Planning Services

Swansea Mixed-Use Zoning

Welcome to the Swansea Mixed-Use Zoning Bylaw Update Page! Please explore the following data, maps, graphics, and background information to learn more about this project.

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).

Where will the overlay districts be?

The Mixed-Use Overlay Districts will be generally located on Main Street, Route 103, and Route 6. The exact zoning boundaries will be determined throughout the process of drafting this bylaw and incorporating the feedback recieved via public process.

Main Street Accessory Commercial

This area includes the general location of the Town hall, library, and other civic amenities. Low-intensity development here will look like msall retail stores like a neighborhood general store, home bakery, or a doctor's office attached to a home.

Route 103 Mixed-Use

Focused on creating a village-style center for the Ocean Grove neighborhood, this area will see neighborhood-scale mixed-use buildings such as three-story apartments with a cafe on the first floor.

Route 6/118 Mixed-Use

This subdistrict is well-positioned for larger mixed-use redevelopment, adaptive reuse of existing but underutilized structures, shared parking solutions, and alternate transportation options. Larger commercial apartment complexes and event spaces like a brewery can help to create a destination for visitors and residents.

We will be amending and updating the Swansea Zoning Bylaw to allow for mixed-use development in these areas in town. These developments might include buildings with first floor commercial use and above floors housing, or a small commercial general store in an otherwise residential neighborhood. These amendments will be voted on during the Annual Town Meeting.