TOWN OF WELLESLEY CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT
What is Cluster Development?
Cluster Development is a planning technique that allows for the siting of homes on smaller lots within subdivisions with less emphasis on meeting the minimum lot size. While the total number of homes/density may remain the same as in a traditional subdivision, or may be modestly increased as an incentive to develop, the Town benefits from lessened development impacts and increased open space protection. Homes may be “clustered” on a smaller portion of the larger site, with the remaining land, which would normally be allocated to individual home sites, now being converted into protected open space shared by the residents of the subdivision and possibly the entire community.
Example:
The Planning Board recently held a public forum to discuss how the proposed zoning would work in Wellesley. See the draft of Zoning Proposals here:
ARTICLE 29. SECTION XVIF. INNOVATIVE NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN (2-4 Lot):
http://www.wellesleyma.gov/Pages/WellesleyMA_Planning/ATM13_Drafts/IND.pdf
ARTICLE 30. SECTION XVIF. NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION (NRP) CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT (5+ Lot Subdivisions):
http://www.wellesleyma.gov/Pages/WellesleyMA_Planning/ATM13_Drafts/NRP.pdf
For more information, please contact the Wellesley Planning Department at 781.431.1019 x2232.