Seasonal Communities

Seasonal Communities Designation

Overview

Great Barrington has been identified by the Commonwealth as meeting the eligibility criteria for designation as a Seasonal Community under the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act. This designation recognizes communities that experience significant seasonal housing pressures and provides additional tools to help stabilize year-round housing, support the local workforce, and sustain vibrant, resilient communities.

The Seasonal Communities designation is optional and requires local acceptance by Town Meeting vote.

The purpose of this webpage is to provide residents, boards, and stakeholders with clear, accessible information about what the designation means, why Great Barrington is eligible, and what opportunities and considerations it may present.

Why Great Barrington Is Eligible

The Commonwealth evaluates eligibility for Seasonal Community designation using housing and seasonal-use metrics, including:

  • The percentage of housing units used for seasonal, recreational, or occasional use;

  • The prevalence of short-term rentals relative to total housing stock; and

  • Housing affordability pressures affecting year-round residents and the local workforce.

Based on these criteria, Great Barrington has been identified as meeting the threshold for eligibility.

Click here or the image below to view the official seasonal community designation notice, dated December 10, 2025

Seasonal Communities Designation Letter

What the Designation Could Enable

If accepted locally, the Seasonal Communities designation would provide Great Barrington with access to additional housing tools authorized by state law, which may include:

  • Year-round occupancy restrictions to help preserve housing for permanent residents;

  • Local or regional year-round housing trust funds dedicated to attainable and affordable housing;

  • Housing preferences for essential workers and artists, in compliance with fair housing laws;

  • Zoning flexibility for undersized lots and tiny homes intended for year-round occupancy;

  • Expanded residential tax exemption authority to support primary residences; and

  • Eligibility for seasonal communities grant funding to support planning, housing, or related infrastructure efforts.

Acceptance of the designation also carries responsibilities, including implementing certain zoning and housing provisions outlined in state regulations.

Local Review and Next Steps

The Town is in the early stages of reviewing the Seasonal Communities designation. An introductory discussion is scheduled for the January 26 Select Board meeting, where the designation, its implications, and potential next steps will be presented.

Additional meetings and opportunities for public discussion will be scheduled as the review process continues.

Regional and State Coordination

The Town Manager has been in active communication with local and state officials regarding the Seasonal Communities program and is encouraging broader engagement by Great Barrington and other Southern Berkshire communities. Many of the housing challenges associated with seasonality are regional in nature, and collaboration may enhance shared advocacy, planning, and implementation efforts.

Learn More

Links to relevant reports, meeting materials, and state guidance will be added and updated on this page as the review process moves forward.

Questions

Residents with questions about the Seasonal Communities designation are encouraged to contact the Town Manager’s Office or attend upcoming Select Board meetings where this topic will be discussed publicly.

This page will be updated as additional information becomes available.

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