Yarmouth’s eligibility for $2 million in annual state capital investment funds may depend on adopting a new "Seasonal Community" designation, a move that would also introduce "attainable housing" price caps for residents earning up to 250% of the Area Median Income. Town Planner Kathy Williams reported that while the designation offers "one-stop" grant advantages, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is still clarifying whether the town could legally prohibit movable tiny houses under the plan. Williams noted that the actual definition doesn't specify if undersized lot protections apply only to existing parcels or future ones, potentially creating a legal gray area for local zoning enforcement.

Susan Brita raised skepticism regarding the state's definition of local control over tiny homes. Typically when you say 'regulate,' it means you can put provisions on it... it typically doesn't mean you can regulate something out of existence, Brita said, questioning state claims that Yarmouth could still ban the structures. Chair Joanne Crowley focused on the enforcement challenges of year-round residency requirements for such units, noting that you'd have to live in an RV 10 months out of the year on Cape Cod to qualify for the residence standard. While no formal vote was taken, the board is awaiting written confirmation from the state regarding the town’s ability to restrict trailers and campers as permanent dwellings.

The board also received a progress report on the Mid-Cape Cultural Center (MUCK) proposed for the former Mattacheese site. Williams confirmed the town is utilizing a $200,000 Mass Development grant to fund engineering due diligence and a comprehensive market analysis. One is doing engineering due diligence—wetlands, surveying, and a traffic study. The other is doing a full market analysis on the demand for a sports complex and looking at financials, incentives, and grants, Williams explained. The financial phase is expected to take 12 to 18 months. Brita emphasized the importance of the upcoming data, stating, I would assume a final decision won't be made until you get the financial analysis. That will be a huge piece of it.

Progress on the Village Center Overlay District (VCOD) zoning amendment was framed as the first step in a multi-year effort to modernize Route 28. Planners acknowledged that 15-foot front yard setbacks no longer fit the reality of the corridor following significant property takings by MassDOT. Crowley expressed wariness over a potential "sunset clause" for the new zoning, remarking, I find those unmanageable because you can always change it later. The board intends to present the amendment at Town Meeting as an initial phase to support developers currently facing non-conformity issues.

A planned public hearing for Becker's Package Store at 49 and 55 Route 28 was postponed after recent winter weather disrupted the applicant’s schedule. The proposed expansion includes 4,139 square feet of first-floor space and two residential apartments. Motion Made by [unidentified member] to continue the public hearing for Becker's Package Store to April 1, 2026. The motion was seconded by P. Slovak. Motion Passed (Unanimous). Williams noted that the April 1 meeting will also include a site plan review for 703 Route 28.

In committee updates, Ken Smith reported that the Capital Budget Committee’s presentation was officially accepted by the Select Board and will be included in the upcoming town warrant. Tom Pendleton provided an update on the Library Building Committee’s recent meeting with the Finance Committee, noting they faced some really good tough questions, which I thought were fair. Pendleton also encouraged the community to listen to a new podcast detailing the consolidated library design. Vice Chair Will Rubenstein, participating remotely, requested that members please move your mic closer to ensure the deliberations were audible for the public watching via remote access.

Finally, the board addressed correspondence from resident Richard Gallagher regarding the recently approved boat storage zoning amendment. Crowley read a formal response that acknowledged Gallagher's feedback without further debate. Brita supported the brief correspondence, noting the board’s desire to move past the long-contested issue, stating, We just want it done.