A.
The purpose of this Article XIV, Residential Subdivision Growth Rate Limit, is to ensure that the rate of development does not exceed the Town's ability to provide at least the current level of municipal services (e.g., schools, fire and police protection, an adequate supply and distribution of clean drinking water, roadways, solid waste disposal, etc.) and maintain at least the current ratio of protected open space area per year-round resident. The Town's 1993 Comprehensive Plan and 1999 Revised Comprehensive Plan Draft and supporting documents indicate the consequences of unchecked growth and recommend provision of adequate capital facilities and municipal services to meet the demands of current and future residents. These objectives are best accomplished by restraining the rate of residential growth to an annual level at which the Town can achieve its open space preservation goals and provide adequate municipal facilities and services within the constraints imposed by "Proposition 2 1/2," so called. Environmental constraints require that open land be developed at a minimum density of one dwelling per acre. Careful evaluation of this rate of land consumption has indicated that the costs associated with population growth would prevent the Town from providing adequate facilities and services and/or work against the Town's effort to protect sufficient open space and water supplies due to increased competition for limited funding. In addition, this article is intended to further the legitimate commonwealth and local interests in the provision of a fair share of housing that is affordable to persons of low and moderate income.
B.
The intent of this Article XIV, Residential Subdivision Growth Rate Limit, is to limit residential subdivision development within the Town of Harwich to no more than 50 building permits per year, as further defined herein. No person or persons as defined in § 325-87 may be granted more than 10% of this total, as described herein.