Planning staff told the board Feb. 13 that the state has finalized new accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations and that Lakeville's recent local ADU work largely aligns with the state rules. Board members then discussed how the state ADU framework interacts with the town's existing accessory‑apartment bylaw, which historically allowed larger accessory apartments (the town's accessory apartment limit previously was higher than the ADU threshold).

Board members expressed concern about overlapping or duplicative rules and potential conflicts, particularly given local septic and nitrogen‑loading concerns in parts of town. One member suggested asking legal counsel whether the accessory‑apartment bylaw should be removed or modified given the state ADU law; Nancy agreed to ask legal counsel for guidance.

On the larger question of zoning bylaw health, the board voted to investigate cost estimates for a third‑party review and analysis of the town's zoning bylaws by an outside land‑use attorney. The chair said the planning office had discussed funding options with the town administrator, and the board asked staff to solicit ballpark figures and return with recommended next steps. A motion to investigate costs for a third‑party bylaw review passed by voice vote.

Next steps

- Staff will ask legal counsel whether the town should retain, modify or remove the accessory‑apartment bylaw in light of the state ADU regulations and report back.
- Staff to solicit cost estimates and scope for an outside bylaw analysis (legal counsel experienced in land use) and return with a proposal for board consideration and budgeting prior to town meeting.