Summary of Housing Types
The following is a glossary of the types of senior residences that are being considered for Harvard's Protective Bylaw and other related terms that you may hear. If you have any comments or questions or would like additional information, please contact Christopher Ryan at 978-456-4100 x.323 or cryan@harvard.ma.us anytime.
- Senior Cottages or Single-Family Communities
- Two-Family Senior Residences
- Three- to Five- Family Senior Residences
- Assisted Living Communities
- Senior Independent Living
- Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
- Planned Unit Development (PUD)
- Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
- Co-Housing
Senior Cottages or Single-Family Communities
Communities specifically developed for independent seniors but layed out in a more traditional village-like setting surrounded by ample open space such as rural fields, forests, and farms. Strong design standards insure quality design and development, close proximity encourages community and socialization, and some senior cottage communities have a co-housing model which allows members to participate in communal meals or other activities.Similar types of developments are Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) without a senior focus. It is anticipated that these developments will be limited to smaller groupings if 15 or fewer homes. Note that such a project could now be developed either as a conventional subdivision (that would not be clustered) or as an Open Space and Conservation-Planned Residential Development (OSC-PRD), Section 125-35, which is currently undergoing revisions for amendment.
Similar to traditional two-family homes or duplexes, the two-family typology envisioned by the Planning Board would either be smaller groupings of two-family or duplex residences in cluster type projects with significant open space, much like the one-family cottages above, or may be on a unit by unit basis on appropriate sites. How these differ from the two-family residence that many are familiar with is that the appearance is required to mimic a single-family residence from the street. The Planning Board sees this type of housing as relevant to seniors in that either two senior households can occupy each unit or one units while the other may be a family member or caretaker.
Three- to Five-Family Senior Residences
These types of residences have from three to five units in a single structure that from outward appearances looks like a large single-family home. The primary focus on this type stems from the possibility of converting existing single-family homes where appropriately located, such as near town centers. New 3-5's may be built in equally appropriate locations but must still reflect the appearance and high quality design of a single-family residence.
Assisted living communities provide housing and care to seniors who may need some assistance with daily tasks, but who do not require the skilled care provided at a nursing home. Assistance with medications, activities of daily living, meals and housekeeping are routinely provided. Residents live in private apartments that frequently feature kitchenettes. Staff is available 24 hours per day, activities and entertainment opportunities are plentiful and transportation to appointments is available. A special area for memory care is available in some, but not all communities (see Memory Care).Assisted living communities come in all shapes and sizes. They can be towering apartment buildings in urban centers, sprawling complexes in the suburbs, or more intimate communities catering to a relatively small number of residents. By our own definition, assisted living communities are licensed to care for at least 20 people, but many communities have hundreds of residents. Also referred to as Personal care homes, Adult congregate care, and Residential care facility. Harvard currently permits Assisted Living Communities in the Commercial (C) zoning district with an Ayer Road Village Special Permit (Sec. 125-52).
Independent living is a different type of residential senior community specifically intended for those who want a low-stress lifestyle, but who are still active and independent. These communities cater to older adults who want to move to a community of other seniors and enjoy all that it has to offer, but who do not yet necessarily need to transition to residential care. Independent living communities handle interior and exterior maintenance for residents and offer services like prepared meals, transportation, and on-site activities and events. They do not offer medical care or personal care services.These types of units are typically low-rise, garden, or mid- to high-rise apartment buildings but can also be townhouses, single-family cottages, or other unit types or a mix of types, similar to a PUD (see below).
Continuing Care Retirement Community
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) are residential campuses that provide a continuum of care—from private units to assisted living and then skilled nursing care, all in one location. CCRCs are designed to offer active seniors an independent lifestyle from the privacy of their own home, but also include the availability of services in an assisted living environment and on-site intermediate or skilled nursing care if necessary. CCRCs offer a variety of residential services including a maintained apartment, townhouse, or other unit; cleaning and laundry service; meals in common dining areas; ground maintenance; security; and social, recreational, and cultural programs.
Planned Unit Development (PUD)
The Planned Unit Development (PUD) is a form of development that usually includes a mix of housing unit types and may also include nonresidential uses in one master planned unified site or subdivision. Communities can minimize sprawling growth by replacing it with alternative development patterns such as Planned Unit Development projects which combine residential and other compatible uses in compact, pedestrian-friendly villages or clusters. PUDs create opportunities to live and work close to shopping, services, and other destinations.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone (i.e., detached) single-family home. ADUs go by many different names including accessory apartment, secondary suites, mother-in-law apartments, and granny flats. ADUs can be converted portions of existing homes (i.e., internal ADUs), additions to new or existing homes (i.e., attached ADUs), or new stand-alone accessory structures or converted portions of existing stand-alone accessory structures (i.e., detached ADUs). Harvard's Protective Bylaw currently allows Accessory Apartmentss and Affordable Accessory Apartments by Special Permit from the ZBA referenced in sections 125-18.1 and 18.2 respectively. If properly fitted with accesibility and design characteristics appropriate for seniors, ADUs could be a useful tool in providing senior housing in Harvard.
Cohousing communities are traditional neighborhoods created with a creative twist. They bring together the value of private homes with the benefits of more community-oriented and sustainable living. That often means green building, common facilities for sharing meals and gathering, and good connections with neighbors. They are an innovative model to address contemporary environmental and social problems. The basic traits include shared facilities, a common house, self-governance, and design input by the group of future residents that created the community.