. 12, 2025, if closed May 14).

No members of the public testified in favor or in opposition during the hearing on this paper. Michelle said the State stands ready to approve Malden’s compliance application once the recommended changes are adopted and the map is updated.","The Planning Board recommended the City Council adopt changes to the MBTA Communities multifamily overlay to delete a local development cap and update the overlay map, a move staff said will bring Malden into full compliance with the state's conditional approval.",{"_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},6055391,"Malden planning board recommends technical fix to require site plan review for day cares, schools and religious facilities",234,2605000,2839000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3319174-4b399927f709b67f8b179c548e4c2272&start=2605&end=2839","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3319174-4b399927f709b67f8b179c548e4c2272/thumbnail_2605000.jpg","/articles/6055391/Malden-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Malden-planning-board-recommends-technical-fix-to-require-site-plan-review-for-day-cares-schools-and-religious-facilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6055391-0b8a866b2bfb968cf8f0d3013a9b8c9d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157212&Signature=oI~yMsDSjLX1yaL-CHJEDWr7NmsFqI7~T-fBq1dDqqWYMHjieSJHZnmkDzDc9EGLTGO-VgqK46ODPkIDzf9bLes1HPvYAtGm-yfGn-toS5YvyZWDmCq2cJg66MAfKUgKuk1-N7yBVoNOCVcjkI4J6fNEkSVUQGfb9q~sDZ2a3NnJOH2GLeZY2RqkDsdzQL6AS32jzuUn8zqsjoouCbfdhbgrbZ0IvyCOzCvSqzEOuSxMV5sro7DHlj4XgwZY9vDJsR947cuQ1UZjhcl9Ge0bVg0bBXp~agJmUSpHufTHl1E6N6IvtTVE1W~vIYJBS3xfU9NJauvnHcPIH0nw-KNe3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Malden Planning Board voted May 14 to recommend that the City Council ordain a technical amendment making daycare centers, nonprofit schools and religious facilities subject to site plan review in all zoning districts.

The change, introduced as city council paper CCP 185 of 2025, is intended to align the table of use regulations with site plan review rules the city recently adopted, Planner Michelle (city planner) told the joint hearing. “The purpose of the amendments is to render the table of use regulations consistent with the site plan review regulations that were recently ordained,” Michelle said.

The item grew out of an oversight after the city adopted site plan review rules governing educational, religious and child-care facilities. Councilor Steve Winslow, sponsor of the paper, said the amendment is “a technical update” to reflect the original intent of the prior ordinance. “The intent of the amendments we had adopted was to make all these uses subject to site plan review,” Winslow said.

Michelle’s staff report noted the amendment applies to new construction and new uses and occupancies of existing buildings unless exempt under city ordinance or state law. She also identified two subdivision-control preliminary applications that may be exempt from the change under the state permit-extension provisions: CMID069525-2024 (multiple Columbia/Lebanon Street parcels) and CMID069474-2020 (31 Granite Street).

The Planning Board took an advisory vote and recorded a motion recommending approval of the proposed amendments to the City Council. Board members who voted yes on the recommendation include Ken Antonucci, Diane Chuha, Jawadir Ghaber Solasci, Lisa Gray, Patrick Hayes, Eric Henry, Stephanie Stone, Roni Raj Verma and Chuck Ayoven. The recommendation will be forwarded to the full City Council for final action; the council must act within 90 days of the public hearing’s close, placing a deadline of Aug. 12, 2025, if the hearing is closed May 14.

The Planning Board’s recommendation is advisory; the City Council will review the proposed ordinance language, consider any legal or administrative exemptions and decide whether to ordain the amendment. The full text of CCP 185 is available on the City of Malden website and at city planner and city clerk offices for public review.

No public speakers registered formal opposition or support during the hearing portion on this paper; the Planning Board’s discussion focused on clarifying the administrative scope and the limited exemptions.","The Malden Planning Board voted to recommend the City Council adopt a zoning table change to make daycare centers, nonprofit schools and religious facilities subject to site plan review citywide, correcting an administrative oversight from a prior ordinance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Malden planning board narrows landscaping materials, splits on front‑yard paving rules

Malden moves to update floodplain rules, maps and notification procedures ahead of July FEMA map changes

Malden to remove development cap, amend MBTA overlay map to win state approval

Malden planning board recommends technical fix to require site plan review for day cares, schools and religious facilities