Planning Board explores Accessory Dwelling Units as housing relief
Bronwen Howells Walsh
The Barnstable Planning Board held a special meeting Monday to start a community conversation about a proposed zoning amendment to allow Accessory Dwelling Units, or family apartments, as an accessory use to a single-family home.
An ADU is defined as a smaller residential dwelling located on the same lot as a stand-alone or detached single-family home, said Elizabeth Jenkins, Barnstable Planning and Development director. It can be detached, attached or somehow incorporated onto an existing lot. The purpose and intent of the ordinance is to promote year-around housing in Barnstable and support aging in place, Jenkins said.