City Council Zoning Sub Committee

Office of the City Clerk City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4007 www.LowellMA.gov Lowell City Council Michael Q. Geary City Clerk Regular Meeting Minutes Date: October 17, 2017 Time: 5:30 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA Zoning SC October 17, 2017. PRESENT: Present on Roll Call were Chairman Milinazzo, C. Belanger, C. Rourke. Also present were Eric Slagle (Insp. Services), Christine O’Connor (City Solicitor), C. Mercier, C. Samaras, C. Elliott, Manager Murphy, Christine McCall (Insp. Services) MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Chairman Milinazzo called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM in the Council Chamber. C. Milinazzo outlined agenda items noting that they may not be able to discuss the proposed Marijuana Ordinance due to time constraints. ORDER OF BUSINESS: C. Milinazzo noted prior discussions of the proposed zoning amendments and identified what changes were still pending. C. Milinazzo opened matter up to public and the following individuals addressed the body: John Hamblet; Deb Forgione; Nancy Judge; and Bob Hunt. Mr. Slagle commented on Accessory Dwelling Unit amendment noting the enforcement capability, property value assessment and termination of unit by change of ownership. Mr. Slagle noted that the accessory dwelling units and tourist homes are not allowed under current zoning and that they must be added to the Table of Uses in the zoning manual. C. Milinazzo questioned how the body would wish to proceed. Manager Murphy suggested that items that are to be further discussed be removed from ordinance and addressed in the future after more information was gathered. Motion by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Belanger to separate accessory dwelling unit and tourist home amendments from the proposal and move remaining items to Law Department to prepare ordinance excluding Item 6.1.5 (bike racks/parking). City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 2) Adopted per Roll Call vote 3 yeas. So voted. C. Elliott commented on tourist home amendments and the need to address the issue as well as finding a suitable avenue of enforcement. Mr. Slagle noted the need to regulate such parcels. Solicitor O’Connor noted review would be made and regulations established to capture this use of property. C. Rourke questioned accessory use application and the procedure involved. Mr. Slagle commented on the process. C. Belanger noted that many applicants would be worthy having a property with an accessory use unit. Mr. Slagle noted such a use is not allowed under current zoning but there are possible alternatives. Manager Murphy began discussion of proposed Marijuana Ordinance noting the need for regulations as such industry could not be outright banned. Ms. McCall commented on the ordinance which includes cultivation and dispensing as well as proposed areas for the operations. C. Milinazzo commented on enforcement element of the ordinance. C. Belanger questioned the State time line for implementation. Manager Murphy commented on zoning map which indicates a small area in which these operations could be housed. C. Elliott questioned concept of regional retail. C. Belanger questioned signage to be allowed for such business. Motion by C. Belanger, seconded by C. Rourke to table discussion. So voted. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to Adjourn by C Belanger, seconded by C. Rourke. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov