In accordance with the provisions of Mass. General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 5, the Planning Board of the TOWN OF WESTFORD held a public hearing on a Zoning Bylaw Amendment as described below to Appendix A and Section 10.2 of the Zoning Bylaw, and Creation of new Section 6.6 – Firearm Businesses. The Planning Board opened the public hearing on Monday, June 5, 2023. The hearing was continued to July 17, 2023; and to August 21, 2023, where they held a Joint Discussion with the Select Board and Board of Health; and to September 18, 2023, where they held a Joint Discussion with the Select Board. The public hearing was closed on September 18, 2023. 

This amendment will be considered at the upcoming Westford Special Town Meeting on Monday, October 16, 2023.

This proposed zoning bylaw amendment would define Firearm Businesses and related terms; regulate the location, siting, design, placement, security, safety, monitoring, and modifications of Firearm Businesses; and enumerate criteria for the establishment of Firearm Businesses in town to address public safety concerns arising from the use of land, buildings, and structures for the operation of such businesses, and the potential disruption of peace and quiet enjoyment of the community.

The complete text of the proposed bylaw amendment is available for download at the link below or can be viewed at the Town Clerk’s Office and the Permitting Department in Town Hall, 55 Main Street, and the J.V. Fletcher Library, 50 Main Street, during normal business hours. The Planning Board file for the proposed amendment is PB 2312 ZNG.

Click here for the Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment - Firearm Businesses