Yarmouth Planning Board
Reviews subdivisions, special permits, and long-range land use planning for the Town of Yarmouth. One of the most consequential local bodies as Yarmouth manages sewer-enabled development along Route 28.
Current Members (2025–2026)
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Joanne Crowley | Chair |
| Will Rubenstein | Vice Chair |
| Ken Smith | Clerk |
| Susan Brita | Member |
| Peter Slovak | Member |
| Deirdre Gaquin | Member |
| Tom Pendleton | Member |
Members appointed by the Select Board. 3-year terms. Source: yarmouth.ma.us
What the Planning Board Does
Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 41, §81A–81GG and Town Code Chapters 37 and 171, the Planning Board has quasi-judicial and planning responsibilities including:
Reviews and approves subdivision plans — any division of land into 2 or more lots requiring a new road must receive Planning Board approval.
Grants special permits for uses that require Planning Board review under the Zoning Bylaw — including large developments and certain commercial uses.
Develops and updates the town’s Local Comprehensive Plan — the long-range vision for land use, housing, transportation, and economic development.
Recommends zoning bylaw changes that go to Town Meeting. Any major change to what can be built where requires Planning Board review and recommendation.
Active Applications & Issues (2025–2026)
The Planning Board is actively reviewing development and redevelopment proposals along the Route 28 corridor as Yarmouth works to transform the highway commercial strip into a more walkable, mixed-use corridor. The $207M sewer expansion is now unlocking development projects that were previously constrained by lack of sewerage — a historic shift in the town’s development landscape. The Board is managing a surge of applications.
Like all Cape Cod towns under 10% affordable housing stock, Yarmouth faces periodic Chapter 40B (“comprehensive permit”) applications that can override local zoning. The Planning Board’s Local Comprehensive Plan and affordable housing strategy directly affect the town’s ability to manage these projects. The Board is also reviewing the Comprehensive Plan Update.
Yarmouth is updating its Local Comprehensive Plan, which guides land use, housing, transportation, and economic development decisions for the next decade. The Planning Board is leading this process with public input sessions. Plan Update →
📋 Zoning Bylaws & Regulations
Access Yarmouth’s Zoning Bylaw, Subdivision Rules, and Master Plan documents.
📜 Town Bylaws & Zoning →📅 Meetings, Agendas & How to Appear
The Planning Board typically meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday or Monday at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall Hearing Room, 1146 Route 28, South Yarmouth. There is also a 2nd Wednesday workshop session. All meetings are open to the public. Applicants wishing to appear must file an application with the Planning Department in advance.
How to Participate
Public hearings are required for subdivisions and special permits. Applications must be filed with the Planning Department. The Board must advertise hearings 14 days in advance. Decisions must be made within 90 days of the hearing’s close or the permit is deemed granted.
The public may speak on any application during the public hearing period. Sign up at the door. All meetings are broadcast and recorded. Written comments may be submitted to the Planning Department before the meeting.
Yarmouth’s Master Plan — the blueprint for long-term growth — is maintained by the Planning Board.