Zoning and Land Use Planning

Westport Village Zoning

The Town of Westport is exploring village commercial and mixed-use zoning in four key areas throughout town - Adamsville, Central Village, Head of Westport, and the Marina District.

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Project Background

The Town of Westport and SRPEDD will be examining four areas - Head of Westport, Adamsville, Central Village, and the Marina District - that have historically developed as village centers, but have been rendered non-conforming according to modern-day zoning laws.

Through a publicly-driven process, the project team will work to craft new zoning that will help bring existing uses in these four areas into conformance, while also offering new sustainable development opportunities for small businesses and mixed-use.

About the Villages

Background

The "village zoning" concept was introduced in the 2004 Westport Master Plan to "encourage new development of similar density and character, as is the tradition in each of the villages." This idea was carried through to the 2016 update, which added additional considerations to encourage "traffic calming measures that would support pedestrian-friendly villages." Furthermore, the 2021 Master Plan update recommended "guid[ing] Westport's future economic and physical development by new zoning by-laws."

A map of Westport, MA depicting Central Village.

An aerial view of Central Village in Westport, MA, showing several commercial shops and Town Hall.

A restaurant/shop in Central Village, Westport, MA.

A restaurant in Central Village, Westport, MA featuring outdoor dining.

Central Village

Central Village's key location at the intersection of Main Road and Adamsville Road provides opportunities for businesses to capture visitors who might pass through the area. The historic Lee's Market has been operating for over 75 years. Central Village is also home to several important Town facilities, including Town Hall and the Town Hall Annex.

Westport Head of Westport Aerial Shots (1) - July 2020-2

Westport Head of Westport Ground Shots - April 2026 (1)

Westport Head of Westport Ground Shots - April 2026 (3)

Westport Head of Westport Ground Shots - April 2026 (2)

A view of the Head of the Westport River.

Head of Westport

The Head of Westport area hosts many civic facilities/amenities, such as the Public Library, Westport's public school complex, the Historical Society, and the Council on Aging. The site's waterfront access provides opportunities for public parks and community gathering spaces.

A map of Westport, MA depicting the Adamsville Road.

Westport Adamsville Ground Shots - April 2026 (5)

Westport Adamsville Ground Shots - April 2026 (4)

Westport Adamsville Ground Shots - April 2026 (6)

Westport Adamsville Ground Shots - April 2026 (2)

Westport Adamsville Ground Shots - April 2026 (1)

Westport Adamsville Ground Shots - April 2026 (3)

Adamsville Road

The historic Gray’s Grist Mill property attracts visitors across the region looking for a quintessential New England experience. The area recently underwent a zoning revision allowing for food trucks, retail, and more. Further updates may allow for closer alignment with the adjacent Business zoning in Little Compton.

Westport Marina District - April 2026 (1)

Westport Marina District - April 2026 (5)

Westport Marina District - April 2026 (4)

Westport Marina District - April 2026 (8)

Westport Marina District - April 2026 (3)

Westport Marina District - April 2026 (2)

The Marina District

The Marina District encompasses The Point and businesses across the river on the Horseneck peninsula. This area serves as a vacation destination for New Englanders and beyond. Many businesses in this area cater to the seasonality of these summer visitors. Seasonal commercial businesses, marine services, and marine-related activities would likely thrive if allowed by-right.

Document Library

The following documents provide background for the Westport Village Zoning project.

Plans and Reports

Westport Housing Production Plan (2025)
Westport Zoning Bylaws (2025)
Westport & Dartmouth Route 6 Corridor Study (2022)
Westport Master Plan (2016)
Westport Master Plan Review/Update (2021)