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Planning Board updates zoning to add data centers and battery storage to Industrial Park under special permit
Summary
Planning Board proposed a comprehensive zoning update for the Industrial Park district to add modern uses — including data centers and battery energy storage — under special permit with new performance standards (noise, environmental and size thresholds). Board members asked for clear presentations and urged moving the article earlier on the warrant.
The Planning Board presented a multi-part zoning update on March 10 that would: (1) align accessory dwelling-unit (ADU) rules with recent state law to allow certain ADUs by right; (2) fix scrivener errors and adjust the sign bylaw to permit temporary banners; and (3) substantially update Industrial Park district permitted uses to reflect contemporary commercial and industrial operations.
The Industrial Park changes add a data-center use and battery energy storage systems as permitted only by special permit. Planning and Select Board members said the special-permit route allows the town to evaluate potential impacts — including noise (stationary noise standards), energy demands, generator emissions and water usage — and to limit the size and siting (the draft included a 50,000-square-foot threshold triggering additional review). The board also tightened definitions and performance standards for 'light manufacturing' and other uses to exclude high-hazard processing.
Several Select Board members asked the Planning Board to present FY27 and project-specific examples at Town Meeting so voters understand what would and would not be allowed and the practical impacts for the Industrial Park. Planning Board representatives said they expect minor or technical changes before finalizing the article and requested the Select Board move the article higher on the warrant to ensure adequate discussion time at Town Meeting.
Next steps: Planning Board will finalize language, add clarifying examples and performance standards, and the Select Board will consider adjusting the warrant order so the zoning article receives earlier consideration.
