Introduction

Welcome to the host webpage for the Town of Walpole’s Comprehensive Zoning re-write and re-organization project. The primary purpose of this website is to provide a medium for comparing the text of the existing bylaw with proposed revisions and new sections. It is important to note that this website will NOT be used to advertise any forums or hearings associated with this process. Residents looking for information regarding the public hearing process associated with this project should visit the town website at http://www.walpole-ma.gov/. 

The links below refer to “Zoning Materials Phase I” and “Zoning Materials Phase II”. Phase I, the major reorganization effort, has been completed, per the comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Rewrite, which consists of the Zoning Bylaw as passed by the Town Meeting on March 10, 2008, with minor amendments passed on May 7, 2008 and October 22, 2008. The link to Phase I remains here for informational purposes. Phase II, which consists of a comprehensive revision and update to the Use Table, will be in the form of an article on the May 4, 2009 Spring Town Meeting warrant. As with Phase I, the purpose of Phase II of this project is two-fold:

  1. To re-organize the Zoning Bylaw in a way that makes the document easier to use for town officials, property owners and private developers; and
  2. To revise existing sections and add new sections to further the goals of the Town of Walpole’s Comprehensive Plan. These goals include, but are not limited to: promoting healthy economic development; providing an adequate supply of diverse housing; protecting natural resources; and protecting and enhancing community character.

The comprehensive rewrite project is being led by the Planning Board. Phase II is being augmented with input from a committee appointed by the Board of Selectmen, described as the ZONING BYLAW USE TABLE AND ZONING BYLAW REWRITE PHASE II COMMITTEE. To assist with these efforts to rewrite the Zoning Bylaw, the Town has hired professional planning consultants from Horsley Witten Group, Inc. and legal advisors from Anderson & Kreiger, LLP.

The Business Uses and Wholesale and Industrial Uses listed in the corresponding sections of the Use Table are taken from the 2007 edition of the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) with only a few exceptions, which are noted. Definitions for these uses shall be those provided by the NAICS unless otherwise provided in the Zoning Bylaw. Further information is given in the headings to those sections of the Use Table. Further information about NAICS can be found on their website at http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/.

Materials on this website will be updated as the project continues through the public process.  Residents are therefore encouraged to check the site for updates on a regular basis.