ISSUES
Zoning
Historically, land use policy in Franklin has been reactive to development, with restrictive dimensional regulations hindering desired multifamily and mixed-use development in the downtown area. Building height requirements and large minimum lot size, frontage, and setback requirements conflict with historic development patterns and limit overall vibrancy. Stakeholders, including the Franklin For All project, have noted that zoning regulations may be overly prohibitive, restricting desired development.
The zoning bylaw in Franklin lacks a clear definition for mixed-use development, potentially causing confusion and inconsistency in development projects. Current zoning requirements make small infill developments challenging and restrict existing parcels from redevelopment. Developers identify high parking requirements as barriers to redevelopment projects.
Balancing growth and Small-Town Character
Franklin faces the challenge of balancing needed growth and development with other goals like expanding protected open space, historic preservation, and retaining the town’s small-town character (that stakeholders often see as at odds with growth). Land use planning and zoning will play a critical role in guiding future development that supports Franklin’s vision for its future.
OPPORTUNITIES
Zoning
Downtown Franklin represents an opportunity for the Town to be more proactive in its planning by readdressing dimensional requirements that currently restrict multifamily and mixed-use development in the core downtown area.
Mixed Use
Simplifying regulations and allowing mixed-use development by-right in appropriate districts, such as the Downtown Commercial, Commercial I, and Mixed Business Innovation Districts, would improve clarity and consistency in development projects. Additionally, considering mixed-use development by special permit in the Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) District could encourage innovative projects while maintaining a focus on commercial use. For example, in the MBI District, the Town could decide to require that more than half of the square footage is designated for commercial use.
Designating a Local Historic Preservation Overlay District
Although Franklin has two local historic districts, the Town has not yet established a Historic Preservation Overlay District. Establishing this overlay district would give Franklin greater opportunities to preserve historic properties and create guidelines for renovation and redevelopment on historic properties.
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Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gtnxpyp39SnfKinQcUlp2U7M1Sas3cdB/view?usp=drive_link
Complete 2025 Master Plan report
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report
Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)
https://www.franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan
