Falmouth planning board to hold public hearing on duplexes in residential zones, excluding agricultural land

The Falmouth Planning Board voted July 7 to advertise a zoning article for public hearing that would allow duplexes across the town's residential districts but exclude agricultural zones and require a planning-board special permit.

Chair John Druelly framed the discussion in the context of the town's housing pressures and read local housing data from regional sources: "In 2024, the median sale price was $792,250. In 2025, that increased to $849,900," figures he cited while making the case for exploring duplexes as one tool to expand homeownership opportunities.

Board members expressed wide-ranging views. Supporters said duplexes could help younger families buy homes; critics warned that simply increasing supply does not guarantee affordability and urged limiting changes to avoid converting agricultural land or causing unanticipated market shifts. Several board members pushed for a special-permit pathway and for excluding agricultural districts; one member called for staff to provide parcel counts and the number of vacant lots by zone before the public hearing.

The board's motion (approved for advertisement) directs staff to draft article language that: (a) allows duplexes in residential zoning districts only, (b) excludes agricultural zoning districts from the change, and (c) makes the planning board the permitting authority for duplex special permits. Staff will advertise the public hearing and supply additional data to the board before the hearing.

Next steps: staff to prepare zoning language and a public notice; a public hearing will be scheduled (advertised in the paper twice) ahead of a fall town meeting decision.