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Board debates allowing clean-energy facilities by-right in residential zones
Summary
Members questioned whether the draft's by-right allowances in some residential districts are appropriate and urged district-specific rules, arguing large battery facilities should be considered via special permit or site plan review to protect neighborhood character.
During review of the draft Section 6.6, several board members said the bylaw's use table may allow large facilities in residential districts and urged the board to consider special permit or site plan review thresholds. Bob flagged that designating a facility as "by-right" in a residential zoning district could effectively permit industrial-scale projects in much of the town and suggested the board discuss district classifications and the table more carefully.
MCOG's Kelly Lynamo replied the model zoning does not require allowance in every district and that communities can restrict where facilities are permitted, but cautioned that overly broad prohibitions could put the town at odds with the state's process. Board members asked staff to prepare a Westford-specific table showing which zones would be subject to by-right allowances versus special permits so the board can decide where tighter controls are appropriate.
The board did not adopt changes at the meeting; the planning staff will return with a district-specific table and suggested language on by-right versus permit pathways at the continued hearing.
