CONWAY — The Planning Board is seeking input from residents on the possibility of amending zoning bylaws to allow for detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Currently, the zoning bylaws allow one “dwelling” per lot as well as ADUs that are attached to the primary dwelling, explained Planning Board Chair Beth Girshman. For a resident to build a separate residential building on their property, they would need to subdivide the lot.
“This makes it much more of a seamless process,” she said of allowing detached ADUs.
A public information session is scheduled for Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. via Zoom.
Girshman said that a few years ago, the town worked with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) to examine housing in Conway.
“It was an issue we were concerned about,” she said. “How hard it is, for example, for younger families to move into town? We were concerned about the availability and affordability of housing.”
From that report, the idea of allowing detached ADUs was introduced.
“We want to hear from people — do they think it’s useful, do they think it’s in keeping with the intention of the zoning bylaws and would it help people?” Girshman said.
She said residents have already inquired about the possibility of having ADUs on their properties.
“If you’re older and you want to downsize, this is a good way to downsize and stay in town,” she explained. “Maybe your family moves into your house.”
Referencing an ADU being developed in neighboring Whately, she said ADUs are often built more efficiently and at more affordable prices.
“Because of the way it’s built,” she said, “it’s much less expensive.”
Thursday’s information session offers a chance for residents to provide feedback on the proposed zoning bylaw amendment, she said.
“We’re hoping to hear from people about their feelings,” Girshman said.
The Zoom link can be accessed at bit.ly/PBInfoSession. The dial-in number is 1-929-205-6099, with a Meeting ID of 822 4499 4143 and Passcode of 76453178.
Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne