Zoning change aims to simplify accessory housing law

SALISBURY — Following a public hearing Tuesday, Dec. 2, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved an amendment to the town’s zoning regulations to make it easier for home-owners to create accessory dwelling units associated with single-family, owner-occupied dwellings.

An accessory dwelling unit — typically, an apartment within or beside an existing house — is now permitted “where the site plan and proposed improvements are designed to maintain residential appearance and character on the lot.�

The amended regulations allow for one accessory unit per lot; the unit may be permitted within the single-family home or in an “approved accessory building associated with the single-family dwelling.�

The owner of the lot must reside in either the principal dwelling or the accessory unit after conversion.

The major change is this language: “The Commission may permit construction of an accessory dwelling unit within a proposed or existing single-family dwelling subject to the approval of a site plan application.�

Salisbury, like other Northwest Corner towns, is facing a shortage of affordable housing. While this regulation change says nothing about affordability, affordable housing advocates believe these types of dwellings  can create more options for homeowners, and more housing stock for the town in general should residents take advantage.

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