I had the privilege of joining Governor Maura Healey on Tuesday as she signed into law the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act, a landmark piece of legislation poised to bring significant relief to communities across the state grappling with housing challenges. For Cape Cod, this new law is a timely and much-needed boost in our ongoing efforts to address the housing crisis that has long impacted our residents and businesses.
The Affordable Homes Act includes several key provisions that hold particular promise for Cape Cod. I want to highlight two elements that stand out and are expected to make a substantial
difference in our local housing landscape: the disallowing of most zoning restrictions on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in residential areas, and the new Seasonal Community Designation.
1. Seasonal Community Designation
One of the most impactful components of the Affordable Homes Act is the introduction of the Seasonal Community Designation. For Cape Cod, where seasonal tourism plays a major role in our economy, this designation will provide vital tools and dedicated funding resources to balance the needs of permanent residents and seasonal visitors. It will enable us to implement housing strategies that reflect the unique dynamics of our community while alleviating infrastructure strain and environmental impacts.
Second homes comprise 37% of the housing stock on Cape Cod. This fact alone makes creating attainable housing for year-round residents a tremendous challenge. The Chamber has worked closely with Sen. Julian Cyr and housing advocates from Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard to inform state policy makers of the specific housing challenges we face in our region. The Seasonal Community Designation is a product of these efforts and will help us make sure the people who make the Cape & Islands such a special place can afford to live here. We still have a lot of work to do to make sure that all Cape communities are included as this new designation takes shape.
2. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by-Right
Another critical component of the Affordable Homes Act is a section that prohibits bans or unreasonable restrictions on the use or construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This effectively makes ADUs allowed “by right” in any residential zone in the state – meaning that towns can no longer require a special permit or discretionary zoning approval to build an ADU.
This is a game-changer for Cape Cod. ADUs offer a flexible solution to our housing shortage by increasing the supply of available living space without requiring extensive new development. They provide attainable housing options for a range of residents, including young professionals, elderly family members, and seasonal workers. ADUs can also help homeowners generate additional income, which is particularly valuable in a high-cost housing market like ours.
This provision also addresses the unique characteristics of our region, which has very little developable land remaining for new housing construction. Many properties are already well-suited for the addition of an ADU, and the units can fit seamlessly into the existing character and feel of a neighborhood. By streamlining ADU zoning, we will encourage more homeowners to consider ADUs, thus expanding our housing stock and easing some of the pressure on the local rental and home sales market.
Looking Ahead
The Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act represents a significant step forward in tackling the housing crisis that has long affected Cape Cod. By embracing the opportunities presented by ADUs and the Seasonal Community Designation, we have a chance to make meaningful progress in providing attainable housing options and addressing the challenges faced by our residents.
The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce is committed to working with our businesses, property managers, and community members to ensure that the benefits of this new law are fully realized. Together, we can leverage these changes to create a more inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable Cape Cod.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we navigate these important developments. Let’s seize this opportunity to address our housing needs and strengthen our community for the future.
Photo Credit: Josh Qualls, Office of Governor Maura Healey