[Added 6-26-1995 ATM, Art. 9 (Amdt. No. 94); 11-13-1995 STM, Art. 10 (Amdt. No. 99); 12-9-2024 ATM by Art. 3]
Purpose and intent. It is the specific intent of this section to allow accessory dwelling units within single-family residential zoning districts. To achieve this goal and to promote the other objectives of this section, specific standards are set forth below for such accessory dwelling units.
An "accessory dwelling unit" or "ADU" is a self-contained housing unit, inclusive of sleeping, cooking, and sanitary facilities located on the same lot as a principal dwelling, either attached or detached from the principal dwelling and accessory to that dwelling, that maintains a separate entrance, either directly from the outside or through an entry hall or corridor shared with the principal dwelling sufficient to meet the requirements of the state building code for safe egress.
A. An accessory dwelling unit shall meet the following requirements:
(1) All dimensional requirements for lots and structures set forth in 165 Attachment 3 "Town of Georgetown Intensity of Use Schedule";
(2) One dedicated off-street parking space must be maintained for the ADU, unless the ADU is located within 0.5 miles from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station;
(3) Allowed only as accessory to a dwelling;
(4) May not be rented or occupied as a "short-term rental" as that term is defined in G.L. c. 64G, §
1;
(5) May not be maintained in separate ownership from the principal dwelling;
(6) If detached, the unit and its location to the primary dwelling shall be in compliance with the fire code CMR
527 1.00;
(7) Will have its own house number visible from the exterior of the unit;
(8) The accessory dwelling unit shall not change the characteristics of the principal dwelling and will maintain the architectural style and its relation to the prevailing character and scale of buildings in the neighborhood;
(9) There shall be no more than one accessory dwelling unit for a principal dwelling except as may be expressly allowed by special permit as set forth herein;
(10) Notice of any change in use of an accessory dwelling unit lawfully in existence prior to February 2, 2025, shall be given to the Building Inspector to allow such office to assess compliance with applicable requirements within its jurisdiction.
B. An accessory dwelling unit not larger in gross floor area than one-half the gross floor area of the principal dwelling or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller, and meeting the requirements of this bylaw, is allowed by right as accessory to a principal dwelling within the RA, RB, and RC zoning districts. To the extent a finding under Section
165-94 is required, such finding shall not require issuance of a special permit. More than one accessory dwelling unit meeting the above requirements may be allowed by special permit issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals as accessory to a principal dwelling within said zoning districts, subject to the special permitting requirements of Section
165-79.
C. An accessory dwelling unit having a gross floor area greater than what is allowed by right, but not exceeding one-half of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling to which it is accessory and otherwise meeting the requirements of this bylaw, may be allowed by special permit issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals as accessory to a principal dwelling within the RA, RB, and RC zoning districts, subject to the special permitting requirements of Section
165-79.
D. Gross floor area shall not exceed 900 square feet nor be less than that required by the state building code and the state sanitary code. Gross floor area is defined as the total square footage of a building, measured between the exterior walls of the building. It shall include all areas inside the building, such as offices, lobbies, restrooms, and storage areas, but excludes features like exterior staircases, balconies, and parking garages.
E. The requirements contained in the Intensity of use Schedule Notes 1, 8 & 9 do not apply to an accessory use dwelling.
F. Severability clause. If any part of this bylaw were for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the remainder of this bylaw.