Needham’s Finance Committee backed proposed building-height limits but declined to support attic-space restrictions ahead of Special Town Meeting on Monday, Oct. 19.

The committee voted Oct. 7 to support Article 9 and oppose Article 8, the Needham Observer reported. Both proposals would change zoning rules in the Single Residence B district.

Article 8 would limit attic space with an interior ceiling height of at least five feet to 50% of the second-floor area beneath it. The restriction would apply whether the attic is finished or unfinished, according to the official warrant.

The proposal applies to new construction, including projects that demolish more than half of an existing building’s shell. Demolition under permits issued within the preceding two years would count toward that threshold.

Article 9 would establish a side-wall framing cap of 21.5 feet above the highest point of the concrete foundation wall, with exceptions for certain roof features and dormers. It would also lower maximum heights for flat-roof buildings and require raised upper portions to be set back from side walls.

The proposals follow a review initiated by Town Meeting in May 2024. Broader changes addressing how house bulk is measured and whether home sizes should be further restricted remain under discussion.

Finance Committee members raised concerns about uncertain effects on property values and tax revenue, along with the decision to present these changes separately from a broader package, the Observer reported.

Planning Board Chair Justin McCullen cited the pace of home demolition in defending the timing. He described the proposals as modest changes that could affect the appearance of new homes while broader revisions are developed.

Both articles specify a Nov. 1, 2026, effective date.

Special Town Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 in James Hugh Powers Hall at Needham Town Hall, 1471 Highland Ave. The 15-article warrant includes three Pollard Middle School-related articles, a tree protection and preservation bylaw, and a proposed single-parcel historic district at 178 South St.