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Cape Cod Commission reports progress on regional housing strategy; year-round housing incentive study under way
Summary
The Cape Cod Commission updated Barnstable County commissioners June 25 on work to implement the Regional Housing Strategy, including a year-round housing incentive study, a preapproved plans program to speed permitting and technical assistance to Sandwich to revise village-center zoning.
Kristi Sanatore, director of the Cape Cod Commission, and Erin Perry, assistant director, briefed the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners on June 25 about implementation steps for the Cape Cod Regional Housing Strategy.
The commission is conducting a year-round incentive program study with Outlet Studios to design tools to encourage year-round occupancy and housing, including possibilities such as deed-restricted year-round occupancy, tax incentives, rental-conversion programs and funding mechanisms. "They're conducting interviews and other research so that they can gain insight and information as to what incentives might be necessary," Sanatore said.
The commission is also developing a preapproved plans program intended to reduce permitting time and cost by offering plans already reviewed for local compliance. Sanatore said the preapproved plans are aimed particularly at smaller infill developments, accessory dwelling units and smaller developers to encourage redevelopment and limit pressure for greenfield development.
On state policy, the commission said it is participating on Affordable Homes Act advisory groups, including a seasonal communities working group and a year-round housing subcommittee. The transcript records the commission awaiting regulatory guidance from "EOHLC" in the fall and coordinating its year-round incentive work with that state-level guidance.
Sanatore said the commission is providing technical assistance to the town of Sandwich through Development of Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) funds to help draft zoning changes for Sandwich Village Center that could incorporate the commission's preapproved plans work.
Commissioners asked questions about funding sources and conservation implications. The commission said the study will recommend funding approaches but that specific local adoption and funding decisions will vary by community. No formal board action was taken on the update; commissioners received the briefing and asked staff to continue outreach to towns.
