Yarmouth Planning Board reviews state housing density mandates

The Yarmouth Planning Board held a workshop on September 23, 2026 on proposed amendments to Chapter 701 to comply with state law LD 1829 and LD 2173, which require minimum residential densities in growth areas and areas served by public water and sewer. Planning Director Erin Zwerko presented concepts including lot sizes, setbacks, frontage, and impervious coverage standards, and asked the board for feedback before formal amendments are drafted. The board elected Denise Cameron as temporary chair, approved the September 9 minutes, and adjourned without taking action on the amendments.

Key points

• Denise Cameron was elected temporary chair by roll call vote, with all present members approving; Matt Schumacher was absent.
• The board approved the September 9, 2026 meeting minutes by roll call vote.
• Planning Director Erin Zwerko said state law requires at least three dwelling units per residential lot, four units in growth areas and where public water and sewer serve the lot, and four units on 5,000 square feet in the growth area.
• Staff proposed a cumulative side setback of 15 feet in the growth area, with no side less than seven feet, and recommended a 60 percent impervious coverage standard on small growth-area lots, higher than the roughly 40 percent suggested during spring public workshops.
• Board members gave feedback supporting the 60 percent impervious coverage figure and a permeable paver credit, and generally favored decoupling the multifamily density discussion from the mandated amendments.
• A member of the public, Ed, attempted to comment remotely but could not be heard due to audio problems and later left the meeting.

Next steps

• Staff will prepare formal amendments for submittal to the Planning Board, possibly for the late October or November meeting, with at least one workshop before the end of the year.
• The affordable housing development and accessory dwelling unit amendments will go to a public hearing on October 14, 2026.
• The board asked staff to provide visual examples comparing 40 percent and 60 percent impervious coverage.
• The Planning Board will meet next on October 14, and its only November meeting will be November 18.

Read the full transcript