Under Article 58, Harwich homeowners would no longer be required to obtain a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals to finish their basements. Town Planner Christine Flynn explained that the current bylaw requires a special permit for such work, but the proposed amendment to Section 325-20 would eliminate that hurdle, bringing Harwich into alignment with the state building code and Mass General Law.

It's always good to get in alignment with the state, right? Dina Lane of the Harwich Channel remarked during the discussion. Town Administrator James McGrail noted that the proposal has the unanimous backing of the Select Board, Finance Committee, and Planning Board. Like other zoning articles on the warrant, this measure must achieve a two-thirds majority at Town Meeting and undergo a 90-day review by the Attorney General if approved.