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<p class="MsoNormal">I’m a planner Jim, not a Doctor. <o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Imai Aiu<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Weston Town Planner<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">781-786-5065<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.weston.org/TownPlanner"><span style="color:#0563C1">www.weston.org/TownPlanner</span></a>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces@masscptc.org>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Barbara Carboni via MassPlanners<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, October 10, 2023 1:45 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> bcolema@comcast.net; massplanners@masscptc.org<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Massplanners] abandonment of use for multi-family dwellings<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Hi Bill,<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Below is a case on abandonment and discontinuance of use, which the courts see as separate ways a nonconforming use can be extinguished. Chapter 40A s. 6 sets a two-year period after which a nonconforming can be found to have been abandoned
or discontinued, but look in your zoning bylaw aw well to see if your town treats this question any differently.
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<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ma-court-of-appeals/1348576.html">https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ma-court-of-appeals/1348576.html</a><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Once a nonconforming use is gone, it is gone forever. As my law partner used to say, “She’d dead, Jim.” (Star Trek reference).<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Hope this is helpful.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Barbara<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Barbara Carboni AICP<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Truro Town Planner and Land Use Counsel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">(508) 214 0928<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Barbara Carboni AICP<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Truro Town Planner and Land Use Counsel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">(508) 214 0928<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> MassPlanners <<a href="mailto:massplanners-bounces@masscptc.org">massplanners-bounces@masscptc.org</a>>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>William Cole via MassPlanners<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, October 10, 2023 11:58 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:massplanners@masscptc.org">massplanners@masscptc.org</a><br>
<b>Cc:</b> WILLIAM COLE <<a href="mailto:bcolema@comcast.net">bcolema@comcast.net</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [Massplanners] abandonment of use for multi-family dwellings<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">Wondering whether an unoccupied three family dwelling is considered to have abandoned it's non-conforming pre-existing use as a three family if it has sat empty
for several years (though taxes have been paid). It is gutted and in need of major renovation, but is not in a district where a new multi family could be built without a special permit.
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">Also, is a former four family dwelling that was changed several years ago to a two family dwelling entitled to return to a four family as a pre-existing non-conforming
use.... or is the four family non-conforming use considered abandoned because it was physically changed to a two family dwelling?
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">The concept of abandonment of use is confusing to me.
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">Thanks in advance for any guidance.
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">Bill Cole
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#333333">Hardwick
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