Town meeting approved a multi-article zoning package that implements the state's recent housing law, clarifies lot shape and land-disturbance rules, updates the sign bylaw, and adds a local inclusionary requirement for larger developments.

Planning Board Chair Amy Peretzky introduced Articles 56 through 58 as measures to bring Northborough into compliance with the state Affordable Homes Act. "Article 56 and 58 were drafted in response to the state's affordable housing act passed last year," Peretzky said. The revisions allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right, set an ADU size cap at 900 square feet or half the principal dwelling's gross floor area (whichever is smaller), limit one ADU per lot, and remove the prior owner-occupancy requirement. The Planning Board recommended approval.

During Q&A, Building Inspector Bob Federico explained construction requirements for ADUs, saying an ADU must meet building-code standards including separate entries and, where applicable, a one-hour firewall separation. "An accessory dwelling unit must have separate and distinct entries and entrances from the original house," Federico said, noting that some existing in-law apartments would not automatically qualify unless they meet current code and egress standards.

Articles 56 and 57 (definition and permitting) passed by the required two-thirds votes; Article 58 (conditions) passed by majority vote.

The meeting also approved Article 59 (a lot-shape-factor change), Article 60 (streamlining land-clearing and grading review under the Conservation Commission), and Article 61 (sign bylaw updates to permit awning, blade and sandwich-board signs downtown and create review standards). Each of these passed by the votes required in the warrant (two-thirds where specified).

Article 62, introduced by the Planning Board, created a local requirement that new developments of 10 or more units include at least 15% affordable housing and offered a density bonus to encourage compliance. Planning Board members said the change aims to keep Northborough above the 10% affordable-housing threshold and reduce the town's vulnerability to Chapter 40B comprehensive permit proposals. The article passed by two-thirds vote.

Residents asked about potential effects on the town's subsidized housing inventory (SHI) and whether ADUs would be counted toward the state's measurements; planners confirmed ADUs will be included in housing counts under the state rules, and several residents expressed concern that widespread ADU creation could affect future 40B exposure. Town staff and Planning Board members said the changes were intended to comply with state law while preserving local review where allowed.