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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo to Town Council Zoning and Regulatory CommitteeTown of Barnstable Planning & Development Department https://barnstable.gov/Departments/planninganddevelopment/ TO: Town Council Zoning and Regulatory Committee FROM: James Kupfer, AICP, Director of Planning & Development DATE: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 RE: Initial List of Zoning Amendments for Consideration Enclosed is a list of suggested zoning amendment topics that have been recently identified as priorities by Town Council, recent ad-hoc subcommittees of the Town Council, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning and Development staff. The list also includes zoning amendments identified within the Town’s Local Comprehensive Plan . The potential amendments are listed for discussion purposes only and are not ranked. The order of the potential amendments is not indicative of importance. This list may also not be comprehensive. The Committee may wish to add to the list from time to time as priorities arise. The intent of this memo is to assist the Zoning and Regulatory Committee in establishing a priority list of zoning amendments to begin discussing in the 2026 calendar year. Zoning Amendment Topics for Discussion: Amend the Town’s zoning to light commercial along West Main Street with emphasis for integration of traffic mitigation measures and village center oriented design and scale. Consider prohibiting multi-family development of greater than 12 units along West Main Street and the Route 28 corridor as shown on the Future Land Use Map. This priority has been identified within the Town’s Local Comprehensive Plan with an objective of reviewing zoning along West Main Street and the Route 28 corridor with regard to allowed uses, design regulations and for incorporation of traffic mitigation measures. Explore amendments to the Town’s recreational and medical marijuana ordinances This priority was identified by Town Council in response to a Citizen’s Petition. The objective is to explore options for allowing recreational retail and to examine updating the Town’s existing recreational and medical marijuana ordinances. Strengthen the inclusionary affordable housing ordinance This priority has been identified within the Town’s Local Comprehensive Plan, the Town’s Housing Production Plan and was also recommended by two of Town Council SubCommittees: the SubCommittee to Review and Assess Zoning and Review the Town’s Use of Regulatory Agreements and the SubCommittee to Assess and Recommend Strategies for Housing Creation Within the Town. The objective of this priority is to better understand how potential amendments to the Town’s inclusionary affordable housing ordinance would impact the feasibility of new development based upon real market conditions. Review of all of the Town’s zoning districts related to signage regulations This priority was identified by the Zoning Board of Appeals with an objective to review each of the Town’s zoning regulations related to signage to analyze existing dimensional requirements and other standards to develop suggested amendments. Review of all of the Town’s zoning districts related to illumination and lighting standards in both commercial and residential districts This priority was identified by the Planning Board with an objective to review the Town’s zoning regulations related to illumination and lighting standards to analyze existing specifications and develop suggested amendments. Review definitions defined within the Town’s zoning districts This priority has been identified by Planning & Development staff with an objective to review definitions within the Town’s zoning to increase efficiency of review and amend any antiquated definitions as applicable. Explore amendments to the Town’s noise ordinance This priority was identified by Town Council with an objective to review the Town’s noise ordinance to enhance regulations for noise within residential and commercial areas. Create an accessory structures ordinance This priority was identified by Zoning Board of Appeals with an objective to establish a definition for what an accessory structure is, and to establish requirements including setbacks, lot coverage, and maximum height related to the size and type of accessory structure. Create short-term rentals ordinance This priority was identified by Town Council with an objective to establish a definition for a short-term rental with restrictions related to minimum duration of rental, parking requirements, registration process, occupancy requirements, etc. Explore amendments to the Town’s commercial vehicle ordinance This priority was identified by Town Council with an objective to implement restrictions related to the parking of commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods. (Note: this amendment has been formally referred to the Committee by the Town Council). Explore amendments to the Town’s home occupation ordinance This priority was identified by Town Council with an objective of limiting commercial activity in residential neighborhoods. (Note: this amendment has been formally referred to the Committee by the Town Council). Further refine the Town’s Land Use Control for Flow Neutral Wastewater Management This priority was identified by Town Council with an objective to amend General Ordinances, Chapter 184 Sewers and Water to further refine the recently added Article V for establishing a Land Use Control for Flow Neutral Wastewater Management. Review of all of the Town’s zoning districts for modernization of uses This priority was identified by Town Council with an objective to review the Town’s zoning as a whole to identify antiquated uses for modernization (i.e. the current inclusion of blacksmith, confectioner, shoe shiner, etc.). Review the ground-mounted solar photovoltaic overlay district and battery energy storage systems for compliance with State regulations This priority has been identified by Planning & Development staff for compliance with State regulations.