Town Growth
Since 2016, Residential Growth has accelerated 64% *
*current three year growth average compared to previous 9 year average (2007-2018 Growth Data)
After rezoning, annual Residential Growth has averaged 76% above the estimated growth rate
2016 – 2018 Residential Unit Growth
Town Area | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 3 Year Average |
Rural District | 22 | 18 | 21 | 20 |
Growth District | 80 | 64 | 59 | 68 |
TOTAL UNITS | 102 | 82 | 80 | 88 |
% Above Estimated Growth Rate | 104% | 64% | 60% | 76% |
From 2007-2015, a nine year period before the rezoning, the average annual Residential Unit Growth was only 54 new housing units
Town Growth Caps
The Town of Falmouth has Residential Growth Caps that must be reviewed every three years “to ensure that the annual maximum growth rate has not become inconsistent with the Town’s capital improvement capability to establish or enlarge needed public facilities and services…”
The 2016 Growth Caps doubled in 2017. In addition, Elderly and Affordable Housing, Conservation Subdivisions and Contract Zones are exempted from Town Growth Caps.
Between 2007-2015 Exemptions averaged 11 units/year. During the past three years, the average has exploded 172% to 30 units/year.
Exempted housing units potentially impact town services like any other housing unit
Town Wide Annual Unit Caps
Structure Type | 2016 Cap | 2017 and beyond Cap |
Single Family, Two Family & Manufactured Units | 33 | 65 |
Multi-Family Units (6 unit max per development) | 12 | 24 |
Accessory Dwelling Units | 10 | 20 |
Affordable Housing Units * | (unlimited) | (unlimited) |
Elderly Housing Units * | (unlimited) | (unlimited) |
Conservation Subdivision Units (RCOD) * | (unlimited) | (unlimited) |
Contract Zones * | (unlimited) | (unlimited) |
“TOTAL UNIT CAPS” | 55 | 109 |
* Exemptions |
Growth Cap information from – “TOWN OF FALMOUTH ORDINANCE NO 10-2017” document
Falmouth’s Residential Growth Caps (excluding Exemptions) are 118% HIGHER than the Town’s own growth estimate
Exemptions accounted for 44% of all new housing units in 2016. The 3 year average is 34%.
What You Can Do
There are three ways to tell the Falmouth Town Council that you want to repeal the 2016 zoning changes:
Send the Town Council an email
Attend LPAC and Town Council meetings and share your thoughts
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