Zoning - Accessory Building Setbacks

The May 3rd Eastham Town Meeting will address the subject of lot-line setbacks for accessory buildings. Accessory buildings are non-living spaces that exist in separate structures from the main living structure. The prior regulation stated that accessory structures needed to be at least 8 feet from other structures and at least 12 feet from the side and back sidelines.

The new regulations, found in item #26 in the town warrant, state that accessory structures need to be 12 ft, or the height of the building, whichever is more, from the side & back sidelines. The new regulation also states that accessory structures need to be 30 ft from any street or way.

The rationale for the new regulation is to control structure density and minimize disturbance to abutters. Maybe true - but these regulations may actually prohibit construction of detached garages on the average 20K+ sqft building lot.