Supporting Cape Cod through the Seasonal Communities designation 

The newly formed Seasonal Communities Advisory Council held its inaugural meeting in early December. 

Established under the Affordable Homes Act, signed into law in August 2024, the Seasonal Communities designation recognizes Massachusetts communities with substantial seasonal variations in housing demand, visitor populations, and employment. The designation provides distinctive tools to address these unique housing needs. The law also created the Seasonal Communities Advisory Council to provide expertise on issues related to municipal government, the hospitality and tourism industries, housing law, and housing development and finance. The Council offers advice and recommendations on policies and programs tailored to the needs of seasonal communities. 

The Advisory Council includes a diverse range of members: a member of the Senate, a representative from the developer community, a licensed real estate agent, representatives from each regional planning agency, a licensed attorney, and a member of the lending and banking community who resides in a town with the Seasonal Communities designation. Cape Cod Commission Executive Director Kristy Senatori is among the Council’s members. 

Under the law, any municipality in Barnstable County with more than 35% seasonal housing units automatically qualifies for the Seasonal Communities designation. On Cape Cod, nine towns have been designated: Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Harwich, Orleans, Provincetown, Truro, and Wellfleet. 

The designation empowers municipalities to take specific actions, such as: 

• Acquiring “year-round housing” occupancy restrictions to promote stable, long-term residency. 

• Acquiring and developing housing with a preference for seasonal community public employees vital to maintaining a year-round community, such as teachers, public safety workers, and municipal employees. 

• Supporting year-round housing opportunities for individuals involved in artistic and literary activities. 

• Increasing property tax exemptions for homes used as an owner's primary residence. 

The Advisory Council plays a key role in supporting Seasonal Communities. Its responsibilities include advising on policies and programs to serve these communities' unique needs and consulting on the review process for additional towns seeking the designation. 

During its first meeting, held on December 12, 2024, the Council discussed bylaws and initial guidance to support information sharing about the Seasonal Communities statute, and determined a regular schedule for future meetings.