[Massplanners] Family definition

[Town Planner]

West Newbury

Family:  One (1) or more persons living together in one dwelling unit, but not including sororities, fraternities and other communal arrangements.



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>
Please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State considers e-mail to be a public record subject to the provisions of the MA Public Records Law, MGL ch. 66.
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