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996 Final Regional Policy Plan <br /> development site is archaeologically sensitive. The MHC can presently require that important <br /> artifacts be carefully removed from an excavated site, but has no ability to require that these <br /> areas remain intact. A balanced program ofland acquisition, preservation and conservation <br /> restrictions. coordination with conservation organizations, and outreach should be pursued <br /> for protection of these resources. <br /> Distinctive landscapes, vistas, and scenic roads are abundant on Cape Cod and contribute <br /> greatly to its seaside charm and rural atmosphere. State and local regulations provide feu <br /> protections for these resources. A two year study of the Route 6A scenic byway by the Cape Cod <br /> Commission has recommended protective mechanisms such as scenic road regulations and <br /> special overlay districts, and has reinforced the need to coordinate transportation, land use <br /> and preservat on planning.to protect community character along distinctive transportation <br /> corridors. <br /> `reservation of Cape Cod's heritage and efforts to guide new development reach beyond a focus <br /> on individual sites and. structures. To protect the Cape's traditional landscape and <br /> development patterns, hese issues need to be addressed within the broader context of land use <br /> controls. "Designing the Future to Honor the,Past, Design Guidelines for Cape Cod" (Technical <br /> Bulletin 96-001) is a step toward addressing this need.This manual, completed in 1994. <br /> includes development guidelines which cover the spectrum from site selection to spec" is issue <br /> areas such as signage and lighting. The guidelines also discuss implementation and incentive <br /> programs which provide a balance of preservation tools. Partnerships with conservation <br /> organizations, business and econornic development interests and housing assistance groups <br /> can identify common preservation goals, whether they relate to landscapes, commercial <br /> district redevelopment or individual structures. <br /> The most si ni ant: roblern relative to town character is the unci consumptive pattern of <br /> development on the Cape. Sprawling subdivisions and strip development along major <br /> roadways have significantly altered the early village settlement pattern which consisted <br /> primarily of small villages separated by farm land and rural areas, Emisting zoning and <br /> subdivision regulations which require wide roadways, large lot sizes and setbacks, and <br /> excessive amounts of.parking have encouraged a suburban development pattern for Cape Cod. <br /> Such a pattern so strongly promotes and favors the use of the automobile that, in marry cases, <br /> pedestrians can no longer cornfortably walk to village centers from their homes. Zoning also <br /> determines what form of development is possible in each commurrit r and wheter it ollo rs ; y <br /> traditional forms or allows for strip development 'and large scale structures which erode, <br /> community character. Efforts to revise zoning to reinforce traditional development patterns <br /> in the towns are still i the early stages. While several towns now encourage cluster <br /> development. few incentives have been adopted to ' 't sprawl, promote redevelopment and <br /> preserve existing cultural resources. <br /> Under Chapter 0A of Massachusetts General Laws. local boards have no explicit authority to <br /> require mandatory site plan review. They have limited ability. when approving development <br /> projects. to influence building and site design. Numerous structures, both residential and <br /> The absence <br /> commercial. have been built which are not compatible with historic Cape styles. <br /> of local control on this issue has in effect encouraged a dramatic departure from the beach <br /> cottage and small village character that is such an important part of the Cape's heritage. <br /> Finally, p, the Cape's communities. like many others around the ration, have isu l y suffered <br /> from the construction of above-ground utility lines and radio towers. The recent proliferation <br /> of cellular and other communications tourers has also had a significant visual impact on the <br /> Cape's landscape, and pressure to construct additional tourers is great, Utility companies have <br /> historically sought approval on placement and height from the towns where these utilities <br />