City Councillors voice opposition to state’s ADU regulations

Advocate Staff Report

Revere City Councillor-At-Large Michelle Kelley and Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio each filed motions this week aiming to reign in the state’s control over the development of accessory dwelling units (ADU) or in-law apartments by right any place where single family homes are allowed.

Kelley’s motion calls for the council to request the city solicitor to draft a home rule petition to modify the zoning act to allow Revere to keep provisions of the city’s ordinance on ADUs including parking requirements, location requirements and the character of the already overdeveloped community provided that Revere continue to support ADU development in line with the state’s housing goals.

Argenzio’s motion requests the city solicitor and the head of city planning explore the possibility of challenging the state ADU regulations in court, particularly the parking and location of ADUs.

Kelley compared the state regulation to an unfunded mandate that would force Revere to accept more development without any funding to increase infrastructure or city services.

“We have an ordinance on the books so we can allow ADUs, but we can do it in a way that fits our city,” said Kelley who stressed local officials and boards know the city best.

Argenzio felt that reasonable and unreasonable restrictions on ADU development is something that could be sorted out in court.

Fellow councillors supported both motions.

Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya felt it was important for the city to maintain local control.

Chief of Planning and Community Development Tom Skwierawski suggested that the council wait and see what the state includes in its model regulation. Skwierawski felt it might be more productive to create new and specific requirements for ADUs in Revere and then present them to state regulators. He also suggested that setback requirements and the fact that most homeowners do not want an ADU will naturally constrain the development of the units in the city. However, the council is unified in its opposition to the state mandate.

“We are so dense and the government wants us to add more,” said Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna. ” I can picture Revere looking like New York City. It’s incredible what we have to endure.”