Housing Initiatives, Programs, and Zoning
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Orleans Rental Assistance Program
With rental assistance, approved households or individuals will receive monthly rent support to lower the amount of rent they are paying to no more than 30% of their income (up to $350/month) paired with a requirement to work with Housing Assistance staff on long-term financial planning and empowerment. The amount of support will vary and is determined by calculating the difference between 30% of monthly income and the amount of monthly rent due. Click the link to learn more, or apply at haconcapecod.org/thrive.
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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
The Town of Orleans has amended its zoning by-law to allow owners of single-family structures to add small separate dwelling units to their properties to increase the availability of housing.
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HECH Homeowner Rehabilitation Assistance
The Harwich Ecumenical Council for Housing has an agreement with the Town of Orleans to provide technical and financial assistance to income-qualifying low- to moderate-income homeowners to rehabilitate their homes.
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Zoning for Year-Round Housing
The Town of Orleans Zoning Bylaw includes a number of opportunities to build housing “by-right” (without the need for additional zoning reviews or approvals). Download the guide to Zoning for Year-Round Housing for more information.
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Lease to Locals Program
The Towns of Orleans and Eastham have partnered to launch the “Lease to Locals” program, an innovative initiative designed to increase the availability of year-round housing. This collaborative effort offers property owners one-time incentives to convert short-term rentals or vacant units into year-round housing. To qualify, properties must be rented to employees of local businesses or to existing residents of either town for a minimum 12-month period.