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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo to Town Council Zoning and Regulatory SubCommittee-03-19-2026Town 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: Thursday, March 19, 2026 RE: Draft List of Priority Topics for Zoning and Regulatory Committee Consideration Below is a list of priority zoning amendments as discussed by the Town Council Zoning and Regulatory Committee for discussion at the upcoming meeting to be held Thursday, March 19th. The first (7) zoning amendments were identified as a top priority by multiple committee members. The remainder was stated, but only once. Top Priority Zoning Amendments 1. Explore amendments to the Town’s commercial vehicle ordinance (Town Council) 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). 2. Explore amendments to the Town’s home occupation ordinance (Town Council) 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). 3. Review of all of the Town’s zoning districts related to signage regulations (Zoning Board of Appeals) 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. 4. Create short-term rentals ordinance (Town Council) 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. 5. Explore amendments to the Town’s Downtown Hyannis Zoning Districts (Town Council) This priority was identified during the Downtown Hyannis zoning amendment process. This could include amending the Downtown Neighborhood (DN) zoning district to modify the building height definition and height limitation in accordance with recent changes to the Downtown Main Street (DMS) and Downtown Village (DV) zoning districts. In addition, the process resulted in other suggested amendments being considered such as setbacks or other map amendments. 6. Create an accessory structures ordinance (Zoning Board of Appeals) 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. 7. 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. (Local Comprehensive Plan) 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. Additional Zoning Amendments (not currently prioritized by the committee at this time) Review of all of the Town’s zoning districts related to illumination and lighting standards in both commercial and residential districts (Planning Board) 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. Strengthen the inclusionary affordable housing ordinance (Local Comprehensive Plan/Town Council) 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. Explore zoning map amendment for parcels north of Rt 132 at Phinney's Lane (Town Council) This priority has been identified to explore opportunities to amend the zoning for several parcels that front Route 132 at Phinney’s Lane. Explore designation as a Seasonal Community (State of Massachusetts) The Seasonal Communities designation was created as part of the Affordable Homes Act, signed into law by Governor Maura Healey on Aug. 6, 2024. The objective of the Seasonal Communities designation is to recognize Massachusetts communities that experience substantial variation in seasonal employment and to create distinctive tools to address their unique housing needs. This priority involves reviewing the criteria to become a designated Seasonal Community as well as corresponding efforts including a new zoning ordinance in order to become eligible for this designation. This item shall be reviewed by Town Council prior to coming to this committee. Explore amendments to the Town’s recreational and medical marijuana ordinance (Town Council) 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. Accessory Affordable Apartment (AAP) ordinance (Zoning Board of Appeals) Review the Accessory Affordable Apartment (AAP) ordinance to incentivize the program which requires affordable restriction limiting tenant/household income and rent in support of affordable housing. Review definitions defined within the Town’s zoning districts (Planning & Development) 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. Review of all of the Town’s zoning districts for modernization of uses (Town Council) 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.). Further refine the Town’s Land Use Control for Flow Neutral Wastewater Management (Town Council) 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.