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Great Barrington Reshapes Zoning for Affordable Housing

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/04/0 .. gton-reshapes-zoning-for-affordable-housing.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, April 4th 2026 at 22:42 GMT by Berkshire Eagle
      Locale: UNITED STATES

GREAT BARRINGTON, MA - April 5th, 2026 - The town of Great Barrington is actively reshaping its residential zoning regulations in a bid to address a growing housing shortage while simultaneously protecting the unique character of the Berkshire community. The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) convened on Wednesday night for a lengthy session dedicated to reviewing several key proposals that could dramatically alter the town's housing landscape. The proposals focus on creating more affordable housing options, increasing density, and expanding the types of residences permitted within existing neighborhoods.

At the heart of the discussion is a proposal for a dedicated "starter home" zoning district. This innovative concept aims to encourage the construction of smaller, more accessible homes geared towards young professionals, first-time homebuyers, and those seeking a more minimalist lifestyle. With housing prices in the Berkshires steadily climbing, particularly in desirable towns like Great Barrington, opportunities for individuals and families to establish roots have become increasingly limited. The "starter home" district seeks to remedy this by providing a pathway to homeownership for those priced out of the current market.

Ethan Braun, a member of the ZBA, emphasized the urgency of the situation. "It's something that we need to address," he stated during the meeting. "We need to create opportunities for people who want to live here and want to contribute to our community." The district's specifics are still being developed, but the intention is to prioritize affordability and practicality in design and construction. Experts suggest that focusing on efficient building designs and potentially easing certain building code restrictions (while maintaining safety standards) could significantly lower construction costs.

Beyond the "starter home" initiative, the ZBA is also moving forward with plans to expand the permissible areas for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), often referred to as "in-law apartments" or "accessory apartments." Currently, ADUs are restricted to specific zones within Great Barrington. The proposed changes would broaden these allowances, enabling homeowners in a wider range of residential areas to construct self-contained living spaces on their properties. This has a multi-faceted benefit. ADUs can provide much-needed rental income for homeowners, assisting with mortgage payments or providing a financial cushion, and simultaneously increase the overall housing stock without requiring large-scale development.

The expansion of ADU allowances is seen as a relatively quick and effective way to address the housing shortage. Unlike building new subdivisions, ADUs utilize existing infrastructure and land, minimizing environmental impact and straining on town resources. There's also growing interest from homeowners in aging in place; an ADU can provide a separate living space for family members or caregivers.

A third component of the zoning overhaul involves a potential reduction in minimum lot sizes. This measure, while potentially controversial, is aimed at increasing housing density. By allowing more homes to be built on the same amount of land, the town hopes to address the supply-demand imbalance and create more housing options. This would inevitably shift the character of some neighborhoods and is being approached cautiously.

ZBA Chairman Maureen Rog highlighted the delicate balance the board is striving to achieve. "We're trying to strike a balance," Rog explained. "We need to be responsive to the community's needs, but we also need to preserve the qualities that make Great Barrington a special place to live." The board acknowledges that simply increasing housing density without considering the existing aesthetic and cultural fabric of the town could have unintended consequences. Public forums and community workshops are planned to gather input and address concerns.

These proposals are not yet set in stone. Following the ZBA's advancement of the "starter home" district to the Planning Board, a period of comprehensive review and public comment will commence. Residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions and suggest modifications before any final decisions are made. The ZBA meets monthly and continues to explore additional strategies for fostering affordable housing solutions.

The town of Great Barrington is not alone in grappling with these challenges. Many communities across the Berkshires and throughout Massachusetts are facing similar pressures. This situation is fueled by a combination of factors, including increasing demand from remote workers, limited housing supply, and rising construction costs. The ZBA's proactive approach to zoning reform is being watched closely by other towns hoping to implement similar initiatives. The success of these changes in Great Barrington could serve as a model for sustainable and equitable housing development throughout the region.