[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6354222,"mediaKeyId","2220353-b7468b18d20e79649aae13ec0d98b9e9","parentId",2220353,"title","Board discusses temporary-structure and tent permitting, seeks clearer process for events","audioSeconds",480,"startMs",990000,"endMs",1470000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220353-b7468b18d20e79649aae13ec0d98b9e9&start=990&end=1470","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220353-b7468b18d20e79649aae13ec0d98b9e9/thumbnail_990000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6354222/Massachusetts/Board-discusses-temporary-structure-and-tent-permitting-seeks-clearer-process-for-events","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354222-79db2a9f74c10d0c9bd98b3ec2132d2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142556&Signature=UwwasU0RC2jiNjqvv9GGPZZ~KDFCQstpswy4WNiuAVKC~Q-Pr7TVooB78UmRMRQrilzfEvp4VEDkiA8eekamWQyd9WqfKwBOL9su-IKqEkFSuYXSvg~6fRYanidJEuTLtxf-1zPevA6GOaiWwQKm3qH9OojDjWc5fWrz5ZYVXGftH8PeO-vdpvHb76PDrjmP06pUaKgbStSSgy1Q1QUQYUHYTjFJ4uY21kUvnjgJOORB2zGt-AJ8zyn~5MtbuYh3arVhyn-JzaBSUrpqcwfpVwmOyugNKTzViuq-MoQCGZ9fUfJ11ohKKqhM203eHYosaValUS0~CaWUl85IM-EAWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Millis, MA","date","2025-02-05T00:00:00Z","article","Planning Board members, the building official and staff spent a significant portion of the Feb. 4 meeting discussing how the town regulates temporary structures and event tents and whether the current process leaves public-safety gaps.

Mike Gianpietro, identified at the meeting as a former zoning enforcement officer and representing building interests, described how state building codes and local thresholds affect permitting. Gianpietro said residential building permits are not required for structures under 200 square feet and that commercial rules trigger at smaller thresholds, and he noted the practical differences between tents used for single-weekend private events and larger, recurring commercial uses.

Board members and staff said many backyard or short-term event tents do not reach thresholds that trigger Planning Board special permits, so neither the Building Department nor the Fire Department is always notified. Planning staff and board members said that has led to cases where families or event organizers learn late that they need a permit, sometimes causing rescheduling and added expense.

Participants discussed options including:
- Distinguishing residential and commercial temporary uses in the zoning bylaw and setting clear short-term thresholds (for example, specifying a maximum number of days for short-term residential tents).
- Shifting more routine, short-duration permits to a Building Department/Fire Department coordination process rather than Planning Board special-permit review.
- Requiring tent vendors to inform property owners about permit requirements.

No formal vote was taken on bylaw language at the meeting. Board members asked the newly formed zoning subcommittee to consider temporary-structure and sign rules as part of its review and to recommend whether the town should alter square-footage thresholds, short-term definitions or the responsible permitting authority.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Millis, MA - Planning Board 2/4/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Planning Board members and building officials discussed permitting gaps for temporary event tents and signs, weighing whether the town should rely on building/fire permitting or keep planning-board site-plan review.","taxTitle","Town of Millis, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",54409,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6354226,"Planning board votes to send updated FEMA floodplain language back to selectmen for referral and public hearing",110,697000,807000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220353-b7468b18d20e79649aae13ec0d98b9e9&start=697&end=807","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220353-b7468b18d20e79649aae13ec0d98b9e9/thumbnail_697000.jpg","/articles/6354226/Massachusetts/Planning-board-votes-to-send-updated-FEMA-floodplain-language-back-to-selectmen-for-referral-and-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354226-f227bd6f9588fba5f0db699cbf06c060/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142556&Signature=g0EpR4SQBtabEILIQyb9TeUb-eyJqWzfoSZOuQ605DV1CFZqK33TNz6kc0LOKXGqFB2jy50Fzskt9hhVgzV5Zgm8Y-~8v9jQZAI8sVWcBcDM8nNkv4sqN~CFDaXnU~12c22KYmgEiAT9yR0AbekKkbC5vly0QBM4hBhuyn9a8ikUQky2IwdfxDyegN1ssAHCj8T~zPsrbI4yTNJY4dbIuUucWy2yo9iCSXFhEccJ92A61~KOf3OewQ8zT6GwHaKuWkjf~UHKOYQPGYTFllaLAf7EbXUpCfWv9v5GDGv25iIw3HMsmKqoBoqvyTZ5-QzAZmakMM8SflKpWkf9miAiTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Millis Planning Board voted Feb. 4 to ask the Board of Selectmen to forward updated FEMA floodplain bylaw language back to the Planning Board so the board can post a public hearing.

A board member made a motion the board send the draft language to the Selectmen with a recommendation that it be referred back to the Planning Board so the Planning Board can schedule a public hearing. The motion was seconded and the board voted in favor.

Planning staff and members said the draft language on updated floodplain maps appears near-final and that the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) or its representative—referred to in discussion as “Bob”—is expected to attend the public hearing to explain the changes. Members said they reviewed a memo from MAPC that explained the draft language and that staff and the fire chief had discussed the changes.

The board did not adopt the floodplain amendment at the Feb. 4 meeting; rather, it authorized the referral process so the Planning Board can hold a public hearing and collect public comment.","The Planning Board voted to refer draft floodplain bylaw language to the Board of Selectmen and to request the language be returned for the Planning Board to post a public hearing, with MAPC expected to assist at the hearing.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6354230,"Planning board creates zoning bylaw review subcommittee, appoints residents and liaisons",314,171000,485000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220353-b7468b18d20e79649aae13ec0d98b9e9&start=171&end=485","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220353-b7468b18d20e79649aae13ec0d98b9e9/thumbnail_171000.jpg","/articles/6354230/Massachusetts/Planning-board-creates-zoning-bylaw-review-subcommittee-appoints-residents-and-liaisons","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354230-1bee2eb40c9ef01a09a562079fe6d191/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142556&Signature=UeMprCav2TMOoAsZQbbuSKBoA-yR9o378b58nOHKp9f9LRYSEQXB~KgQUJOJ9rORBYuvizfVk-IyDhqIfE5RLvsZtbAiN0DZPxB9FjOKpjftGZLjGjZiBrg0iKEJ1EQxccgAo9~yOC0jug4qpB0yED~y2Sg1CvNPVhAOEMa~-arI88sctPUYbx5zTm1Mhq2ISQfrdUpNcVcm3W3NsdaExfLf97U5E-DN-fxL9Z3YEb9QonKh~uskCKvOqYFyesV3uyD7qHWhE1OcOENu7LmkhMPSn~YpK~lWMpSmVQhqc6s9zmkuyao9G~kEavNmiYImf8X1Pty5GF30Rjk2Hz1Yng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Millis Planning Board voted Feb. 4 to establish a zoning bylaw review subcommittee and appointed multiple residents and liaisons to the panel.

Chair Richard Nichols moved the measure to create the subcommittee “at the pleasure of the chair” and read a list of appointees the board approved. The appointees named at the meeting were Ellen Rosenfeld, Kaz Borkowski (name pronounced in transcript; spelling standardized as Borkowski), Joe Tucci, Wayne Carlson, Dave Baker, Tom Roche, Mike Gianpietro, Jim McKay and Nicole Riley; the board said one member will serve as a liaison. Members discussed scheduling and logistics and said the subcommittee will elect a chair at its first meeting.

Members set the subcommittee’s initial meeting for Tuesday, Feb. 18; planning staff said they would circulate email contact information and confirm room availability. Board members said meeting notes should be taken and that updated bylaw books would be available for distribution at the subcommittee’s first meeting.

Board members said the subcommittee’s work will examine the town’s patchwork of zoning provisions, including temporary structures, signs, illumination and accessory dwelling units, and will coordinate with other officials and committees as needed. The board emphasized that the subcommittee’s role is to consider updates and provide recommendations to the Planning Board and, ultimately, to the Board of Selectmen or Town Meeting if bylaw changes are forwarded.

The vote to create the subcommittee passed unanimously. The board asked the subcommittee to report back and proposed that the group’s first actions include electing a chair and reviewing updated zoning materials that staff will provide.","The Millis Planning Board voted to form a zoning bylaw review subcommittee and appointed a group of residents and liaisons to study updates to local zoning, with an initial meeting scheduled for Feb. 18.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6354232,"Planning board continues special-permit hearing for Main Street restaurant to March 4",125,43000,168000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220353-b7468b18d20e79649aae13ec0d98b9e9&start=43&end=168","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220353-b7468b18d20e79649aae13ec0d98b9e9/thumbnail_43000.jpg","/articles/6354232/Massachusetts/Planning-board-continues-special-permit-hearing-for-Main-Street-restaurant-to-March-4","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354232-92668231429ea6520ae9fc03e361e8f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142556&Signature=bUrCYYzKu9P2RJTpeDEKp~XG1U0nM5PqMKfjkJaY1F3dEwPomVF-iEr4AvQiz~MYHoKF~vVwWent8GZeBxEjKCOKVnJbQ-dSk3yfZZ27mNAtp8OCDEPWl4uPaiC-nDSHq8bqbo-7PjIKwdVCF96DPXq39kLmnI-qS2tx51h6AT~vEewPKNQSLMfFHRRS4fWUp241GNF91RnOVxt6ywU3zwJqv76jgmNqdOrAnQQml3Bmx5FoRXHgRHoGv7MrQV7Sw8H1SzKqzrx2mS7ewwUuDN8bvuLlcRgXFDM8YJXpv-7arBTpo9WS4v1B52L6OciZ~gPMrvLBWuXRDzkrzJO3nA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Millis Planning Board voted Feb. 4 to continue a public hearing on a special-permit and site-plan application for a proposed restaurant on Main Street to Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

The hearing concerns an application from Nancy Cushman (listed with an address tied to Skippy’s) seeking a special permit with site-plan approval under Section 13(c) of the Town of Millis zoning bylaws for demolition of an existing commercial building and construction of a new commercial restaurant at a Main Street property identified in the application as Map 27, Parcel 10. A copy of the application and site plan is on file with the town clerk and viewable via the Millis Planning Board webpage, the board said.

The applicant asked the board to continue the hearing while responding to comments from the Conservation Commission; board members said the applicant expects to submit a response package within two weeks. Planning Board Chair Richard Nichols read the public-notice language and then made a motion to continue the hearing without discussion; members voted in favor.

No substantive discussion or decision on the zoning merits occurred at the Feb. 4 meeting. The board recorded the continuance to March 4 and directed that notice of the continued hearing remain available through the town clerk and the Planning Board’s web page.

Background documents referenced at the hearing include the Planning Board public-notice citing Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 48, section 11, and the application’s reference to Section 13(c) of the Town of Millis zoning bylaws. The application materials may contain additional site-plan details and the applicant’s responses to Conservation Commission comments, which the board said will be filed before the next hearing.","The Millis Planning Board continued a public hearing on a special permit and site-plan application for a proposed restaurant at Main Street after the applicant requested more time to address conservation commission comments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board discusses temporary-structure and tent permitting, seeks clearer process for events

Planning board votes to send updated FEMA floodplain language back to selectmen for referral and public hearing

Planning board creates zoning bylaw review subcommittee, appoints residents and liaisons

Planning board continues special-permit hearing for Main Street restaurant to March 4