[Massplanners] Inclusionary Housing Bylaw Question

[Daniel Fortier]

Chris,

Not sure exactly what you are looking for. Substantial Rehabilitation
without a density change would not seem to trigger any additional zoning
relief. Thinking the rehab is entirely within the existing building
envelope a d just brings the building back to what it was before falling
into disrepair.

Beyond that, a couple examples with my thoughts on how I might approach
revisions.

The Dennis Affordable Housing Bylaw allows increases in density on lots
under 2.5 acres as Municipally Sponsored Projects.  We set a high bar,
modified once already, with 50% affordable to households under 80% of
median and (after amendment) 25% affordable to households under 120% of
median. The Bylaw could be used to convert an historic sprawling farmhouse
into a multi family structure if endorsed by the Select Board. Only two
takers, one got dragged out in court and was never built as even in victory
it became too expensive. Same person replaced an abandoned burned out
structure with a four unit three bedroom rental project.  I would probably
push to reduce the affordability components if I had it to do over,
probably 15% @ 80% of median and 10% at 120% of median. This lower
requirement would make historic preservation projects more profitable.

In West Dennis Village Center Zoning we allowed multi family housing.
Working, for years, with realtors, developers and our historic preservation
community, we accomplished the restoration of the Captain Baker house,
better known as The Dennis Columns. The project created 5 for sale units in
the restoration project and will add 11 units in historically appropriate
buildings on the site (original developer was going to use federal historic
preservation funding and got National Park Service sign off on the design
and location of these buildings).

Also, under the Affordable Housing Bylaw we have approved several
conversions of vacant commercial space to residential, some with expanded
building envelopes.

Daniel Fortier, AICP Retired Planner

On Tue, Apr 29, 2025, 2:21 PM Ryan, Christopher via MassPlanners <
massplanners at masscptc.org> wrote:

> Hi all
>
>
>
> Just following up on this question asked last week. Looking for anyone
> applying IZ to substantial rehab.
>
>
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> Chris
>
>
>
> *From:* MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> *On Behalf Of *Ryan,
> Christopher via MassPlanners
> *Sent:* Thursday, April 24, 2025 2:42 PM
> *To:* Mass Planners <massplanners at masscptc.org>
> *Subject:* [EXTERNAL][Massplanners] Inclusionary Housing Bylaw Question
>
>
>
> CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not
> click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know
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>
>
>
> Good afternoon planners
>
>
>
> Our Housing Trust is interested in adding provisions for substantial
> rehabilitations/renovations to comply with the inclusionary housing bylaw.
> Do you know of any good examples of communities that have done this?
>
>
>
> They also are interested in the preferred definition of “substantial
> rehabilitation”
>
>
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
>
>
> Chris R.
>
>
>
> ==========================================
>
> *Christopher J. Ryan, AICP*
>
> Director of Planning & Building
>
> Town of Belmont, MA
>
> 19 Moore Street
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/19+Moore+Street?entry=gmail&source=g>
>
> Belmont, MA  02478-0900
>
> 617.993-2650
>
> cryan at belmont-ma.gov
>
> https://www.belmont-ma.gov/1451/Planning-Board
> <https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.belmont-ma.gov%2f1451%2fPlanning-Board&c=E,1,o8b2XHhMCs0FFeFPD8_B3TFG-aMCOSECZ5O_sHv9-Ya7HHb3TQPEIs27R50SHoKJmA2OcUPLCsvz0WJg4o-YnM61hwPQZZre8ZCQimVYZdGC&typo=1>
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