HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR - 2027-008 Zoning Amendment1
Town of Barnstable
Planning and Development Department
Staff Report
Proposed Zoning Amendment
Setback Requirements in Downtown Main Street and Downtown Village Zoning Districts
Town Council Item No. 2027-008
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 primary and secondary
front setback requirements in the Downtown Main Street and Downtown Village zoning districts, 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 by the Town Council Zoning & Regulatory Subcommittee
in response to recent developments in Downtown Hyannis with the intent of increasing building setbacks in
the Downtown Main Street and Downtown Village zoning districts.
The proposed changes will increase the primary and secondary front setback for buildings within the
Downtown Main Street and Downtown Village zoning districts. The proposed setbacks vary in relation to
the total number of building stories with an increased setback requirement for buildings with a greater
number of stories. Buildings that are less than or equal to two stories are proposed to provide a front
setback of 5 feet minimum and 10 feet maximum.
Buildings that are two or more stories are proposed to provide a front setback of 10 feet minimum and 15
feet maximum. The front setback, which includes the area between the building facade and the property
line, could be improved with one of the frontage types currently defined in the Downtown Hyannis zoning
such as a front garden or dining patio to improve the design connecting the building to the street.
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.