The Scituate Planning Board hit the brakes on a proposed detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 7 Dunmar Lane on Thursday night, as neighbors and board members alike characterized the project as an attempt to squeeze a full-sized second home onto a constrained lot. The application by Gregory and Cara Kellaher, represented by engineer Gregory Morse, faced stiff opposition during a public hearing that highlighted the growing friction between state-mandated ADU flexibility and local neighborhood character.

The proposed structure, which would sit on the First Parish Road side of the property, was presented as a 1,367-square-foot unit including a garage and a basement. Morse explained that the detached ADU would be on the First Parish Road portion of the property. It’s 38.3% of the floor area [of the primary home] and the height is 28 feet. However, Chair Patricia Lambert expressed immediate reservations about the scale, noting that the combination of ceiling height and windows gave the appearance of a three-story residence. This ADU, as the plan stands, I see basically three options: it's denied tonight, the applicant asks to withdraw, or the applicant tries to make it smaller, Lambert said. This is the size of a small house, not an ADU.

Abutters were equally critical of the design. Greg Davey of 51 First Parish Road told the board, I just don't see how this qualifies as appearing as a single-family dwelling. This looks like a full house. Even with the lowered ceiling, it looks like a three-story house from my location. Davey argued the project was squeezing a little house on a tiny hill, while neighbor Susan of 56 First Parish Road raised alarms regarding drainage runoff and the proximity of the proposed curb cut to her property. Board member Stephen Pritchard echoed these concerns, noting that the separate street access creates a shotgun effect on the lot. It’s a little problematic that the access off First Parish makes it look like two completely different lots, Pritchard remarked.

Motion Made by A. Burbine to continue the public hearing for 7 Dunmar Lane to April 23, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. Motion Passed 5-0.

In contrast, the board moved more swiftly to approve a large ADU within an existing structure at 35 Beaver Dam Road. Applicants James and Sally Richie sought permission for a 1,349-square-foot addition above a new garage. To comply with septic system limits, James Richie explained, we are converting one of the current bedrooms to a studio to keep our home at the level of three bedrooms. Town Planner Karen Joseph noted that while the Board of Health accepted the studio conversion, the ADU's office required a specific safeguard. If you approve this, it is conditioned on a glass panel door so there’s no privacy in the office, Joseph said, explaining the measure prevents the space from being used as an illegal bedroom. Pritchard also requested specific down-lighting for the exterior stairwell to protect neighborhood aesthetics.

Motion Made by A. Burbine to approve the special permit for a large accessory dwelling unit at 35 Beaver Dam Road with 21 conditions. Motion Passed 5-0.

The board also spent significant time strategizing for the upcoming April 13 Annual Town Meeting, specifically addressing Articles 17 through 24. A point of contention remains Article 23, which deals with Humarock setbacks and deck regulations. The Advisory Board recently voted 3-5 against the article, largely due to concerns over the privacy impacts of decks. The Advisory Board voted against Article 23—I don’t think they understood it, Lambert said. Member Ann Burbine suggested that the board be ready to pivot on the Town Meeting floor if the deck provision threatens the entire article. I support the deck part of it and I do not want to see it go away, but we should be prepared, Burbine said. If we see opposition on the floor, we can move to amend and strike that paragraph to save the rest of the article.

Pritchard agreed with the pragmatic approach to the zoning warrant, asking, Why would we make the perfect the enemy of the good? If we can get the rest of it to pass, we should just strike the part they object to. The board also agreed to strike a staking plan requirement from the Stormwater bylaw (Article 12) after both the Select Board and Advisory Board opposed the measure due to the potential costs for residents.

On the financial front, the board processed a five-figure reimbursement related to a previous project. Motion Made by A. Burbine to approve purchase order number 2608458 in the amount of $10,003.95 to return funds with interest to the former owner of 603 Country Way following a change in property status. Motion Passed 5-0.

Finally, the board briefly addressed a request from a developer seeking a zoning amendment to support new storage facilities in town. While the board remained non-committal on the merits of the proposal, Joseph noted, He wants to get the planning board to support an amendment. The board agreed to hear the full presentation during their April 23 meeting. The board also voted to continue the high-profile South River Marina public hearing in Humarock to late May. Motion Made by A. Burbine to continue the public hearing for the South River Marina development at 21 Central Avenue and 7 Marshfield Avenue until May 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Motion Passed 5-0.