Wayland Housing Partnership weighs broader ADU bylaw for 2026 town meeting

WAYLAND — June 3, 2025 — Wayland Housing Partnership weighs broader ADU bylaw for 2026 town meeting. Members on Tuesday discussed working with the Planning Board and Housing Trust on a zoning package that could allow ADUs larger than the 900-square-foot state baseline, or multiple units per lot, by special permit. Land use staffer Robert said four to six ADU applications are already in review, most stalled at the Board of Health over Title V septic compliance. Member Kathleen Boundy pitched an "empty nester" concept that would credit unused bedrooms against an ADU's bedroom count, saying it "at least passed the laugh test" with health staff. Member Rachel Bratt urged a year of experience before changing the bylaw again, while James Grumbach said the special permit standard is "not a difficult standard per se." Chair Mary M. Antes deferred committee reorganization to July 8.