Millis planning board grants one‑day waiver for 140 Causeway Street wedding tent despite late filing

The Town of Millis Planning Board on June 10 approved a waiver allowing a one-day, 140-person wedding tent at Windy Knob Farm, 140 Causeway Street, after hearing from the tent operator and the landowner about a missed pre-notification step.

David Capone (senior and junior were present representing the tent company) told the board the event is a single-day wedding and that the operation has previously provided tents for town events. "We're hoping to be able to set up a tent for a 140 person wedding at the farm this weekend," one speaker said. The landowner, Jen Zarotsky, said she had informed the parties in November 2024 but that a communications breakdown left the permit filing late.

Board members and town staff discussed the bylaw’s current notification requirements and public-safety concerns such as parking location, mowing of parking areas to reduce fire risk, and equipment like propane. Planning staff and the board noted the town’s fire and police reviews weigh into approvals and that the current bylaw casts a wide net intended for longer-term tent installations rather than one-day events. A board member said the town is working on streamlining the process but that until bylaws are amended, the pre-notification requirements remain in effect.

The board approved the waiver. Board members asked for confirmation that parking would be on the driveway area shown in prior plans, that the parking area would be mowed before the event, and that health and safety checks required by the fire and police departments be followed.

The Planning Board chair closed the item and thanked the applicants and landowner for attending.