[Massplanners] Zoning Question: Common Ownership of Lots Separated by a Street

[Bill Fitzgerald]

And what if it's one of those ways where the abuttors own to the middle?
Jeeze...

Best,

Bill Fitzgerald

On Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 3:44 PM Edgartown Planning Board via MassPlanners <
massplanners at masscptc.org> wrote:

> Julia -
>
> "Common ownership" only applies (applied?) when there was a measurable
> boundary in common.  There isn't in this case, correct?
>
> From where I sit:  The new law enacted as the "Affordable Homes Act" may
> supersede your local zoning - but without knowing more about the specifics,
> it's hard to judge.  From *a summary
> <https://www.nutter.com/trending-newsroom-publications-affordable-housing-provisions-residential-housing-construction>*:
> " The new provision expressly allows construction of a single-family house
> on a commonly owned lot if the lot: (1) is located within a single-family
> zoning district; (2) conformed with zoning at the time of its creation; and
> (3) contains at least 10,000 square feet of area and 75 feet of frontage."
>
> Does the 'non-conforming' lot meet that criteria?
>
> YMMV.
>
> - Doug.
>
> On Tue, Apr 22, 2025 at 3:27 PM Julia Gillis via MassPlanners <
> massplanners at masscptc.org> wrote:
>
>> Hi Planners,
>>
>>
>>
>> I’m hoping to gather your expertise on a zoning matter: If two lots are
>> under common ownership but separated by a street, are they considered
>> merged for zoning purposes? If so, how should the lots be treated when
>> evaluating new construction, particularly if one of the lots is
>> non-conforming and not independently buildable? (The person inquiring is
>> interested in building on the non-conforming lot).
>>
>>
>>
>> Any relevant references or resources shared are greatly appreciated.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank you!
>>
>>
>>
>> *Julia Gillis*
>>
>> Assistant Town Planner
>>
>> Town of Cohasset
>>
>> *Phone*: 781-741-0078
>>
>> *Email*: jgillis at cohassetma.gov
>>
>>
>>
>> 41 Highland Avenue
>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/41+Highland+Avenue+%0D%0A+Cohasset,+MA+02025?entry=gmail&source=g>
>>
>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/41+Highland+Avenue+%0D%0A+Cohasset,+MA+02025?entry=gmail&source=g>
>>
>> Cohasset, MA 02025
>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/41+Highland+Avenue+%0D%0A+Cohasset,+MA+02025?entry=gmail&source=g>
>>
>> *www.cohassetma.org <http://www.cohassetma.org/>*
>>
>> [image: Facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/townofcohasset>
>> <https://www.youtube.com/user/TownofCohasset>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> <https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/f5a5cd64488f477e99812cb9e37ee592@cohassetma.gov?anonymous&ep=signature>
>>
>> Book time to meet with me
>> <https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/f5a5cd64488f477e99812cb9e37ee592@cohassetma.gov?anonymous&ep=signature>
>>
>>
>> --
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>>
>
>
> --
> The Edgartown Planning Board
> PO Box 5130
> Edgartown, MA 01027
> 413-627-6170
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