[Massplanners] Open Space / Natural Resource Protection bylaws, Ma Smart Growth

Wed Oct 26 11:29:26 EDT 2022

Hi, Rachel:

The state model is kind of bifurcated into two approaches – Open Space
Residential Design (OSRD: a form of cluster zoning), and Natural Resource
Protection Zoning (NRPZ: it’s own zoning indexed to subdivisions). I have
attached a description of NRPZ, which I favor.

OSRD is often adopted as an option for developers to consider.  If you make
it by special permit, experience shows it may not be selected very often.
NRPZ IS the zoning that applies to residential subdivision, and is offered
by-right.  But deviations, including conventional subdivision, may be sought
only via special permit. This flips the old model where conventional remain
by-right and cluster is more tediously permitted by special permit.

I have found good acceptance of NRPZ once it’s adequately explained to
boards, landowners, and residents.

Happy to elaborate if you contact me.

Best regards,

Jeff Lacy

Rural Planning Associates

(413) 230-9693

From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> On Behalf Of Benson,
Rachel via MassPlanners
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2022 8:45 AM
To: massplanners at masscptc.org
Subject: [Massplanners] Open Space / Natural Resource Protection bylaws, Ma
Smart Growth

Hi All, 

We are in the final stages of updating our Open Space Bylaw using the
State’s Smart Growth model Open Space Design bylaw and I wanted to get a
sense of what communities have adopted this or a similar Open Space bylaw
where the use is by-right, putting it on the same playing field as
conventional subdivisions. 

What was your biggest hurdle in adopting the bylaw? And now that you’ve
adopted it what has your experience been with projects using the bylaw? 

We’ve been working on this update since 2019 and there has been some last
minute “cold feet”/”nay-sayers” claiming that its being rushed and we need
to study and get it right. I’m attributing this to the fact that we are
changing our existing bylaw from Special Permit to By Right so there is a
perceived loss of control by board members/residents. We all also know that
no bylaw is perfect the first time around. You do your best with what
resources/information you have and go from there, making sure to give the
bylaw enough flexibility so you can work around those “hiccups” when they
come up.

I’ve found the resources/meetings that Harvard did with Randall Arendt very
helpful. 

Any notes, ideas and experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and have a great day!

Rachel Benson

Director of Planning & Economic Development

Planning & Community Development

Town of Wrentham

79 South Street

Wrentham, MA  02093

508-384-5400 x5441

www.wrentham.gov <http://www.wrentham.gov>  

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