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

[Julia Gillis]

Hi Doug,

That is correct, there is no measurable boundary in common. Also, the non-conforming lot would not meet criteria #3, due to frontage less than 75 feet, in that case, local ordinances would not be superseded by the Affordable Homes Act?

Appreciate your input.

Thank you,


[cid:image001.jpg at 01DBB3A4.86D8B880]
Julia Gillis
Assistant Town Planner
Phone: 781-741-0078
Email: jgillis at cohassetma.gov

41 Highland Avenue
Cohasset, MA 02025
www.cohassetma.org<http://www.cohassetma.org/>
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From: Edgartown Planning Board <planningboard at edgartown-ma.us>
Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 3:43 PM
To: Julia Gillis <jgillis at cohassetma.gov>
Cc: massplanners at masscptc.org
Subject: Re: [Massplanners] Zoning Question: Common Ownership of Lots Separated by a Street

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<mailto: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!

[cid:image001.jpg at 01DBB3A4.86D8B880]
Julia Gillis
Assistant Town Planner
Town of Cohasset
Phone: 781-741-0078
Email: jgillis at cohassetma.gov<mailto:jgillis at cohassetma.gov>

41 Highland Avenue
Cohasset, MA 02025
www.cohassetma.org<http://www.cohassetma.org/>
[Facebook]<https://www.facebook.com/townofcohasset>  [cid:image003.png at 01DBB3A4.86D8B880] <https://www.youtube.com/user/TownofCohasset>



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