Newburyport, MA

Resiliency

The Newburyport Resiliency Committee will review updates on water infrastructure projects, including a public education program funded by MVP 2.0, and discuss fall planning and committee leadership. The meeting includes procedural approval of prior notes and an opportunity for public comments.

• MVP 2.0 seed project: Newburyport Water Public Education & Communication Program
• Ad Hoc Committee on Water Infrastructure update
• ECO 1-Stop applications and Drought Resiliency and Water Efficiency Grant Program review
• Cashman Park MVP grant outreach discussion
• Committee Leadership and Fall Planning agenda item

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings on two zoning amendments: one to add data centers to the list of prohibited uses, and another to split the R-2 Residential District into subdistricts (R2A, R2B) with reduced height limits (25' instead of 35') for single- and two-family homes in the R2A area. The board will also consider a recommendation on the data center ban and a DOD special permit for 9 Center Street.

• Public hearing on zoning amendment to prohibit data centers (ODNC00224_06_22_2026, continued from 7/15/2026)
• Public hearing on zoning amendment to create R2A district with 25' height limit for single- and two-family structures (ODNC00226_07_13_2026)
• DOD special permit for 9 Center Street (PBSP-26-2, continued from 7/1/2026)
• Planning Board recommendation on data center prohibition
• Discussion of changes to Ch. 40A

Zoning Board Of Appeals

The Newburyport Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on August 11, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Senior Community Center to review a minor modification request and a special permit for non-conformities. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and hear updates from the Chair or Planning Director.

• Request for minor modification at 44 Purchase Street, Unit 1 (MM-26-10)
• Public hearing for special permit (ZNC-26-18) to construct a covered entry porch at 16 Virginia Lane, increasing a preexisting nonconforming front yard setback

Conservation Commission

The Newburyport Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent from Benjamin Brooks for Arwood Machine at 95 Parker Street. The meeting also includes continued hearings for a Certificate of Compliance at 137 Old Point Road and a Notice of Intent at 9 Louise Street, both continued from July 21, 2026. The commission will also vote on minutes from the previous meeting.

• Public hearing on Benjamin Brooks/Arwood Machine (Vulcan Forms) Notice of Intent at 95 Parker Street
• Continued Certificate of Compliance request from Kerri Fowler at 137 Old Point Road
• Continued Notice of Intent from Sharon Scott at 9 Louise Street
• Approval of minutes from July 21, 2026 meeting

Zoning Board Of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two continued items: a variance for an accessory dwelling unit at 82 Water Street and a special permit for 14 townhomes at 5 Parker Street. A new special permit for a single-family home at 13 55th Street is also on the agenda. The board will also approve minutes and discuss changes to Ch. 40A.

• VAR-26-4: Variance to construct an ADU within the front setback at 82 Water Street
• ZNC-26-7: Special Permit for Non-Conformities for ADU increasing non-conforming lot coverage at 82 Water Street
• ZSP-26-3: Special Permit for 14 townhomes in 4 buildings at 5 Parker Street
• ZNC-26-15: Special Permit for Non-Conformities to demolish and rebuild a single-family home at 13 55th Street, increasing non-conforming FAR

Historical Commission

The Newburyport Historical Commission will hold a public meeting to consider three demolition delay applications for properties at 29 Boardman Street, 13 55th Street, and 82 Water Street. The commission will also conduct advisory reviews for properties at 31.5 Union Street and 37.5 Forrester Street.

• Demolition delay for 29 Boardman Street (HCDD-26-10) continued from June 25, 2026
• Demolition delay for 13 55th Street (HCDD-26-11)
• Demolition delay for 82 Water Street (HCDD-26-12)
• Advisory review for 31.5 Union Street
• Section 106 review for 37.5 Forrester Street

Conservation Commission

The Newburyport Conservation Commission will hold a regular meeting on July 21, 2026, to consider a certificate of compliance for a property at 137 Old Point Road and a notice of intent for a project at 9-11 Merrill Street. The meeting will also include discussion of correspondence regarding utility maintenance at 6 Plum Street and 64th Street.

Planning Board

The Newburyport Planning Board will conduct a joint public hearing with the City Council Planning & Development Committee on proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance, including adding a definition for Floor Area Ratio (FAR) outside the Plum Island Overlay District and prohibiting data centers. The board will also hold a public hearing for a site plan review and special permit for a property at 42 Milk Street.

• Amend zoning ordinance to define Floor Area Ratio (FAR) outside Plum Island Overlay District
• Add data centers to prohibited use types in zoning ordinance
• Site Plan Review (SPR-26-3) for 42 Milk Street
• Special Permit (PBSP-26-5) for 42 Milk Street
• Joint public hearing with City Council Planning & Development Committee

Zoning Board Of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two continued applications for special permits related to non-conformities: one to raise a roof at 29 Boardman Street, and another to demolish and rebuild an accessory structure at 24 Woodland Street. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and updates from the chair or planning director.

• 29 Boardman Street: special permit to raise roof by 1'9", extending a non-conforming front setback
• 24 Woodland Street: special permit to demolish non-conforming accessory structure and rebuild in a still non-conforming location
• Approval of minutes from June 23, 2026 meeting

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent for 40 Parker Street, continued from June 2, and consider a Certificate of Compliance for 12 Pheasant Run Drive. The business meeting includes approval of June 2 minutes and discussion of a proposed City Council ordinance regarding conservation lands.

• Public hearing on Mark Richey/Richey Properties LLC Notice of Intent for 40 Parker Street (continued from 6/2/2026)
• Certificate of Compliance request for John Spellman at 12 Pheasant Run Drive (continued from 6/2/2026)
• Discussion of proposed Council ordinance concerning conservation lands

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold continued public hearings for a DOD special permit at 9 Center Street and a site plan review at 5 Parker Street. The board will also vote on the completeness of a site plan application for 42 Milk Street and approve prior meeting minutes.

• Continued DOD special permit hearing for 9 Center Street (PBSP-26-2)
• Continued site plan review for 5 Parker Street (SPR-26-2)
• Application completeness vote for 42 Milk Street site plan (SPR-26-3)
• Approval of minutes from June 17, 2026

Historical Commission

The commission will continue a demolition delay hearing for 29 Boardman Street, review a draft press release for the Brown School at 42 Milk Street, and approve minutes from June 11, 2026.

• Continued demolition delay hearing for 29 Boardman Street (HCDD-26-10)
• Review of draft press release for the Brown School, 42 Milk Street
• Approval of minutes from June 11, 2026

Zoning Board Of Appeals

The Newburyport Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct public hearings on four appeals and special permits, including a continued appeal of a demolition determination, a 14-unit townhome project, and two non-conformity permits. The board will also vote on proposed new submission requirements during the business meeting.

• Continued appeal (APP-26-1) of demolition determination for 9 Center Street
• Special permit (ZSP-26-3) for 14 townhomes at 5 Parker Street
• Special permit (ZNC-26-13) for non-conformity adjustments at 24 Woodland Street
• Special permit (ZNC-26-14) for accessory structure changes at 135 Low Street
• Vote on proposed new submission requirements for board submissions

Local Historic District Commission

The Newburyport Fruit Street Historic District Commission will meet on June 18, 2026, to continue discussion of a landscaping plan for 1 Fruit Street and an update to the district's design guidelines. The meeting includes roll call, welcoming a new commissioner, and approval of May 21 minutes.

• 1 Fruit St. – Landscaping Plan – continued to June meeting
• Design Guideline Updating – continued to June meeting
• Approval of minutes from May 21, 2026

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold continued public hearings on a DOD special permit for 9 Center Street and a special permit and site plan review for 22 Henry Graf Jr. Road. General business includes approval of minutes, updates on Storey Ave rezoning, Council workshops on Zoning Amendment 221, and Business Park Rezoning.

• Continued DOD Special Permit (PBSP-26-2) for 9 Center Street
• Continued Special Permit and Minor Site Plan Review (PBSP-26-3, SPR-26-1) for 22 Henry Graf Jr. Road
• Update on Storey Ave Visioning & Rezoning Process
• Council Workshops on Zoning Amendment 221
• Business Park Rezoning update

Resiliency

The Newburyport Resiliency Committee will discuss water supply projects, including CIP budget items and long-term protection coordination, along with updates on grants and funding opportunities such as ECO 1-Stop and drought resiliency grants. The meeting also includes public comments and approval of previous meeting notes.

• Water supply CIP projects and budget discussion led by Cllr Hall
• MVP 2.0 seed project for water public education and communication
• ECO 1-Stop grant applications
• Drought Resiliency and Water Efficiency Grant Program
• Cashman Park MVP grant outreach

Historical Commission

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed development at 9 Center Street. The board will also review draft preservation restrictions for 269 Water Street, the Brown School at 42 Milk Street, and FRSUU at 28-30 Pleasant Street. The meeting includes approval of minutes from May 28, 2026, and updates from the Chair or Planning Director.

• 9 Center Street (PBSP-26-2) advisory review
• 269 Water Street preservation restriction confirmatory signature
• Draft preservation restriction for the Brown School, 42 Milk Street
• Draft preservation restriction for FRSUU, 28-30 Pleasant Street

Zoning Board Of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on three applications: a variance for a pool within the front yard setback at 180 High Street, a variance and special permit for an accessory dwelling unit at 82 Water Street, and a special permit for a roof raise at 29 Boardman Street. The board will also vote on proposed new submission requirements and approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Variance to construct a pool within the Winter Street front yard setback at 180 High Street
• Variance and special permit for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) within the front setback at 82 Water Street
• Special permit to raise the roof by 1'9", extending a non-conforming front setback at 29 Boardman Street
• Board vote on proposed new submission requirements for applications

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings on two special permit applications: a continued hearing for a DOD Special Permit at 9 Center Street and a new special permit for 5 Murphy Avenue. General business includes approving minutes from six prior meetings, updates on the Storey Avenue visioning and rezoning process, council workshops on Zoning Amendment 221, and business park rezoning.

• Continued DOD Special Permit (PBSP-26-2) for 9 Center Street, represented by Attorney Douglas Deschenes
• New Special Permit (PBSP-26-4) for 5 Murphy Avenue, applicant Joe Neipp
• Update on Storey Avenue Visioning & Rezoning Process
• Council Workshops on Zoning Amendment 221
• Business Park Rezoning discussion

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent for work at 40 Parker Street by Richey Properties LLC. The commission will also consider two requests for Certificates of Compliance for properties on Hines Way and Pheasant Run Drive. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and updates from staff.

• Public hearing: Mark Richey, Richey Properties LLC, 40 Parker Street — Notice of Intent
• Certificate of Compliance request: Parker 2 Realty Trust, Hines Way (051-0980)
• Certificate of Compliance request: John Spellman, 12 Pheasant Run Drive (051-0855)
• Approval of minutes from May 20, 2026

Historical Commission

The Newburyport Historical Commission will meet to review two demolition delay requests and one advisory review for properties in historic districts. The meeting will also include approval of recent minutes and updates from the chair or planning director.

• Demolition delay review for 144 State Street (HCDD-26-9)
• Demolition delay review for 29 Boardman Street (HCDD-26-10)
• Advisory review for 9 Center Street (PBSP-26-2)

Zoning Board Of Appeals

The Newburyport Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on five applications, including a variance for a pool setback, a special permit for a third-floor addition, and a special permit for two homes on one lot. The board will also consider a minor modification at 20 Ashland Street and an amendment to its plan submission rule.

• MM-26-6 – 20 Ashland Street: minor modification request
• ZNC-25-15 – 9 Bromfield Street: special permit for non-conformities to add a third floor (continued hearing, request for withdrawal without prejudice)
• VAR-26-3 – 180 High Street: variance to construct pool within front yard setback (continued hearing)
• VAR-26-5 – 8 Boardman Street: variance for detached accessory structure in front setback
• ZNC-26-11 – 5 Murphy Avenue: special permit to construct two single-family homes on one lot

Local Historic District Commission

The Newburyport Historic District Commission will meet to elect a new clerk to replace Jim Kerkam and review a Certificate of Appropriateness application for 16b Fruit St. Two other items—1 Fruit St. landscaping and design guideline updates—are continued to the June meeting.

• Election of a new clerk to replace Jim Kerkam
• 16b Fruit St. – Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness
• 1 Fruit St. – Landscaping Plan continued to June meeting
• 10 Fruit St. – Work completed
• Design Guideline Updating continued to June meeting

Affordable Housing Trust

The Affordable Housing Trust will hear an update on the Brown School project from ZETA Insite. The meeting also includes public comment, updates from co-chairs or the Planning Department, and approval of minutes from February 26, 2026.

• Brown School update from ZETA Insite
• Approval of minutes from 2/26/26

Resiliency

The Newburyport Resiliency Committee will discuss the proposed FY27-31 Capital Improvement Plan, water supply infrastructure projects including an ad hoc committee update, and wastewater treatment plant barrier walls. They will also review a Resiliency Plan addendum, grant applications, and a proposed Resiliency Checklist from the Regulations Working Group.

• FY27-31 Capital Improvement Plan proposed 5/11/26
• Water supply infrastructure projects and Ad Hoc Committee on Water Infrastructure (ORDR00833_04_27_2026)
• WWTP barrier walls
• ECO 1-Stop applications and Drought Resiliency and Water Efficiency Grant Program
• Resiliency Checklist from Regulations Working Group

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings on a DOD special permit for 9 Center Street and a site plan review for 5 Parker Street. A community forum on the Storey Ave. Reimagined project is also scheduled. The board will consider approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Public hearing: DOD Special Permit (PBSP-26-2) for 9 Center Street, applicant Attorney Douglas Deschenes
• Public hearing: Site Plan Review (SPR-26-2) for 5 Parker Street, applicant Edward Hill, Trustee of the Parker 5 Realty Trust
• Community forum: Storey Ave. Reimagined

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission is meeting to continue a previously opened Request for Determination of Applicability for a sauna company at 0 82nd Street. No public hearings or compliance requests are scheduled. The meeting will also include approval of prior minutes and updates from staff.

• Continued review of RDA-26-1 for Skog & Stone Sauna Co. at 0 82nd Street
• No requests for Certificates of Compliance
• No public hearings scheduled
• Approval of minutes from May 5, 2026 meeting

Historical Commission

The Newburyport Historical Commission will hold a public meeting to consider demolition delay applications for 21 Pine Hill Road and 24 Woodland Street, and provide advisory review for a project at 9 Center Street. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from April 9, 2026, and general business updates.

• Demolition delay review for 21 Pine Hill Road (HCDD-26-7)
• Demolition delay review for 24 Woodland Street (HCDD-26-8)
• Advisory review for 9 Center Street (PBSP-26-2)
• Approval of minutes from April 9, 2026

Zoning Board Of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on three continued applications: a special permit for non-conformities at 19 Madison Street, a variance and special permit for an ADU at 82 Water Street, and a special permit for 14 townhomes at 5 Parker Street. The board will also approve minutes from April 28 and review correspondence.

• 19 Madison Street: special permit for non-conformities to add a second story over existing structure
• 82 Water Street: variance to build an ADU within front setback and special permit for increased lot coverage
• 5 Parker Street: special permit for 14 townhomes in four buildings as multi-family development
• Approval of minutes from April 28, 2026 meeting
• Correspondence from Nicole Page

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a special permit and minor site plan review for Caswell Brothers Realty at 22 Henry Graf Jr. Road. The board will also vote on the completeness of an application for 5 Parker Street and receive updates on the Storey Avenue Visioning & Rezoning process, Zoning Amendment 221, and Business Park Rezoning.

• Public hearing: Caswell Brothers Realty, LLC – special permit and minor site plan review at 22 Henry Graf Jr. Road
• Vote on application completeness for 5 Parker Street (SPR-25-2)
• Update on Storey Avenue Visioning & Rezoning process
• Update on Zoning Amendment 221
• Update on Business Park Rezoning

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent for 137 Old Point Road, continued from April 21, 2026. The meeting also includes requests for Certificates of Compliance and Determinations of Applicability for several properties.

• 2 Marshview Way: Certificates of Compliance for Christopher & Suzanne Rains (COC-25-2, COC-25-3)
• 0 82nd Street: Determination of Applicability for Prince Osei, Skog & Stone Sauna Co. (RDA-26-1), continued from April 21
• 7 Dunrobin Drive: Determination of Applicability for David Turner (RDA-26-3)
• 0 G Street: Determination of Applicability for Thomas Peacock (RDA-26-4)
• 22 Merrimac Street (Waterfront Park): Determination of Applicability for Kerri Fowler, GEI Consultants (RDA-26-5)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a joint public hearing with the City Council Planning & Development Committee on two zoning ordinance amendments. The first would require Zoning Board of Appeals findings before extending or altering pre-existing nonconforming structures, focusing on impacts to aesthetics, neighborhood character, and starter dwelling supply. The second would define Floor Area Ratio (FAR) outside the Plum Island Overlay District and adjust dimensional requirements for certain residential uses.

• Amend zoning to require ZBA findings for nonconforming structure changes affecting aesthetics and starter dwellings
• Add Floor Area Ratio (FAR) definition outside Plum Island Overlay District
• Specify FAR as dimensional requirement for certain residential uses and districts
• Alter front yard and other dimensional requirements for certain residential uses

Zoning Board Of Appeals

The Newburyport Zoning Board of Appeals holds public hearings on five continued special permit applications involving non-conformities, demolitions, and additions. The board will also approve minutes from the April 14 meeting and receive updates from the Chair or Planning Director.

• ZNC-25-15: Special permit to remove roofline and add third floor at 9 Bromfield Street
• VAR-26-3: Variance to build pool in front yard setback at 180 High Street
• ZSP-26-1 & ZNC-26-6: Special permits for demolition and addition at 20 Pine Street
• ZSP-26-2 & ZNC-26-9: Special permits for demolition and additions at 65 Bromfield Street
• ZNC-26-8: Special permit for addition at 13 Tilton Street