Scituate Planning Board approves first protected-use ADU at 4 Stetson Road

SCITUATE — May 14, 2026 — Scituate Planning Board unanimously approves a 632-square-foot accessory dwelling unit at 4 Stetson Road and delays a Johnwood Road special permit hearing to July 9. The board approved the ADU application from David Brent, a resident since the early 1980s, after Town Planner Cara Joseph confirmed the unit — at 45.6 percent of the adjusted principal dwelling square footage — meets the 50 percent cap under Zoning Bylaw Section 530.1. Approval came with 12 conditions, including a recorded restrictive covenant prohibiting short-term rental use. The Johnwood Road hearing, covering 90 and 96 Johnwood Road, was continued to July 9, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. after Joseph told the applicant's attorney that revised plans still showed work within a 150-foot no-disturb buffer. "You're still working in the 150-foot no-disturb buffer — you can't do that," Joseph said, noting the Conservation Commission and Coastal Bank Act reviewer are expected to reach the same conclusion. The time for filing a decision with the town was extended to September 30, 2026.