Incorporated in 1639, Yarmouth is one of Cape Cod’s oldest and most diverse communities. Stretching from the calm waters of Cape Cod Bay to the warmer shores of Nantucket Sound, the town is home to four distinct villages, a vibrant mix of year-round residents and seasonal visitors, and a local government that directly shapes property taxes, schools, public safety, and coastal infrastructure.
Route 28 — Yarmouth’s Commercial Corridor
Route 28 runs through the heart of Yarmouth, connecting the town’s villages and serving as its primary commercial artery. Stretching from the Dennis line to the Barnstable border, the corridor is lined with restaurants, shops, motels, and family attractions. Revitalization of Route 28 has been one of Yarmouth’s top civic priorities, with ongoing efforts to improve walkability, aesthetics, and economic vitality along this iconic Cape Cod roadway.
Parks, Beaches & Attractions
South Yarmouth’s popular Nantucket Sound beach with calm waters, a playground, and stunning sunset views across Bass River.
A Yarmouth Port gem featuring a long boardwalk over salt marshes, tidal flats for exploring, and panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay.
Historic site on the Bass River where packet ships once departed for Nantucket. Now a peaceful waterfront park with kayak access.
Museum dedicated to the beloved illustrator and author, housed in his former Yarmouth Port home at 8 Strawberry Lane.
Non-Emergency: (508) 775-0445
340 Higgins Crowell Rd, West Yarmouth
Non-Emergency: (508) 398-2212
340 Higgins Crowell Rd, West Yarmouth
Cape Cod Hospital: (508) 771-1800
27 Park St, Hyannis (nearest hospital)
Yarmouth is governed by a five-member Select Board and a Town Administrator, with an Open Town Meeting as the ultimate legislative authority. In recent years the town has been at the center of some of the most consequential — and contentious — local issues on Cape Cod, from a $207 million sewer expansion to a fatal construction accident and high-profile public-safety incidents.
Boards, committees, and commissions in Yarmouth — with member rosters, meeting schedules, active issues, bylaws, and meeting videos.
Fatal Trench Collapse During Sewer Construction — November 18, 2025
A trench wall collapsed during sewer-line excavation on South Shore Drive, near the Skipper Restaurant. One worker (age 61) was killed; two others were injured. The contractor had an active legal dispute with the town at the time of the incident.
Aftermath: OSHA and state investigators opened formal investigations. The incident raised urgent questions about contractor vetting, town oversight of infrastructure contracts, and construction-site safety standards.
Why it matters: Yarmouth is spending hundreds of millions of dollars on multi-year construction projects across populated areas. Oversight of contractor safety records and compliance is a direct public-safety obligation.
$207 Million Sewer Expansion — Phase 1
In April 2023, Yarmouth voters approved a $207 million Phase 1 sewer expansion — one of the largest infrastructure investments in the town's history. The project aims to replace septic systems, reduce nitrogen pollution, and protect Bass River, Parkers River, Lewis Bay, and the drinking-water aquifer.
Construction is underway along Route 28, South Shore Drive, and other corridors (2024–2025). The project is dependent on state funding that came under threat in early 2024 due to permitting restrictions.
Resident impact: Homeowners in affected areas face betterment assessments, connection fees, and long-term sewer bills. The project also controls future development capacity across large portions of town.
$7.5M Sewage Pump Upgrade — Approved November 2025
After the main sewer pump system was overloaded in 2024, Yarmouth voters approved a $7.5 million bond in November 2025 to upgrade the failing infrastructure. A development moratorium was imposed on portions of town relying on the overloaded system while the upgrade is planned.
Why it matters: The pump failure exposed a gap between the scale of the sewer expansion plan and the capacity of existing infrastructure to support it. It also raises questions about whether the town's development pipeline can be sustained during the upgrade period.
State Funding Threat to Sewer Project — 2024
In early 2024, town officials warned that state-level permitting restrictions could jeopardize the voter-approved sewer project. State rules on discharge-site funding and potential elimination of grant programs put the project timeline and financing at risk. Town officials sought legislative relief.
Drug-Related Arrests & Hotel Safety Concerns — 2025
Multiple high-profile drug-trafficking arrests in 2025 — at hotels and residential buildings in South and West Yarmouth — highlighted ongoing concerns about hotel oversight, neighborhood safety, and community policing.
- June 2025: South Yarmouth apartment search yielded fentanyl, cocaine, cash, and an illegal firearm.
- January 2025: West Yarmouth hotel check led to arrests on drug possession and outstanding warrants.
Historic Inn Fire & Arson Arrests — 2025
A fire destroyed Anthony's Cummaquid Inn, a long-standing local landmark. The subsequent investigation led to two arrests on arson charges. The loss raised community concerns about building-safety enforcement, historic preservation, and the impact on local tourism.
Home to the Select Board, Town Clerk, Assessors, Building Dept & more.
Meeting Agendas & Minutes
Select Board, Planning, Finance — official agendas before each meeting
Town Meeting Information
Warrant articles, schedules, and how to participate in Yarmouth Town Meeting
Voter Registration & Elections
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MA Secretary of State — Elections
Official state election information, candidate filings, and campaign finance records
MA Legislature — Bill Tracker
Search bills filed by your state representative and senator on Beacon Hill