Yarmouth Planning Board Backs Historic Demolitions and State Housing Amendments

The Yarmouth Planning Board on October 14 approved a substantial modification at 86 Pleasant Street and cleared demolition of 19 Spring Street after a 30-day appeal period. The board also recommended zoning amendments for state-mandated affordable housing height bonuses and accessory dwelling unit rules, with one change to limit the height bonus to the 51 percent affordable program.

Key points

• The board voted 7-0 to waive the demolition delay and allow roof, window, door and side porch changes at 86 Pleasant Street, a contributing building in the Pleasant Street Historic District, with an erosion control condition.
• The board voted 7-0 that 19 Spring Street is not a building of value, allowing demolition after a 30-day appeal period; neighbors Carl Aiken and David Klein spoke in support, and the Historic Preservation Committee had recommended reclassifying it as non-contributing.
• On the affordable housing height bonus, the board recommended applying the 14-foot bonus only to state-mandated affordable housing developments (51 percent affordable), not the town's voluntary 10 percent incentive program, after members raised concern the bonus could undercut the higher threshold.
• The board voted 7-0 to recommend amendments incorporating state law on accessory dwelling units, including eliminating minor site plan review for ADUs while keeping it for a third or fourth unit on a lot.
• Member George Rizcala and others said the state law changes are complex and the public may be surprised; staff said the town has held information sessions and will keep explaining the rules as projects come in.
• Staff noted the November meeting is moved to November 18 and will include parking lot improvements for the new Rosemont at 108 Main Street.

Next steps

• The affordable housing and ADU amendments go to the Town Council, possibly in December, with staff aiming to package the LD 2173 items together.
• Staff will continue work on the residential density zoning package tied to LD 1829 and present it to the board.
• The board will take up the Sea Meadow Marine Foundation shoreland zoning permit and major site plan at its October 28 meeting.

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