Trust notes new state ADU guidance; planning board to review potential local effects

The Trust discussed the Commonwealth’s recently issued final guidance on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) and noted the guidance will be discussed by the Planning Board this week.

Tom Dixon told members the EOHLC guidance is now available and that the Planning Board will consider related planning articles at an upcoming hearing. Members said it is too early to determine whether Nantucket will need fundamental local changes. They noted the guidance has been revised since earlier drafts and that questions remain about items such as temporary moratoria or permitting approaches for multiple ADUs.

Trust members said they had exchanged questions with planning staff and the Select Board about how the guidance might affect Nantucket’s existing rules. No formal position or motion was adopted by the Trust; members said they would follow Planning Board work and defer to planning staff to interpret and recommend any local changes.