Matters ▸ Attachment
Committee Report - Land Use - 1-30-20 — File 209682
Land Use Committee
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January 30, 2020
REPORT OF THE LAND USE COMMITTEE
Attendee Name
Title
Status
Arrived
Ben Ewen-Campen
Chair
Present
Lance L. Davis
Vice Chair
Absent
William A. White Jr.
City Councilor At Large
Present
Matthew McLaughlin
Ward One City Councilor
Present
Mark Niedergang
Ward Five City Councilor
Present
The meeting was held in the Committee Room and was called to order by Chair Ewen-Campen at 6:03pm
and adjourned at 7:14pm.
Others present: Dan Bartman - OSPCD; Kimberly Wells - Assistant Clerk of Committees; Wig
Zamore; Barbara Steiner; Meredith Porter
Councilor Davis was absent due to a vacation.
Chair Ewen-Campen expressed the desire to complete the enormous backlog and utilize this time as
an organizational meeting to determine priorities for the Committee. The agenda for next Tuesday
will focus on an Affordable Housing Overlay District.
Approval of the December 10, 2019 Minutes
RESULT:
ACCEPTED
ITEMS TO BE COMPLETED OR PLACED ON FILE
193063: That Section 7.2 of the Zoning Ordinance be amended by deleting Section 7.2.a.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
194295: That the City Solicitor draft an ordinance preventing the construction of
occupancy dwellings attached to existing structures in RA and RB Zones without a Special
Permit and neighborhood involvement.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
194463: That the Director of SPCD (Planning) review Zoning Ordinance 4.4.1 and
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recommend changes to address substantial increases in square footage in projects that can
bypass the special permit requirements so developers can build large structures as of right
that adversely impact neighbors.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
195247: That the Zoning Ordinance is hereby amended by changing all CCD45 and
CCD55 zoning districts in Ward 4 to RC zoning districts.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
196757: That the Director of SPCD provide an opportunity for public input to the
proposed new zoning code overhaul prior to submission to this Board.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198219: That the City Solicitor review ordinances from other communities that are similar
to the zoning ordinance proposed in #197941 and provide the findings to the Committee on
Land Use and the Planning Board.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198412: That the Director of Traffic and Parking provide this Board with a breakdown of
registered vehicles and residential parking permits in the city over the last 10 years.
The Chair noted that this will largely be addressed through the parking study. Councilor White asked that
the information be sent to the full City Council, and Councilor Niedergang noted that some of the more
recent data was made available in a recent parking study task force meeting.
RESULT:
WORK COMPLETED
198413: That the City Solicitor advise this Board whether the zoning code can restrict the
issuance of residential parking permits for residents of those developments where less than
1 parking space per unit is required in the zoning code.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198472: That the Land Use Committee, during the upcoming zoning overhaul review,
examine whether a provision should be added for universities to obtain a special permit
before operating housing outside a University District.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198526: Planning Board conveying its recommendations re: #197941, a zoning ordinance
amendment to prohibit the damage or destruction of any shade or fruit trees during the
conversion of a single- or two-family dwelling.
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RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198542: That the Director of SPCD apply an economic modeling construct to the proposed
zoning ordinance to demonstrate the likely economic impacts on commercial development,
jobs, housing, and other factors.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198554: Traffic and Parking Director submitting responses to various Board Orders
submitted 1/22/15.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198638: That the Director of SPCD (Planning) inform this Board in writing by March 30 of
the number of additional dwelling units allowed under the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198639: That the Director of SPCD (Planning) submit a plan by March 30 that identifies
how the proposed zoning ordinance will affect the zoning of city owned buildings.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198640: That the Director of SPCD (Planning) submit by March 30 an implementation
plan for how the new proposed zoning ordinance relates to water and sewer, other
infrastructure changes, police and fire personnel capacity, and public safety buildings.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198642: That the Director of SPCD (Planning) discuss with this Board by April 15 a
requirement for Institutional Master Plans as part of the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198694: Rep. Provost submitting comments re: the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198695: Nancy Donahue submitting comments re: the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198696: KImberly Rego submitting comments re: the proposed zoning ordinance.
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RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198697: Bill Valletta submitting comments re: the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198698: Cecil Cummings submitting comments re: the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198704: That the Director of SPCD (Planning) advise by zoning district (i.e. NR, UR, 3MU)
the increase in housing density (e.g. RA & RB change into NR), what is the increase in
housing units in the proposed new zoning districts.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198712: Planning Board conveying its recommendations re: #198429, requesting adoption
of a new Zoning Ordinance to supersede the current Zoning Ordinance as originally
adopted on March 23, 1990.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198713: Planning Board conveying its recommendation re: #198275, a proposed zoning
amendment to require certain findings by the Planning Board and Zoning Board of
Appeals before granting Special Permits.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198714: Planning Board conveying its recommendation re: #198276, a proposed zoning
amendment to limit the gross floor area increase to 15% for 1 and 2 family dwelling
conversions requiring a Special Permit.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198715: Ellin Reisner submitting comments re: the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198745: Conveying comments on the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198748: That the Director of SPCD report to the Committee on Land Use a comparison of
permits issued from October 2013 to April 2014 vs. October 2014 to April 2015, prior to
the Committee’s next meeting on 4/15/15.
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RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198906: State Representative Denise Provost submitting comments re: the proposed zoning
ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198907: Aron Qasba submitting comments re: the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198908: The Innovative Housing Institute submitting comments re: the proposed zoning
ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198909: Jill Maio submitting comments re: the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198910: Andrew Walker submitting comments re: the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198911: Charles McKenzie submitting comments re: the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198912: Claudia Murrow submitting comments re: the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198913: Lucas Rogers and Mathieu Gagne submitting comments re: the proposed zoning
ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198914: Fred Berman submitting comments re: the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198915: Alan Moore submitting comments re: the proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
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198916: The Affordable Housing Organizing Committee submitting comments re: the
proposed zoning ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198922: That the Directors of SPCD and Traffic and Parking conduct a transportation and
parking analysis of the proposed zoning ordinance and explain the impact of parking
changes to residents.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
199123: That the City Solicitor provide an opinion on applying the hotel tax to short-term
rentals such as Airbnb, and provide advice on whether zoning ordinances would then need
to be changed.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
199532: Assistant City Solicitor responding to #199123 re: short-term rental room
occupancy excise taxes and possible zoning implications.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
207366: That the City Assessor and the Director of SPCD report to this Board in writing,
the range and average cost of adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit, and the expected
monthly costs to a homeowner of financing such construction.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
207564: Sonia Lipson submitting comments re: #206747, the proposed zoning overhaul,
with respect to accessory dwelling units.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
200689: Planning Director submitting the response to comments to #198429, the January,
2015 version of the Somervision zoning overhaul.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
200750: That the Director of SPCD provide this Board with a written breakdown of all
special permit and variance applications for the last 3 years, broken out by building type,
application type, and purpose.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
201854: That the Director of SPCD advise this Board on regulating Air BnB rentals
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through zoning regulation.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
202781: That the Director of SPCD and the City Solicitor consider limiting vehicle parking
stickers for properties that request parking relief from the Zoning Board of Appeals or
Planning Board, and opine on the Traffic and Parking Department's authority to limit
parking stickers in such developments.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
203191: Rod Laurenz submitting comments re: the Community Bike Path.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
203235: Assistant City Solicitor responding to #202781 re: whether resident parking
stickers may be limited for properties that request off-street parking relief from the Special
Permit Granting Authority.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
203258: That the City Solicitor consult with the Attorney General on recreational
marijuana and prepare a draft ordinance.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
204125: That the Director of SPCD update this Board on the zoning of Boynton Yards.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
204399: Requesting the adoption of an amendment to Zoning Ordinance Article 15 to
establish a Project Mitigation Fee for Job Creation and Retention.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
204400: Requesting the adoption of an amendment to Zoning Ordinance Section 15.5 to
update the Project Mitigation Contribution for Affordable Housing.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
204428: That the City Solicitor submit a draft amendment to Zoning Ordinance Section
16.10.2, assuring no future option of a waiver from inclusionary affordable housing
requirements.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
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204708: Planning Board submitting recommendations re: #204399, #204400, #204524, and
#204525, four zoning ordinance proposals for affordable housing linkage fees and/or jobs
creation and retention linkage fees.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
204953: Requesting the adoption of a New Zoning Ordinance (1/2018 update) to supersede
the current Zoning Ordinance as originally adopted on March 23, 1990.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
205055: That, to assist in considering the proposed zoning overhaul, the Directors of
Finance, SomerStat, SPCD and Planning provide this Board with current reports on 1)
SomerVision progress, 2) Capital Improvement Plan, 3) Projected revenues from the
proposed zoning, and 4) Debt.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
205150: Green and Open Somerville submitting comments re: a Somerville Green
Standard in the proposed zoning overhaul.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
205229: Planning Board submitting recommendations re: #204893, a zoning amendment
regarding PUD waivers.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
205330: Kevin Walford submitting comments re: #204953, the proposed zoning ordinance
overhaul.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
206285: City Solicitor submitting Zoning Ordinance Amendments regarding Adult Use
Marijuana Establishments.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
206492: That the Director of SPCD prioritize zoning, planning and ordinance work for the
"transformative districts."
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
206508: Planning Board conveying its recommendations re: #204953, requesting adoption
of a new Zoning Ordinance to supersede the current Zoning Ordinance as originally
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adopted on March 23, 1990.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
206747: Requesting the adoption of a New Zoning Ordinance (9/2018 update) to supersede
the current Zoning Ordinance as originally adopted on March 23, 1990.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
206838: Planning Board conveying its recommendations re: #206285, zoning ordinance
amendments regarding adult use marijuana establishments.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
206891: Tori Antonino submitting comments re: #206489, a Zoning Ordinance amendment
for slope protection.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
207245: Planning Director submitting public comments received re: #206747, the proposed
zoning overhaul.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
207246: Public comments received re: #206747, the proposed zoning overhaul, since the
conclusion of the Planning Board's comment period.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
207306: Planning Board conveying its recommendations re: #206747, requesting adoption
of a new Zoning Ordinance to supersede the current Zoning Ordinance as originally
adopted on March 23, 1990.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
207332: Submitting proposed amendments the Zoning Ordinance to establish new open
space requirements in the Assembly Sq Mixed Use District, Transit Oriented Districts, and
Planned Unit Developments.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
207367: That the Director of Inspectional Services report to this Board the number of un-
permitted dwelling units that are known to exist.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
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207699: Andrew Greenspon submitting comments re: #206481, a proposed Zoning
Ordinance amendment to add a new Section 17.8 re: open space requirements for mid-rise
and high-rise buildings.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
207866: Peter and Lai Ying Chan submitting comments re: #206747, the proposed zoning
overhaul.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
207870: Bill Valletta submitting comments re: #206481 and #207460, proposed Zoning
Ordinance amendments re: open space.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
208702: Requesting the adoption of a New Zoning Ordinance (v4.0 update) to supersede
the current Zoning Ordinance as originally adopted on March 23, 1990.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
209269: Planning Board conveying its recommendations re: #208702, requesting adoption
of a new Zoning Ordinance to supersede the current Zoning Ordinance as originally
adopted on March 23, 1990.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
209293: That the Administration advise this Council on what policy would be necessary to
enforce green roof and related requirements in the future.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
209295: That the City Solicitor advise the Committee on Land Use whether the regulation
of bedrooms through the zoning ordinance would be allowable by law.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
208827: That the Director of SPCD consider adding in the new zoning, a requirement that
larger new buildings have indoor storage for trash, to reduce the addition of rats with new
developments.
Chair Ewen-Campen asked whether the new zoning ordinance addresses this and Mr. Bartman noted that
the requirement is not that they be interior, but could be in the rear or side of the building. The Committee
would like this referred to the Rodent Committee.
RESULT:
DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION
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208156: That the Administration provide the Land Use Committee with a timeline for
when changes could be made within Traffic and Parking and whether a retroactive
implementation could be made as well.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
207273: That the Director of Inspectional Services request an environmental impact
statement from any contractor applying for a permit to do a project of any kind.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
207371: That the City Solicitor work with the Director of Sustainability and Environment
to draft an ordinance requiring solar renewable energy installation in new commercial
development.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
207461: Submitting an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance for the Protection of
Significant Trees, by amending Article 2-Definitions and Article 10-Landscaping.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
207937: That the Director of SPCD update the zoning overhaul draft to reflect a 3-year
term for Planning Board members.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
208831: That the Director of SPCD update this Council regarding the ongoing planning for
Boynton Yards.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
208577: That the Director of SPCD provide a quarterly update regarding development of a
neighborhood plan for Brickbottom.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
208832: That the Director of SPCD update this Council regarding specific timelines of
planning processes for Brickbottom and Union Square East.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198429: Requesting the adoption of a New Zoning Ordinance (updated) to supersede the
current Zoning Ordinance as originally adopted on March 23, 1990.
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RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
VOTER PETITIONS SUBMITTED PRIOR TO ZONING OVERHAUL –
NO LONGER APPLICABLE
198275: Thirteen registered voters submitting a Zoning Ordinance amendment to require
certain findings by the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals before granting
Special Permits.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
198276: Thirteen registered voters submitting a Zoning Ordinance amendment to limit the
gross floor area increase to 15% for 1- and 2-family dwelling conversions requiring a
Special Permit.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
204159: Property owner of 125 Lowell Somerville LLC submitting a proposed zoning map
amendment for certain parcels on Lowell Street, Belmont Street, Summer Street, and
Highland Avenue.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
204331: Assistant City Solicitor providing a legal opinion regarding #204159, a proposal by
a property owner to amend the zoning map for certain parcels, including one owned by
that owner.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
204524: 18 registered voters submitting a proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance
Article 15 to update the housing linkage fee.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
205054: 22 registered voters proposing an amendment to Zoning Ordinance 6.4 to establish
new open space requirements for certain buildings in the Assembly Sq Mixed Use District.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
206481: 18 registered voters submitting a proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment to add a
new Section 17.8 re: open space requirements for mid-rise and high-rise buildings.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
206915: Representative Provost submitting comments re: #206481, a proposed zoning
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amendment for open space requirements for mid-rise and high-rise buildings.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
207124: Representative Provost submitting comments re: #205244, a proposed zoning
ordinance to regulate the siting of certain facilities near heavily trafficked roadways.
A careful consideration needs to be made about whether this would preempt the building code, but this is
not a zoning matter, it would be through the Board of Health or local municipal ordinance. Councilor
Niedergang noted that this is related to item 205244 and should be referred to Legislative Matters.
RESULT:
DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION
207460: 18 registered voters submitting a proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment to add a
new Section 17.8 re: open space requirements for mid-rise and high-rise buildings.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
208134: Planning Board conveying its recommendations re: open space zoning ordinance
amendments #206481, #207460, #205054, and #207332.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
208135: Amending the Zoning Ordinance map to assign 453 Somerville Avenue to the
Business-A zoning district.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
208877: Hampshire LLC proposing a zoning amendment to re-zone their property at 22
Murdock St to UR.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
208878: Dean Matarazzo proposing a zoning amendment to re-zone their property at 13
Garfield Ave to UR.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
208879: Joy St LTD Partnership proposing a zoning amendment to re-zone their property
at 86 Joy St to MR4.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
208880: Sciucco Family Trust proposing a zoning amendment to re-zone their property at
379 Alewife Brook Pkwy to MR4 or MR5.
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RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
208899: Jack Saade proposing a zoning amendment to re-zone their property at 453
Somerville Ave to UR.
RESULT:
PLACED ON FILE
REMOVING OBSTACLES TO CREATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING
207727: That the Director of SPCD discuss the 100% Affordable Zoning Overlay District
proposal now being considered by the Cambridge City Council.
This will be the primary item on the agenda for next Tuesday's Committee meeting. Councilor
Niedergang noted that he has concerns with affordable housing, including that some of the rental numbers
are too low to incentivize creation of third units, and that 110% of AMI is too high to qualify for a
subsidy. Mr. Bartman clarified that the Tier 3 rent, which targets moderate income households, has an
AMI target of 100%, with an adjustment for the number of bedrooms. It is always set to be less than 30%
of income. There is a further deduction for utilities. Councilor Niedergang added that discussion of
affordable housing for second units should also be discussed. Inclusionary zoning also does not include
provisions for those making less than 50% of AMI. The Housing Division has not yet finalized how the
code will be implemented into the policies, they are considering the difference between owner-occupied
units versus absent landlords. Councilor McLaughlin added that the City subsidizing affordable third unit
creation would be less expensive than the 100 Homes programs. His priority is to find the most affordable
units possible in the city.
RESULT:
KEPT IN COMMITTEE
209478: That the Director of SPCD present recommendations for an "Affordable Housing
Overlay District" to this Council’s Committee on Land Use, to facilitate the construction
of new affordable housing.
See 207727
RESULT:
KEPT IN COMMITTEE
200688: Planning Director submitting the Housing Needs Assessment required by Zoning
Ordinance 13.8 as a pre-requisite to the completion of any amendments to the Inclusionary
Zoning requirements.
Chair Ewen-Campen has spoken with Mr. Feloney who continues to work with a consultant on this
assessment and it is expected soon.
RESULT:
KEPT IN COMMITTEE
209342: Providing compiled property and zoning relief application data, to inform the
affordability requirements built into the zoning overhaul.
RESULT:
KEPT IN COMMITTEE
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SOMERVISION
209551: Senior Planner presenting SomerVision 2040 to this Council.
The Planning Board is determining whether a joint hearing needs to be held or whether the Committee
can hold that on its own. The public comment period has been left open indefinitely. The Planning Board
is the entity that votes on this. The Chair noted that February 18th is the target date for this.
RESULT:
KEPT IN COMMITTEE
MINIMUM MIXED USE RATIO
200787: Proposing a new Article 16B in the city's Zoning Ordinances, with attendant
Zoning Map changes, to establish a minimum mixed use ratio in designated areas.
RESULT:
WORK COMPLETED
202409: Planning Board conveying its recommendations re: #200787, a Zoning
Amendment to establish a minimum mixed use ratio.
RESULT:
WORK COMPLETED
202864: Proposing an updated Article 16B in the city's Zoning Ordinances, with attendant
Zoning Map changes, to establish a minimum mixed use ratio in designated areas.
RESULT:
KEPT IN COMMITTEE
203101: Planning Board conveying its recommendations re: #202864, an Updated Article
16B in the City's Zoning Ordinances to establish a minimum mixed use ratio.
RESULT:
KEPT IN COMMITTEE
206493: That the Director of SPCD update this Board on the MMUR consultant's work.
RESULT:
KEPT IN COMMITTEE
UNRELATED PERSONS
198641: That the Director of SPCD and the City Solicitor advise this Board in writing by
March 30 whether the proposed zoning ordinance complies with state law regarding the co-
habitation of 4 unrelated adults and how much authority a municipality has in this regard.
Councilor Niedergang agreed with the Chair that this is not the highest priority but expressed that a
decision should be made this year.
RESULT:
KEPT IN COMMITTEE
198777: Assistant City Solicitor responding to #198641 re: a legal opinion of the city's
requirements for unrelated adults residing in a dwelling unit.
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RESULT:
KEPT IN COMMITTEE
201376: MIT Graduate Student Council submitting comments re: the city's restriction
prohibiting more than 4 unrelated persons from sharing a single dwelling unit.
RESULT:
KEPT IN COMMITTEE
TO BE DISCHARGED AND REFERRED TO LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
205244: 15 registered voters proposing an amendment to the Zoning Ordinances by adding
a new Ordinance 7.16 regulating certain buildings near heavily trafficked roadways.
The Committee determined that this would be better addressed in Legislative Matters, along with item
207124.
RESULT:
DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION
208131: That the City Solicitor draft a Home Rule Petition to create a linkage fee to fund
an account for the creation and development of public open space.
Chair Ewen-Campen noted that this would require a Home Rule Petition, so Legislative Matters would be
the appropriate Committee to address the item. Mr. Bartman added that all of the Overlay Districts are
being calibrated for the amount of civic and open space that they require. Each sub-area will have a
different percentage based on the needs of the area.
RESULT:
DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION
ZONING ENFORCEMENT
209222: That the Administration advise the Committee on Land Use how compliance with
zoning is and will be monitored and enforced post-certificate of occupancy.
Mr. Bartman shared that others from the administration would be better to weigh in on enforcement, but
there is a certificate of inspection for buildings with three or more units needed on a rotating basis. The
Inspectional Services Department does the work to conduct these inspections. Otherwise the City relies
on complaints for enforcing compliance with the zoning ordinance. Councilor McLaughlin clarified that
this may be asking how to determine whether affordable housing units are remaining affordable. This
would not be related to Inspectional Services. Councilor Niedergang added a concern about enforcement
of green spaces, such as roofs.
RESULT:
KEPT IN COMMITTEE
DISCUSSION OF PRIORITIES
209570: That the Committee on Land Use review and prioritize its agenda items with the
Administration at its January 30 meeting.
Councilor McLaughlin wants to prioritize discussion of the Affordable Housing Overlay District and
affordable third units. Councilor Niedergang asked about banning fossil fuel installations in new
buildings, and Chair Ewen-Campen shared that there is an informal task force with members of the
administration, advocacy groups, and members of the public addressing this. There are requirements in
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the Overlay Districts that go a long way toward achieving this. As Cambridge and Brookline work to pass
this, the City has learned more about what is allowable. Councilor Niedergang also asked how
Neighborhood Plans would be developed and Ms. Wood is continuing to make revisions to the plans that
are underway, which would be adopted as an amendment to SomerVision for each neighborhood. The
City is considering the remaining Overlay Districts to be top priority, but is open to other neighborhoods
of concern to the Councilors. Councilor McLaughlin noted that Inner Belt, Cobble Hill already have
development interest so should be addressed soon if possible. He also expressed concern that some
Neighborhood Plans were never implemented and wants to ensure that lack of a Neighborhood Plan
doesn't hold up larger priorities such as affordable housing. Councilor Davis is working with Mr. Bartman
to create small-business protection. This will likely be a density bonus that could allow small business in
an MR4 District to operate like an MR5 District if they meet certain criteria, but the details are not yet
determined. This is a priority for the Chair as well, along with an Affordable Housing Overlay District,
and ensuring that any details that need to be corrected from the zoning ordinance update are addressed.
The administration shares the concerns about affordable housing and would also like to see some
reorganization of Article 15, and corrections to the zoning ordinance. There are a few errors that are of the
scale that they will need to be advertised as amendments and will require public hearings. Councilor
White expressed an interest in studying the impact of the Green Line opening on rental prices, which
could support the need for affordable housing. MAPC is sharing data with the City, which Mr. Bartman
suggested that SomerStat could compile and share with the Committee. Councilor Niedergang added an
interest in discussing allowing co-housing. Mr. Bartman clarified that this is captured in Group Living,
which requires a special permit. There is also an option for rooming units with shared amenities, which
are not currently allowed for any building type.
Councilor Niedergang asked that the Chair allow the members of the public to comment on their
priorities, Mr. Zamore noted that most of the opportunity zones are in the lower Mystic, which
necessitates an attention to rail-based transit. He added that housing/jobs/transportation should be
considered together on a more regional level. Ms. Steiner also shared that it is important to consider
green space, not just open space. Mr. Porter added as well that market-based solutions are not
sufficient to address these issues and shared that it would be helpful to be able to monitor the permits
that are being issues. Mr. Bartman noted that the ordinance does require development review, even
on by-right development, with the exceptions of regular maintenance, interior demolition, and roof
solar panel installation. The process is currently being managed jointly by Planning and ISD. The
database will be shared publicly when it is ready, including the timing for projects from submittal to
completion.
RESULT:
WORK COMPLETED