Public hearing on proposed amendments to Lakeville's Zoning By-Law regarding data centers.

TOWN OF LAKEVILLEPLANNING BOARD346 BEDFORD STREETLAKEVILLE, MA  02347NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGLEGAL NOTICEThe LAKEVILLE PLANNING BOARD will hold a public hearing pursuant to the Lakeville Town Code: Zoning By-Law and M.G.L. Ch. 40A §5 on THURSDAY, May 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM. at the Lakeville Police Station Meeting Room, 323 Bedford Street.  The purpose of the public hearing is to provide interested parties with an opportunity to comment on proposed amendments to the Lakeville Town Code: Zoning By-Law as follows:  7:00 P.M. Public HearingThis Article would amend the Lakeville Town Code: Zoning By-Laws §270-2.1, Terms defined by adding the following definition: Data Center. A facility, or portion thereof, primarily designed or used to house computer servers and related information technology infrastructure for the storage, processing, management, or transmission of electronic data. A data center may include, but is not limited to, server racks, data storage systems, cooling systems, power conditioning equipment, substations, uninterruptible power supplies, backup generators, telecommunications equipment, security systems, and associated mechanical and electrical infrastructure. A use shall be classified as a Data Center where either: (a) more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the gross floor area is devoted to server racks, stationary computing equipment, or associated mechanical or electrical infrastructure; or (b) the primary purpose of the facility, as determined by the Planning Board, is the housing and operation of computer servers and related infrastructure, regardless of floor area allocation. For purposes of this bylaw, a Data Center shall not be considered a Business or professional office use.To amend §270-3.1 Zoning districts by adding: J.  Marijuana & Data Center Overlay District.To amend §270-3.2 Location of districts by adding: I. The Marijuana & Data Center Overlay District shall be comprised of parcels located within the Town's Industrial District as shown on the Town's Zoning Map.To amend §270-7.4 Special Permit by adding the following new section: Data Center(a) SPGA: Planning Board; The Marijuana & Data Center Overlay District.(b) Data Centers shall be prohibited in all other zoning districts.(c) All applications for a Data Center Special Permit shall comply with: a. § 270-7.4 Special Permits; andb. Any regulations establishing additional performance standards, as may be adopted by the Lakeville Planning Board; andc. The Planning Board may impose conditions necessary to ensure compliance with this section, including but not limited to:1. Limits on maximum electrical load;2. Caps on water usage;3. Noise monitoring or reporting requirements;4. Restrictions on generator testing schedules; and5. Phasing tied to demonstrated infrastructure capacity.d. Five-Year ReviewWithin five (5) years of issuance of a Data Center Special Permit, the Planning Board may conduct a compliance review limited to evaluation of operational performance, infrastructure impacts, and adherence to approved limits.Following such review, the Planning Board may:(a) Determine the permit remains in good standing;(b) Modify conditions to address demonstrated impacts; or(c) Require submission of an amended Special Permit application where material changes are proposedFailure to comply with approved limits or reporting requirements may constitute grounds for enforcement under §270-8.1 (Enforcement) of this bylaw.e. SeverabilityIf any provision of this section is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions, which shall remain in full force and effect.The proposed amendments to the Lakeville Town Code: Zoning By-Law may be viewed at the Lakeville Town Clerk's office in Town Hall, 346 Bedford Street, Lakeville, MA 02347 by appointment only.  Michele MacEachern, ChairJohn Cabral, Vice-ChairDonna GuayDavid LodgeDaniel WilgaApril 30, 2026 & May 7,2026