Planning Board: July 8, 2026

The Chelmsford Planning Board held a meeting on July 8, 2026, primarily focused on zoning and site plan approvals. Key procurement-related discussions included the site plan and special permit approval for a new two-story commercial building at 91 Tyngsboro Road for Jerry Daley and Sons Plumbing and Heating, involving construction plans, parking, lighting, and stormwater management. The board reviewed multiple departmental comments and agreed to continue the public hearing to the August 12 meeting to address outstanding issues. Additionally, the board discussed proposed zoning changes to reclassify certain commercial and industrial areas to a new CBLT (Commercial Business Light Transition) zone to better align permitted uses with community goals, including limiting heavy truck traffic and encouraging appropriate commercial and multi-family uses. The board voted to continue the zoning discussion to the next meeting and agreed on several zoning designations. They also reviewed draft language for regulating small data centers, proposing a 1 MW cap and special permit requirements, with plans to seek further public and select board feedback. Other topics included updates on managed growth strategy, contractor yard use restrictions, and new state climate regulations affecting local permitting for solar and battery storage projects. No direct contract awards or vendor selections were made, but the meeting involved significant planning and policy decisions that could impact future procurement and development activities in Chelmsford.