Pepperell Planning Board Unanimously Approves Second ADU at 59 Lowell Road

PEPPERELL — December 1, 2025 — Pepperell Planning Board approves second detached accessory dwelling unit at 59 Lowell Road. The board voted 4-0 on December 1 to grant special permit PBSP-25-3, allowing applicant Brian Mariano to build a second detached ADU behind an existing shed on his approximately 1.3-acre property — one unit beyond what the 2024 Massachusetts ADU law protects by right. Mariano, who works in state-funded senior and family housing, told the board he intends to house a senior couple in the new unit, citing a lack of senior housing in town. Planning Administrator Jason noted that not every Pepperell lot can meet the special-permit threshold — "the bar for a special permit is all the things like impact on traffic — it's not just I want to do this" — but said this parcel's size, existing driveway access, and setback room made it a strong candidate. No abutters filed written objections. The permit carries conditions requiring utility permitting from appropriate departments and zoning setback verification by the building commissioner before construction, which Mariano said would not begin until spring.