Introduction

In order to predict what Charlestown might look like if current ordinances remain in force, I conducted a buildout analysis. This analysis estimates the total number of residential units that could possibly be built in Charlestown under the current ordinances. There are many different ways to estimate buildout, some better than others. I discuss the method that I used in the methodology section.

Understanding what the town will look like at buildout is critical to evaluate and improve upon current land use policies, including zoning and the growth management ordinances. It is also useful to evaluate openspace acquisition.

This buildout analysis is meant to be viewed at a town-wide level.  It is designed to estimate the aggregate number of units in the entire town and is not accurate for individual parcels. The data used to create buildout are not sufficiently accurate  to assess the number of units that can go in any specific parcel.  Site-specific data are needed and should be used in any individual case. Values that are shown for the number of units in particular parcels are estimates used as a method to predict the total number of units that could be built in the town, and should not be used for any other purposes than to understand the overall growth patterns in Charlestown. Despite this, it is possible to see varying growth patterns, and buildout can be used to project the extent of growth within different areas of the town. An in-depth discussion of these uncertainties is located in the assumptions section. The estimate for the number of units to be put on each parcel should not be used for anything other than planning purposes.