Planning board recommends six-month moratorium on state 'by-right' ADUs pending state rules

The Middleborough Planning Board voted unanimously on Jan. 7 to recommend that the Select Board adopt a six‑month moratorium on by‑right accessory dwelling units (ADUs) while the town reviews and prepares local regulations in light of pending state rules.

Member India Bradley had emailed the board earlier that day urging a moratorium while the state finalizes its ADU rules; the clerk read Bradley's message into the record. Bradley wrote that state regulations were "currently under public review and have not been finalized" and recommended a moratorium to allow the town to understand the implications and draft local regulations.

The board then formally moved and seconded a recommendation asking the Select Board to place a six‑month moratorium on ADU by‑right permitting. The chair asked for the vote and members responded "Aye"; the motion passed unanimously.

Board members clarified that this action was only a recommendation: the Select Board must adopt any moratorium. "We're just making a recommendation," the chair said during the discussion.

Ending: The board agreed to consult with town counsel on the process for a moratorium and to forward the recommendation to the Select Board.