Falmouth Zoning Board grants 40B comprehensive permit for West Falmouth Estates, cuts project to 16 units

The Town of Falmouth Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to grant a Chapter 40B comprehensive permit for West Falmouth Estates at 19 North Falmouth Highway.

The board’s decision, read and finalized at the meeting, approves a revised plan for 16 three‑bedroom homeownership dwellings — a reduction from the applicant’s original 20‑unit submission — with four units set aside as affordable in perpetuity for households at or below 80% of area median income (AMI). The vote followed extensive staff and peer review and a lengthy reading of findings and conditions.

Why it matters: The permit places four units on the town’s Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) and resolves a disputed application under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B and 760 CMR 56. The board attached multiple site‑specific conditions and waivers intended to address stormwater, wastewater, road layout and safety, and long‑term maintenance obligations.

Key findings and conditions: The board’s written decision cites the SHI report showing Falmouth at about 8.13% affordable housing prior to the filing. The site comprises roughly 4.27 acres at 19 North Falmouth Highway. The board approved a master…