Chelmsford Town Meeting Approves Key Zoning and Bylaw Changes

Chelmsford concluded its fall Town Meeting on November 9, 2023, with significant changes to zoning regulations and town bylaws. The evening’s session focused heavily on the establishment of a new Roadside Commercial Light District (CBLT) aimed at balancing residential and industrial interests in the area surrounding Kate’s Corner.

The first major action involved a bundle of twelve articles presented by *Chelmsford Planning Board Chair Chris Lavallee*. These articles were combined into a consent agenda for efficiency. Lavallee noted that if any one article were to fail, it would jeopardize the entire set. “If we approve all 11, and then vote down the 12th, all of that time on the first 11 will have been wasted,” he said, emphasizing the need for a streamlined approach.

The proposed CBLT zone is intended to serve as a buffer between light industrial zones and residential areas, particularly around the intersection of Acton and Maple roads. This area currently features a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zoning, with a *Lockheed Martin facility* at its center. Lavallee explained that the CBLT zone would help mitigate potential impacts on nearby residential neighborhoods.

As part of the new zoning framework, Article 23 introduced a definition for ultra-light manufacturing, covering activities such as small boutique wood manufacturing, 3D printing, and specialized electronics manufacturing. The consent agenda articles passed with a vote of 107-3.

Following this, Article 27 sought to apply the newly established CBLT zoning to the Kate’s Corner area. Lavallee reassured attendees that *Lockheed Martin* would not be affected by the new zoning regulations; however, future use of the property would be restricted to ensure compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods. The article passed overwhelmingly, with a vote of 114-1.

The Town Meeting then addressed Article 29, which aimed to amend the town’s definition of “family” within its bylaws to align with the Fair Housing Act. The revised definition specifies that a family comprises “one or more persons occupying a dwelling unit who share access to common living, cooking, and eating areas, living together as a single housekeeping unit with permanence and cohesiveness.” This change was prompted by a need for compliance, as the previous definition restricted occupancy based on familial relationships.

“This is an important measure to vote for, because I don’t think it is the job of our town government to police who lives in the house with us,” said *Town Meeting Rep. Matthew Castle* in support of the change. The article passed with a vote of 88-22, requiring a two-thirds majority.

Article 30 aimed to remove references to school impacts in the bylaws concerning special permits, a measure that had previously failed at the spring Town Meeting. Lavallee explained that planning boards are legally prohibited from considering school impacts when evaluating special permits. “As much as we want to, by law, we cannot,” he stated.

Despite concerns raised by *Town Meeting Rep. Glenn Thoren*, who argued that school capacity should be considered due to its financial implications, the article passed with a vote of 86-23. Town attorney *John Eichman* clarified that the responsibility for educational funding lies with the town, reinforcing the legal framework behind the decision.

The fall Town Meeting concluded with significant advancements in Chelmsford’s zoning and bylaws, reflecting a commitment to adapt regulatory frameworks that address both development demands and community needs.