[Massplanners] Family definition

[Lynne D. Sweet]

This is what we use for life safety:

In addition, the Massachusetts sanitary code applies to occupation of the unit, generally as follows:
410.400: Minimum Square Footage
(A) Every dwelling unit shall contain at least 150 square feet of floor space for its first
occupant, and at least 100 square feet of floor space for each additional occupant, the floor space to be calculated on the basis of total habitable room area.
(B) In a dwelling unit, every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one occupant shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor space; every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one occupant shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor space for each occupant.
(C) In a rooming unit, every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one occupant shall contain at least 80 square feet of floor space; every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one occupant shall contain at least 60 square feet for each occupant.


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Lynne D. Sweet
Principal
LDS Consulting Group, LLC
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From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> On Behalf Of Hans Jensen via MassPlanners
Sent: Thursday, February 29, 2024 3:18 PM
To: Listserv Listserv <massplanners at masscptc.org>; Jamie Webb <jwebb at easthamptonma.gov>
Subject: Re: [Massplanners] Family definition

Good afternoon List,

Something to consider would be removing the definition of family all together and limit occupancy based on building code and life safety.


Hans Jensen - AICP
Project Manager
Capital Projects
(Cell) 617-910-8004

City of Somerville Public Records Notice
Please be advised that the Massachusetts Attorney General has determined that email is a public record unless the content of the email falls within one of the stated exemptions under the Massachusetts Public Records Laws.
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From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org<mailto:massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org>> on behalf of Jamie Webb via MassPlanners <massplanners at masscptc.org<mailto:massplanners at masscptc.org>>
Sent: Thursday, February 29, 2024 3:10 PM
To: Listserv Listserv <massplanners at masscptc.org<mailto: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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