Harwich ZBA Approves Two Residential Additions, Debates Seasonal Building Ban

HARWICH — January 28, 2026 — Harwich Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved two residential addition permits and debated easing its seasonal construction ban at its January 28 meeting. Chair Brian Sullivan led a five-member board in granting a special permit to David and Linda Sulcen for a 241-square-foot addition at 62 Sugar Hill Drive that will push site coverage to 27.4 percent, just over the 25 percent maximum, while meeting all setback requirements. The board also approved an administrative modification shrinking a previously approved addition at 32 Bellbrook Lane for owners William and Christine Bert, after builder Benjamin Dill of Outermost Building and Renovation appeared in place of the project's designer. Member Kenneth Dixon challenged the board's longstanding condition barring exterior construction between Memorial Day and Labor Day, calling it inequitable because it binds only applicants who require board approval while conforming projects proceed unrestricted, and several members agreed it should be applied as an exception rather than the default. Member Alexander Donahue reported the town's zoning bylaw review committee has agreed on a revised accessory dwelling unit rule allowing by-right ADUs up to 1,000 square feet with rentals of no fewer than 31 days, with a Planning Board public hearing targeted for March 26.