# Essex Zoning Bylaws Public Hearing | October 21, 2026

The Essex Planning Board held a public hearing on October 21, 2026, on six proposed zoning bylaw articles for the November 16 special fall Town Meeting. The proposals would update wetlands district boundaries to rely on Conservation Commission determinations; add definitions for battery energy storage systems (BESS) and data centers; require a special permit for BESS; impose a data-center development moratorium through January 1, 2028, while the town develops regulations; establish inclusionary housing requirements for developments exceeding six units, generally requiring 10% affordable units; and increase the maximum daily zoning-violation fine from $20 to $200. The Board discussed whether small residential battery systems should be exempt, but said any change would need to be reviewed for scope or considered at a future Town Meeting.

The inclusionary-housing discussion described a grant enabling the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to help the town develop more tailored provisions; no grant amount was stated. Board members made motions to recommend the articles to Town Meeting, with roll-call affirmative votes recorded, though the transcript’s voting sequence is garbled. No contracts, vendor selections, purchases, or other procurement actions were identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Policy, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 21, 2026

### Sources
- [Essex Zoning Bylaws Public Hearing | October 21, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfo6lwv0nrA) - 1623 Studios