Welcome to the Swansea Zoning Bylaw Update Page
The Town of Swansea, with the assistance of Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), is creating a Mixed-Use Overlay District to promote growth and development around Route 6, Route 103 and Main Street, with specific development tailored to each subdistrict. Based on previous studies including the Route 103 Corridor Study, Route 6/118 Corridor Study and the Swansea Comprehensive Plan, residents have expressed an interest in encouraging village-style, mixed-use development. These new zoning overlay districts will allow more mixed-use, walkable areas that can bolster housing and economic development.
What is an Overlay District?
An overlay district applies an additional layer of standards to all areas under a fixed boundary regardless of the underlying zoning. These additional standards may allow by-right uses, such as mixed-use, that are otherwise prohibited based on the base zoning bylaw. Many towns will adopt overlay zoning to guide certain types of development in specific areas to fulfill community needs and desires. It gives communities more flexibility to regulate the use of land, buildings, and structures – for example, it determines where and what type of housing is allowed and what its dimensional requirements are (e.g. how tall it can be).
