[Massplanners] Family definition

[Lynne D. Sweet]

This is what we use in fair housing plans:

A “household’ is defined as 1) an individual; OR 2) two or more persons who will regularly live in the unit as their primary residence and who are related by blood, marriage, law or who have otherwise evidenced a stable inter-dependent relationship.


Lynne D. Sweet
Principal
LDS Consulting Group, LLC
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From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> On Behalf Of Jamie Webb via MassPlanners
Sent: Thursday, February 29, 2024 3:10 PM
To: Listserv Listserv <massplanners at masscptc.org>
Subject: [Massplanners] Family definition

Hi all,
We are working to reduce bias present in our zoning ordinance and are looking at the definition of Family. How have other communities dealt with revising this definition? If you have a good definition of family in your ordinance, please share.

Currently, our ordinance seems to be biased against nontraditional housekeeping units and would seem to have a disparate impact on nontraditional families, immigrants, foster care households, etc. Our current definition of Family is:
"A number of individuals related by blood, marriage, and/or adoption or a group of unrelated individuals not to exceed four (4) who are occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single nonprofit housekeeping unit. This definition, however, does not apply to non-related disabled persons as defined by any applicable federal and/or state law and/or regulations."

Thank you!

Jamie Webb
Senior Planner
City of Easthampton - Planning Department
50 Payson Avenue, Easthampton, MA 01027
413.529.1405  /  Website<https://easthamptonma.gov/176/Planning>  /  Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/Easthampton-Planning-Department-380076865424358>
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