Site Plan Approvals

In 2004, the Upton Planning Board adopted its Site Plan Approval Rules and Regulations. Applicants should also refer to Section 9.4 Site Plan Approval of the Upton Zoning Bylaw for general requirements, procedures, approval criteria, public hearing, and final action requirements.

The approval process requires a public hearing within 90 days of filing the application. A minor change to an approved site plan does not require a public hearing, but requires approval of the Planning Board. The difference between a site plan review and a minor change to an approved site plan shall be stated in Ch 308, Site Plan Approval Regulations, of the Upton Zoning Bylaw. The application is the same for both Site Plan Approvals and Minor Site Plan Change Approvals.

Site Plan Approval

The following types of activities and uses require site plan review by the Planning Board:

1. Construction, exterior alteration or exterior expansion of a 2,000 square feet or greater area, or change of use within a municipal, institutional, commercial, industrial, or multifamily structure with four or more dwelling units.
2. Construction or expansion of a ten-car parking lot containing or that will contain 10 or more vehicle spaces for a municipal, institutional, commercial, industrial, or multifamily structure or purpose.
3. Personal wireless facility as provided for in § 300-6.2.
4. Large-scale ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installations as provided for in § 300-6.6.

Exceptions: Any construction, alteration, demolition, or removal of a structure that is considered routine maintenance or that does not result in a substantial change in appearance shall be exempt from these requirements.

Site Plan Approval Application (can also be used for minor site plan changes)

Minor Site Plan Change Approval 

The Planning Board may approve minor site plan changes to a previously approved site plan. Minor site plans may be approved for such changes, including, but not limited to: 

1. The total number of parking spaces.
2. Parking space sizes and alignment.
3. Drainage (surface water/stormwater)
4. Curb opening dimension and locations provided such opening has been approved by the Public Works Department).
5. Removal of underground storage tanks and other underground utilities.
6. Changes in site/building elevations, and topographic changes on portions of the site.
7. Changes in walkways and handicapped-access ways.
8. Changes in the type of screening/rubbish collection areas.

Example of approved Site Plans in Upton:

• Upton Community Center Site Plan Approval (PDF); Approved Site Plan (PDF)