SOUTHWICK — Since the state mandated that every municipality must adopt a zoning bylaw that allows, by-right, the construction of what is often called a mother-in-law suite or accessory dwelling unit, the Planning Board began the process of drafting its own Tuesday night.
“The bottom line is, if a single-family home is allowed by right [in a zoning district], the accessory dwelling unit is also, now, a by-right accessory use,” said Town Planner Jon Goddard before he formally presented the draft bylaw to the board.
By-right means that if a homeowner in town who lives in the Residential 20 or 40 zoning district requests permission to build or install an ADU in town, it cannot be denied unless it doesn’t follow the state-mandated regulations.
