[Massplanners] FW: Lakeside redevelopment

[Dan Fortier]

Forgot to hit reply all on my response to Jeff.


Daniel J. Fortier, AICP
Town Planner
Dennis Planning Department
685 Route 134
South Dennis MA 02660
Phone 508-760-6119
dfortier at town.dennis.ma.us



From: Dan Fortier
Sent: Wednesday, January 5, 2022 1:03 PM
To: ruralplanningassociates at crocker.com
Subject: RE: [Massplanners] Lakeside redevelopment

Jeff,

You might want to look at Section 12 of the Dennis Zoning By-law, while not dealing with the areas where the old cottage colonies were divided up before 1973 and the area became controlled by zoning, it might provide some guidance.

We were dealing with some of the same issues, the ZBA was not granting any permits for changes in the cottage colonies, and, to an extent these properties were deteriorating.  When we tried to address the land area, by reviewing what the 1973 zoning allowed for, and setting better design standards for hotels which were allowed by right in 2010, we were challenged for trying to squeeze the cottage colonies out of existence. While that actually happened with the 1973 zoning, we took up the challenge of creating a new district targeted to these locations, most, if not all, on the coastline.  Cottages in colonies are now limited in footprint and height at a level that is less than a standard single family home district, but allows for by-right reinvestment in the cottages.  While these are for colonies, the standards could be applied to a district targeting cottages on substandard lots.

And, we addressed flood zone issues, height is measured from Base Flood Elevation or existing grade if outside the flood zone.


Daniel J. Fortier, AICP
Town Planner
Dennis Planning Department
685 Route 134
South Dennis MA 02660
Phone 508-760-6119
dfortier at town.dennis.ma.us<mailto:dfortier at town.dennis.ma.us>



From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org<mailto:massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org>> On Behalf Of ruralplanningassociates--- via MassPlanners
Sent: Wednesday, January 5, 2022 11:47 AM
To: massplanners at masscptc.org<mailto:massplanners at masscptc.org>
Subject: [Massplanners] Lakeside redevelopment

Dear Planners:

No doubt many of your towns have lakeside cottages on very small nonconforming lots that date back to WWII or earlier.  There are often several layers of cottages starting at the shore and going back a number of tiers.  We have been experiencing the redevelopment of many cottages, often at the shore, often with proposals to go from one story to two.  This can block the views from across the street and several tiers back.  It also can have the effect of walling off the lake from any but those right at the shore.

These are handled by our ZBA through a special permit process which is often contentious.  I'd be interested in any approaches your town takes to balancing the desires of all the parties in these types of cases.  Citations to the nonconforming sections of your bylaws are welcome.

Thank you,

Jeff Lacy
Rural Planning Associates
(413) 230-9693




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