Flexible Development Bylaw
Northbridge, MA

Flexible development bylaws allow for creative placement and design of homes that
conventional subdivision/dimensional regulations typically prohibit. Through use
of this type of regulation a number of goals can be advanced, particularly the
preservation of natural resources and protection of community character. Flexible
development may also be used to promote opportunities for increased recreational
open space, and affordable housing; encompassing some variation, these types of
rules are closely related to "cluster development," or "open space or conservation
subdivisions."

Northbridge's bylaw cites several goals in its purpose section, the first of which
is "to encourage the presentation of open land for its scenic beauty and to
enhance agricultural, open space, forestry and recreational use." Its basic elements
may, at the owner's option, apply to the creation of five or more lots provided:

• overall number of units is no greater than that allowed by using the conventional subdivision regulations; and
• 30% of the parcel is reserved as permanently protected contiguous open space.

Under this option, the Planning Board may "authorize modification of lot size,
shape, and other bulk requirements," subject to a few limitations.

Adding to its subdivision regulations in 1996, Northbridge has yet to witness
completed construction of a development using its bylaw. Underway is the
"Reservoir Heights," which should provide a model for assessing its success.

Contact:

Gary Bechtholdt, Town Planner
508.234.2447

Weston's Flexible Development Bylaw

Open Space/Conservation Subdivision "How To" Manual

Open Space Residential Development: Four Case Studies (3.7MB / 29pages)
Available from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council is a casebook of successful examples that thoroughly describes clusters in Westborough, Amherst, Acton, and Hopkinton

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