Smaller lot sizes and setback requirements in Dublin’s Village District will be on the ballot for voters March 11, as the Planning Board voted to approve a warrant article to put before the town. 

A current lot may be no smaller than one acre, which is 43,560 square feet, and the new proposal would reduce that to 35,000 square feet. The intent of the change is to make lots more affordable in the village. In addition, side and rear setbacks from boundaries to any structure would be reduced from 35 to 15 feet. 

“In the smaller lots, the current setbacks are overly restrictive. Property owners (will) still need 150 feet of frontage per lot,” said Board Chair Archie McIntyre. 

In 2023, Dublin received a Housing Opportunity Planning (HOP) grant from the state to study issues around housing supply and affordability. This study identified a desire in town to encourage more housing in the Village District.  John Morris, who chairs the town’s ZBA and sits on the Conservation Commission questioned this necessity.

“According to the HOP Committee, Dublin needs 12 new houses over 10 years. The idea that a need for additional housing is pressing is not supported by this,” said Morris. “I’m not necessarily in favor of it.”  

“We want to encourage ADU (accessory dwelling unit) housing. This proposal would not dramatically alter the character of the village,” said McIntyre.

Select Board Chair Chris Raymond endorsed this step. 

“The ability to add an ADU to a lot would be a huge benefit,” said Raymond.

“We’re not building houses,” added McIntyre. 

Traceymay Kalvaitis, pastor of Dublin Community Church, spoke about a housing shortage in the area.

“We are in desperate need of housing. I’m all for it,” said Kalvaitis.

Following the close of public discussion, the board voted unanimously to put the warrant article on the March ballot. McIntyre also announced that there are four open seats on the Planning Board for residents to consider running for in the March elections.