Proposal to allow duplexes by right and remove 18‑unit cap draws developer support
Summary
Easthampton presenters recommended permitting duplex construction and conversions by right across residential zones and eliminating a numeric 18‑unit cap on multifamily buildings; developers said the cap can create inefficiencies and limit eligibility for tax credit financing.
The partnership recommended allowing duplexes by right in all residential zones and removing the existing 18‑unit cap on multifamily structures to permit more flexible, denser building forms. Presenters argued other zoning controls (setbacks, height limits, and floor‑area maximums) provide appropriate constraints without an arbitrary cap.
Developer participants supported removing the cap, saying small numeric limits can make projects cost‑inefficient and complicate financing. As one developer explained, the cap can force a project into multiple buildings or constrain elevator and tax‑credit calculations: "the 18 units is too small. You just need more in order to be cost effective," a participant said. Committee members asked staff to consider related parcel‑level rules (number of buildings per parcel) and how green‑space and stormwater requirements actually constrain density in practice.
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