Harwich Planning Board Rejects Petition to Ban Multifamily Housing in Rural Zones

HARWICH — April 14, 2026 — Harwich Planning Board unanimously rejected a citizen petition to ban multifamily housing in rural and low-density residential districts at its April 14 meeting. The board voted 5-0 against adopting Article 56, a petition led by Robert Hundredmark of 36 Pine Grove Road that had drawn a 4-1 endorsement from the Select Board at its March 16 hearing; Zoning Board of Appeals member Brian Solvin argued in opposition that a blanket prohibition would reduce housing supply and increase Chapter 40B comprehensive permit applications, telling the board, "If they can't do a multifamily development, they will petition the state and will go forward with 40Bs." The board voted unanimously to endorse three separate zoning housekeeping articles for annual town meeting, including Article 55, which would cap new multifamily special permit building height at 30 feet and two and a half stories — down from 40 feet and three and a half — in all residential districts. Two accessory dwelling unit language updates were voted 4-1 to be postponed indefinitely after the Select Board declined to endorse them over confusing draft language, though Town Planner Christine Flynn confirmed property owners may still apply for ADUs up to 1,000 square feet as a matter of right. Flynn also announced that the Harwich Open Space and Recreation Plan was formally adopted by the state on April 1.