WESTFORD — The Planning Board discussed a draft zoning bylaw amendment to modify the time allowance for temporary trailer use for the Special Town Meeting.
During a recent review, the Municipal Law Unit of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office found this bylaw was inconsistent with the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A Section 3 and its allowance of temporary trailers.
The board discussed an amendment to the residential accessory uses of the zoning bylaw to allow temporary trailers to be used for living purposes for up to 12 months rather than the previously defined six months. This change would make the bylaw compliant with MGL in cases of homes that have been “destroyed by fire or other natural holocaust, and related changes.”
Currently, the Town allows the use of temporary trailers for temporary residence for six months while a permanent dwelling is being constructed. Chapter 40A Section 3 allows the use of such trailers for up to 12 months while a residence is being rebuilt.
There was a short discussion about minor updates to the wording of the amended bylaw. This amendment will be brought to the October 21 Special Town Meeting.
The Planning Board will continue discussions on the draft amendment during its Oct. 7 meeting.
