Supporting Seasonal Communities

Cape Cod’s housing challenges are closely linked to its identity as a seasonal destination. Millions of visitors come to Cape Cod every year, driving our tourism economy while intensifying pressures on the year-round housing market. With a large portion of the region’s homes used seasonally or for short-term rentals, many workers, families, and essential public-sector employees struggle to find affordable, stable places to live.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts created the Seasonal Communities Act to address the unique housing needs on Cape Cod and in other seasonal communities across the state. It provides a set of tools to support year-round housing, preserve community stability, and help towns address long-standing housing shortages.

The Act offers several tools that align with strategies outlined in the Cape Cod Regional Housing Strategy, including enabling communities to secure year-round occupancy restrictions and create and administer regional year-round housing trusts.

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is working to finalize the regulations for implementing the Seasonal Communities Act. Cape Cod Commission staff recently submitted comments on the draft regulations, recommending clear alignment of the definitions of primary residence, greater specificity on how municipalities should approach zoning for undersized lots, and a more consistent minimum occupancy requirement that reflects the intent of year-round housing.

Commission staff also noted the need for greater clarity around the revocation of a community’s designation, including the treatment of deed restrictions and housing created for essential workers or artists. Further, staff suggested the state ensure the final regulations support long-term or even perpetual restrictions for community-supported year-round housing.

Commission staff suggest that allowing all Cape Cod towns to opt in to the Seasonal Communities designation would best support a coordinated, regional approach to addressing the region’s housing needs.

The Seasonal Communities Act represents an important new tool that could expand the year-round housing supply, support the region’s workforce, and strengthen Cape Cod’s long-term resilience. As the state finalizes regulations and communities consider applying for the designation, the Commission will continue to monitor developments and seek opportunities to support Cape Cod communities during implementation.