https://southborough.info/issues/industrial-park-zoning-amendments/ 2026-10-16T15:05:38-04:00 https://southborough.info/topics/AOOUdTedaXQ/0 2026-03-30T12:00:00Z

The board opened a public hearing on an amendment to Town Code Section 174-9 regarding special permits to regulate data centers in the Industrial Park district for Annual Town Meeting Article 17. The chair clarified that the Planning Board is proposed as the special permit granting authority to align with site plan review authority and streamline permitting. With no public testimony offered, the board voted to continue the hearing to its pre-Town Meeting meeting. Outcome: Continued to April 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM.

https://southborough.info/topics/9wWw5PxEqGQ/0 2026-03-25T12:00:00Z

Planning Board Vice Chair Marnie Hoolahan presented proposed zoning bylaw amendments heading to Town Meeting. Key discussions focused on Article 17, which overhauls the outdated Industrial Park district regulations, establishes performance standards for noise, vibration, and odors, and institutes a 1,000-foot buffer setback from residential and conservation land for data centers and clean energy infrastructure. The board also reviewed administrative updates to replace references to the dissolved SHOPC committee with the Southborough Affordable Housing Trust and to fix transcription errors in the MBTA Communities zoning table. Outcome: Discussion completed; the committee deferred action on Article 17 and took up the remaining articles for formal votes later in the meeting.

https://southborough.info/topics/6s0--zLvHVc/2 2026-03-23T12:00:00Z

The board reviewed a presentation prepared for Annual Town Meeting on Article 17, which overhauls the town's 40-year-old Industrial Park zoning regulations. The amendment establishes performance standards for noise, vibration, and odors, incorporates required state standards for small clean energy infrastructure, and creates a comprehensive special permit framework for data centers capped at 50,000 square feet. Outcome: Hearing continued to April 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM.

https://southborough.info/topics/4qfPD1Qpccs/13 2026-03-10T12:00:00Z

The board reviewed proposed zoning changes from the Planning Board, including updates for Accessory Dwelling Units to comply with state law, corrections to the MBTA zoning overlay, and major revisions to the Industrial Park District. The Industrial Park District article introduces regulations and special permit requirements for data centers and battery energy storage systems. Outcome: Articles 31, 33, 34, and 35 supported 5-0; Article 32 held for further review.

https://southborough.info/topics/NKExd-6grWk/3 2026-03-10T12:00:00Z

The board discussed whether to adopt Board of Health regulations for battery energy storage systems as the Planning Board prepares industrial zoning bylaws. Staff reported that state Department of Energy Resources regulations are expected in April, and the board noted it holds independent legal authority to establish health conditions on such systems without Town Meeting approval. Outcome: Staff will research regional models and monitor state regulations

https://southborough.info/topics/HukhWGB3_mg/2 2026-03-03T12:00:00Z

Planning representatives briefed the committee on proposed Town Meeting amendments to update Industrial Park district zoning regulations, which have not been substantially revised since the 1980s. The amendments aim to put local guardrails in place for battery energy storage systems, which state regulations protect under the Dover Amendment if at least 1% solar-powered, and for data centers. Officials noted that while regional electric costs make commercial data centers unlikely, proactive definitions protect the town from unregulated development. Outcome: Discussion only; informational materials will be prepared ahead of Town Meeting.