The meeting opened with a notable decision regarding the property on Center Street, Yarmouth Port, owned by John and Barbara Hannon. The board addressed a request to modify decision 45509, initially allowing only family-related accessory apartments on the property. In light of the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act, which expands the permissible uses of accessory dwellings to include market-rate rentals irrespective of familial relationships, the board approved the removal of the prior restriction. This decision, led by Chairman Sean Igoe, was unanimously passed after clarifying a minor date discrepancy in the original memorandum, allowing the Hannons to proceed with a new housing configuration. This move aligns with state legislative changes aimed at increasing housing flexibility and supply.

In a separate agenda item, the board deliberated on petition 5202 by Lewis Bay Management LLC for a property in West Yarmouth. The applicant sought permission to extend a pre-existing non-conforming structure with a 380-square-foot addition. The board concluded that the proposal was reasonable, given that the addition would maintain or improve the existing non-conformity concerning setback regulations. With no public opposition and all compliance aspects verified, the board granted a special permit for the construction, highlighting the challenges posed by corner lots with dual frontages.

Moreover, petition 5203 brought forth a municipal project for a seasonal PAS treatment system installation on Forest Road. The proposal, which involved updating the water filtration system at a longstanding municipal water supply site, was presented by town representatives and consultants. The board’s approval facilitated necessary upgrades to ensure compliance with EPA standards. The decision came after a review of the project’s compliance with zoning and environmental regulations, and the absence of public opposition reinforced the board’s support.

The meeting also involved A discussion about a variance for constructing a pool on Webster Road. The board encountered divided opinions from residents, with some expressing concerns over noise and neighborhood character, while others supported the pool as a beneficial addition. The petitioners faced opposition from neighbors who cited parking issues and potential disruptions from short-term rentals. The board ultimately did not grant the variance, as members felt the property did not meet the necessary conditions for such an exception.

Additionally, the board was tasked with reviewing a proposal from the Kingsway Condominium Trust to sell land currently under an open space restriction to the town for conservation purposes. This complex transaction involved historical considerations and the necessity of aligning with the town’s conservation goals. While some members expressed concerns about the purchase price and the clarity of the transaction presented to voters, the board largely supported the sale, conditioned on the land remaining conserved.