Weston Planning Board continues barn hearing, approves Concord Road patio project

WESTON — September 7, 2023 — Weston Planning Board advances ADU bylaw overhaul and approves Concord Road landscape project. At the September 6 meeting, the board held its most detailed review yet of a proposed by-right accessory dwelling unit framework, which would allow ADUs in structures at least eight years old without a special permit — down from the current 10-year threshold with ZBA approval required — with a size cap near 1,000 square feet and an owner-occupancy requirement; the board is targeting spring town meeting, which requires a two-thirds vote. Chair Leslie Glynn and town planner Ema Ayu flagged septic capacity as a potential barrier, prompting a plan to hold a joint session with the Board of Health. The board unanimously approved a site plan amendment at 83 Concord Road allowing a permeable patio, pergola, outdoor kitchen, and native planting scheme after the applicant withdrew a proposed post light that failed dark-sky standards. A blasting plan at 355 Highland Street was continued to October 4 after members learned a contractor had already conducted one unpermitted test blast and that ledge had been struck at eight feet below grade — raising questions about whether 55 projected truckloads of stone removal was consistent with the project's original earthwork filing.