# Zoning Bylaw Review Steering Committee - September 24, 2026


**Body:** Walpole Media
**Date:** September 23, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

The Zoning Bylaw Review Steering Committee met on September 24, 2026, to discuss proposed updates to Walpole’s zoning bylaws. The committee reviewed how state law affects expansions of nonconforming residential uses and discussed retaining special-permit review for commercial and industrial uses. Members also considered whether certain use approvals tied to full site-plan review should be handled by the Planning Board rather than the Zoning Board; they deferred a change pending review of prior cases. The committee discussed clarifying the water resource protection district provisions, including stormwater recharge requirements and septic-lot standards, and considered data-center restrictions and battery storage alongside solar regulations. No bylaw amendments were approved at this meeting.

Next steps include further consultation with town staff and counsel on Section 12, reviewing relevant cases, and seeking Planning Board input in November. The committee also discussed a possible future meeting in late October. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded; no procurement, contract awards, or spending decisions were identified.

**Source:** Walpole Media