Falmouth Planning Board Advances Three Fall Town Meeting Zoning Articles Despite Duplex Dispute

FALMOUTH -- June 23, 2026, Falmouth Planning Board splits over proposal to allow duplexes by right across most of the town. The board spent the bulk of its June 23 meeting debating a draft zoning article that would permit two-family dwellings without site plan review in all agricultural and residential districts, a shift from the current rule allowing duplexes by right only in three general business zones. Board member Charlotte said she "would not support" the change without site plan review, calling it "tremendously irresponsible" given the scope, while Chair John Drewley backed the proposal, warning that "if we don't create the housing, it's going to get created for us anyway" through 40B comprehensive permit projects. Member Eric opposed extending the change to agricultural districts, arguing it would complicate long-range planning for sewer infrastructure and transit. The board agreed to bring all three proposed fall Town Meeting zoning articles, including the duplex proposal as written, back for a full board discussion at its July 7 meeting, with a public hearing advertisement deadline of July 8. The Community Preservation Committee separately voted $2.6 million for acquisition of 545 Main Street in partnership with Falmouth Housing Corporation and Affirmative Investments.