The Zoning & Planning Committee met on February 23, 2026. See report and meeting video.
Approved
- Reappointment of Councilor Albright to the Newton Affordable Housing Trust for a term expiring December 31, 2027 (8-0).
Held
- Request for discussion and amendments to the “Two-Family, Detached” definition in Section 1.5.1.B of Chapter 30, Zoning. (8-0) The Planning Department presented proposed amendments that would allow attached garages in two-family structures to be side-by-side, reducing curb cuts and impervious surface. The committee requested further analysis and layout examples before moving forward.
- Request for discussion and possible amendments to enhance the preservation of existing homes over their replacement by larger structures. (8-0) The committee discussed several concepts, including aligning zoning controls for residentially used business-zoned lots, a sliding-scale FAR adjustment for teardowns (modeled on Lexington’s program), a Large House Review process, and the adaptive reuse of large homes for multi-generational living. Planning was asked to gather information from Lexington and Wellesley for further discussion.
No Action Necessary
- Request to change the effective date of the 60% façade build-out ordinance from March 1, 2026, to June 1, 2026. The committee heard from Inspectional Services and Planning staff, who noted that a delay would not resolve the recurring issue of developers rushing to submit permits before ordinance amendments take effect. The committee voted No Action Necessary (5-3, Councilors Albright, Kalis, and Dahmubed opposed).
Present: Councilors Baker (Chair), Wright, Oliver, Albright, Gordon, Kalis, Getz, and Dahmubed.
Also Present: Councilors Roche, Irish, Block, Leary, and Malakie.
City staff: Katie Whewell, Acting Director of Planning; Nora Colello, Chief of Long-Range Planning; Anthony Ciccariello, Commissioner of Inspectional Services; Andrew Lee, Senior Associate City Solicitor; Jane Santosuosso, Chief Zoning Code Official; Sondria Berman, Long-Range Planner; Miles Starkey, Committee Clerk.
