[Massplanners] Family definition

[andre at leroux.solutions]

In Medford, we also eliminated “family” from our definitions last year when we updated our zoning code and replaced it with household.

 

Household: All the people who occupy a single housing unit, regardless of their relationship to one another.

 

Andre Leroux

Medford Zoning Board

 

From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> On Behalf Of Charles Hornig via MassPlanners
Sent: Thursday, February 29, 2024 4:44 PM
To: 'Jamie Webb' <jwebb at easthamptonma.gov>; 'Listserv Listserv' <massplanners at masscptc.org>
Subject: Re: [Massplanners] Family definition

 

>From Lexington’s zoning:

 

HOUSEHOLD

One or more individuals living together as a single housekeeping unit and occupying one dwelling or rooming unit.

 

Charles Hornig
Lexington Planning Board

 

From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org <mailto:massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> > On Behalf Of Jamie Webb via MassPlanners
Sent: Thursday, February 29, 2024 15:10
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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