HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR - 2027-007 Zoning Amendment1
Town of Barnstable
Planning and Development Department
Staff Report
Proposed Zoning Amendment
Building Height Definition Revision
Town Council Item No. 2027-007
Date: August 4, 2026
To: Planning Board Members
From: Jim Kupfer, AICP, Director of Planning and Development
Kyle Pedicini, Assistant Director of Planning and Development
A proposal to amend the Town of Barnstable Zoning, Chapter 240, by revising the definition of building
height for the Downtown Hyannis zoning districts and create building height standards for the Downtown
Neighborhood zoning district, has been submitted by the Town Council President. The proposed zoning
amendment has completed a first read at Town Council and subsequently has been forwarded to the
Planning Board for review.
The Planning Board must forward an advisory report with recommendations on the proposed amendment
back to the Town Council within 21 days after close of the Board’s hearing.
The proposed zoning amendments were identified during the recent Downtown Hyannis zoning
amendment process at both the Planning Board and Town Council. The Town Council Zoning & Regulatory
Subcommittee reviewed and refined the following amendments. The Committee has recommended
establishing a consistent definition for the measurement by which building height is calculated across all of
the Downtown Hyannis zoning districts.
Additionally, the Committee has recommended revising building height restrictions specifically within the
Downtown Neighborhood zoning district by reducing the maximum building stories from 3 stories to 2 and
a half stories and by establishing a maximum building height of 40 feet.
The proposed changes establish a consistent definition for building height applicable to all of the
Downtown Hyannis zoning districts and will reduce the maximum allowable building stories within the
Downtown Neighborhood zoning district to ensure development remains compatible with existing
structures and neighborhood character.
Procedural Information
Zoning amendments are processed in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 40A
Section 5. Notice of this public hearing was provided in accordance with all requirements of MGL 40A§5.
The Planning Board must forward an advisory report with recommendations on the proposed zoning
amendment to the Town Council within 21 days after close of the Board’s hearing. The recommendation
of the Planning Board requires a simple majority of the Planning Board members present and voting.
Approval of zoning amendments by the Town Council requires a super-majority (2/3) vote.