Marking the second time this year that a state court has recognized protective land use regulations in the town of Edgartown, the Massachusetts appeals court early this month upheld a local board of health regulation which prohibits guest houses in the Katama area.
The regulation, first adopted by the town board of health in 1985, was rooted in concern about contamination of the groundwater at Katama. The case is important because it upholds the broad powers of town boards of health.
Edgartown residents debated 10 possible new zoning bylaws in a public hearing Tuesday, all intended to preserve the town’s year-round housing stock, encourage higher-density building and protect the Island’s fragile natural resources.
More than 100 people joined a virtual public hearing Wednesday evening to review proposed zoning bylaw changes in Oak Bluffs, including five new overlay districts allowing potential business uses in residential neighborhoods.
Chilmark officials, farmers and residents continued to debate potential revisions to town agricultural zoning bylaws at a planning board meeting this week. The changes would allow farms to host agricultural-related events.
At a zoning board of appeals meeting Wednesday, several residents voiced their opposition to the nonprofit’s plan to open a shelter at 21 Hudson avenue.
The planning board is pondering the expansion of commercial zones, residential zone restrictions, accessory dwelling requirements and regulations on short-term rental properties, among other changes.
