Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Acton planning board advances fixes to Critical Borough density and shoreline utility loophole; public hearing Feb. 19
Summary
Code Enforcement Officer David Riley presented three Planning Board‑forwarded zoning amendments to correct a density typo in the Critical Borough District, add utilities to Shoreline District reconstruction review, and add a state-derived definition of utilities; public hearing set for Feb. 19, 2026 with final action April 11, 2026.
David Riley, Acton’s Code Enforcement Officer, briefed the Select Board on three proposed zoning changes the Planning Board has advanced to the town warrant.
Riley said the Critical Borough District currently contains phrasing that had been read as permitting one dwelling per 0.2 acre; the proposed amendment would strike the erroneous language and restore the intended standard of one dwelling per five acres to match other ordinance sections.
He also proposed adding utilities and associated easements to the Shoreline District’s "reconstruction or replacement" review so property owners cannot use utility constraints as an automatic justification to rebuild in a non-conforming location. Riley told the board the proposed definition of “utilities” was taken from state guidance and would include electricity, gas, communications, cable, sewage and water facilities.
The Planning Board has voted to include the three warrant items; a public hearing will be held on Feb. 19, 2026 and the articles will be decided at Town Meeting on April 11, 2026. The Select Board said it will make recommendations after the public hearing.
