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.