Lexington Planning Board Advances SRD and ADU Zoning Revisions for Future Town Meeting

LEXINGTON -- January 7, 2026, Lexington Planning Board spends three hours on SRD historic-structure rules, ADU state mandates, and a newly adopted commercial surcharge. The board, chaired by Michael Schanbacher, unanimously approved performance guarantees and endorsed definitive subdivision plans for nine properties, locking in eight-year zoning freezes. A proposal by Clerk Tina McBride to require preservation of all historic structures as a condition of special residential development qualification drew a sharp rebuttal from Board Member Charles Hornig, who argued it would incentivize developers to demolish structures before applying for site plan review, "the first thing you're going to have to do is tear down all those historic structures." Hornig also presented a state Affordable Homes Act analysis showing that 72 percent of Lexington's residential lots fall within a half mile of an MBTA bus stop, removing the town's ability to require ADU parking on most parcels; Planning Director Abby McCabe confirmed the Building Department is already issuing permits for state-compliant ADUs under current law. Associate Member Michael Leon and Hornig both condemned the Select Board's Monday vote to impose a $9-per-square-foot surcharge on new non-residential construction over 30,000 square feet, effective January 2027, calling it damaging to Hartwell Avenue redevelopment prospects. Hornig announced he will not seek reelection, with his seat expected to be filled by Leon before the next round of development applications.