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Westborough planning board approves Pulte Homes de minimis modification for handicap parking, allows temporary construction sign
Summary
The planning board endorsed Pulte Homes’ request to add three 9x20 handicap spaces at the Chauncey Lake clubhouse and agreed to treat a proposed temporary construction entrance sign as part of the de minimis modification, with conditions to record and to include the sign location in the project documents.
The Town of Westborough Planning Board on Aug. 6 approved a de minimis modification to a previously issued special permit for the Chauncey Lake development, allowing Pulte Homes to add three additional handicap parking spaces near the clubhouse and to install a temporary construction entrance sign on town property.
Town planner Jenny summarized the request, saying the Zoning Board of Appeals had granted a special permit on May 6, 2024, modifying the preexisting nonconforming lot and that the ANR/plan before the board meets the standards for a de minimis endorsement. Applicant representative Esic Petrie described the proposal as adding “3 additional handicap spaces” and a sidewalk to provide access to the clubhouse. The board confirmed the new spaces will match existing 9-by-20 dimensions.
Board members focused on two issues: the temporary construction sign (sited on town property at the Hospital Drive/Lyman Street intersection) and how long a sign classified as “temporary” may remain. Pulte’s representative said the construction phases remaining could last “probably between 4 and 5 years” and that the access road is already used for construction traffic. Community development director Fred Delnardo told the board that the building department would have authority to order the sign removed if the project were abandoned and that the town could condition the approval to require the applicant to return or remove the sign if use lapses.
To address procedural clarity, the board amended the motion to specify that the determination is limited to the documents submitted “including the temporary construction sign as presented at the planning board hearing.” The motion (moved and seconded) included conditions requiring recording of the decision at the Worcester Registry of Deeds before authorized site activity and preserving all terms and conditions of the original special permit unless later modified. The board voted in favor.
The board also discussed notices and transparency after members raised that the sign was not clearly identified in earlier meeting packets. Staff apologized and confirmed that future coordination between boards would be improved.
The decision is subject to the conditions read on the record, including recordation of the modified decision and that the temporary sign location and specifications be included in the filed documents. The board indicated it could require the applicant to return for review or to remove the sign if construction stops for an extended period.
