Stafford gets a step closer to two-family dwellings in AA zones

For months, Stafford’s Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) has been talking about ways to encourage more affordable housing development and at the May 7, 2026, meeting one of those solutions was formally on the agenda. The PZC is moving forward with steps to allow two-family dwellings in AA zones. Presently, only single-family dwellings are allowed in this zone, but the need for this change was outlined in the 2022 housing affordability plan.

The commission is still wordsmithing the regulations and clearing up any potential sources of confusion. Specifically, they are working on defining the difference between an actual two-family dwelling and a single-family with an in-law apartment. The building official can still consider it it a one-family if there is "communication" between the units (such as a door) within "conditioned space." This is important larglely for tax purposes because a single-family home's value is typically higher than a two-family. The Grand List, and homeowners' property values, could be negatively impacted if properties were suddenly deemed duplexes. It could also present a problem for realtors who find the use of the house doesn't match what is says on the property card and.*

All of this should be cleared up by the next PZC meeting where the members expect to vote to send the changed regulations to CRCOG and move toward a public hearing in July. At which point the public will have a chance to speak out.

Becky Kraussman of the Stafford Historic Advisory Commission (SHAC) was in the audience and asked if the commission planned on requiring owner occupancy, but they said they did not, largely because it’s nearly impossible to enforce. So far, though, Chair Dave Palmberg says it’s the only question or feedback the commissioners have received from an individual. So, whether you're desperate for housing options or hate the idea of duplex moving in next door, if you have thoughts on two-family dwellings, keep an eye out for the public hearing. The PZC wants to hears from residents.

AA Zones are noted in yellow. For a better look at this map, visit the interactive version here.

SHAC’s concerns for historic home conversions

While individuals have yet to weigh in on the PZC’s plan to allow two-family dwellings in the AA zone, SHAC has weighed in with recommendations concerning conversions of historic homes. The proposed changes to the regulations already require anyone proposing to convert any structure on the 1993Town of Stafford Historic  & Architectural Resources Survey Report would have to notify SHAC so that the commission can comment on the appropriateness of the use and any planned restoration/preservation of architectural integrity.

SHAC, however, had prepared recommendations ranging from requiring owner occupation to ways to preserve historic architectural features. The commission also reintroduced its idea for a demolition delay ordinance which never quite made it off the ground after being proposed to the selectmen in 2024. 

One particularly interesting suggestion, though, was to consider implementing “form based codes” that would provide guidance on things like scale, placement, and materials in historic areas.

*The explanation of the two-family vs. single-family with an in-law apartment discussion was not originally included in the article. It was added afterward for more clarity of the issues surrounding this change.

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