Article 50: To see if the Town will vote to amend Part 7 of the Northborough Town Code, the Northborough Zoning Bylaw Sections 7-05-020 and 7-05-030 by adding the text shown below as underlined, and deleting the text with strikethrough, or take any action relative thereto.
1.    Amend Section 7-05-020 Classification of uses, as follows:
E. Institutional uses.
(8) Assembly hall. A building, or part of a building, in which facilities are provided for such purposes as gatherings meetings for civic, educational, political, ceremonial, religious or social purposes and may include a banquet hall.
2.    Amend Section 7-05-030, Table 1. Table of Uses. Part B. Commercial and Industrial Districts, as follows:

USES

DB

BE

BW

BS

HB

HBSW

I

INSTITUTIONAL USES

       

Assembly hall

Y

BA

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Cultural use

Y

Y

Y

NY

BA

BA

NY

Explanation: This article amends the Zoning Bylaw to clarify the definition and regulation of “assembly halls” within the Town. The proposed changes establish a clear definition of an assembly hall as a facility used for gatherings such as civic, educational, political, religious, ceremonial, or social events, including banquet halls. The article also updates the Table of Uses for commercial and industrial districts to specify where assembly halls and cultural uses are permitted, allowed by special permit, or not permitted. These revisions are intended to provide clearer guidance to applicants and permitting authorities and to ensure that such uses are appropriately located within the Town’s zoning districts.

Votes Needed to Pass: 2/3 Majority

Relevant Discussion for This Article

Planning Board Public Hearing: February 17, 2026

 

Planning Board Public Hearing Continued: March 3, 2026

Planning Board Public Hearing Continued: April 7, 2026

Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board Joint Meeting: November 17, 2025

Presentation to Select Board by Planning Board Chair Amy Poretsky: April 9, 2026