The Planning and Community Development Department combines several functions and provides technical planning expertise to many boards and committees, including the Planning Board, Community Preservation Committee, Historic Districts Commission, and the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee.
The PCDD also maintains and engages periodic updates to several town-wide plans. Community engagement methods vary between projects and plans, and may include public forums, small group conversations, community-located office hours, and online surveys.
State Law will go into effect in February 2025 which will allow single-family homes to have an ACCESSORY dwelling unit. You can expect it to look similar to a mother-in-law suite, except the Town will not be requiring the occupant to be related. The in-law suite or ADU could be attached or detached from the principal building also. Lastly, the request will not have to go before the Zoning Board. You can move directly to building permit applications. Standards for utilities, septic, and trash must also be followed.
2025 Planning Initiatives
Technical Assistance funding through NMCOG for several topics:
- Update Housing Production Plan prior to Oct 2026 expiration
- Scope the work needed for update to Master Plan
- Site Plan Review updating with Planning Board
- Compliance review for ADU state law
Expressions of Interest for state grant funding have been submitted for the following. (Applications due in June):
- Route 3 Corridor Study for Site Readiness: In order to revitalize vacant office parks, provide more services and amenities to residents and regional commuters, strengthen the town’s commercial tax base, and account for new technologies and market trends, the Town would like to explore new zoning along the Route 3 corridor.
- Brownfield site assessment of Lowell Street Fire Station: This soon-to-be-closed fire station sits on a 27+ac parcel adjacent to Concord River, just a 1/4mile downstream from historic textile mills. Property is predominately wetlands and potential for contamination should be verified before any other function is planned. Site is viable for advancing goals of the Town’s 2024 Open Space and Recreation plan.
- Vacant Storefronts Program: The town would like to explore and adopt new tax incentives and credits to further encourage business development in and around the historic center, which has been impacted by national bankruptcies and closures of “anchor” stores like KMart, Big Lots, and Walgreens. These closures have led to reduced demand for smaller storefronts also.
- Downtown (town center) Improvement Initiative: The Town would like to assess the various needs and opportunities for improvements in the historic center, and seek technical assistance to implement any findings, such as a Facade Improvement Program or creation of a wayfinding/branding plan.
MA250 Travel and Tourism
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of American Revolution and the birth of America, the Town is also pursuing the opportunity to commission a public mural which celebrates the historic sites, stories, and people of Billerica. Grant application is due April 2025.
As these initiatives develop and have supplemental information, additional webpages will be created and linked accordingly. For any questions or feedback, contact Planning Staff.