In an effort to better inform the general public about proposed and accepted zoning changes throughout the City of Lowell, the Division of Planning & Development has created this page to post information prepared for and presented to the Lowell Planning Board and City Coucil. 

APRIL 18, 2006:  The Lowell City Council and Planning Board held a joint public hearing to discuss and vote on a series of zoning amendments and additions to the Lowell Zoning Ordinance.  The City Council and Planning Board voted to approve these amendments and additions.  Additionally, the Division of Planning & Development gave a presentation illustrating the impact of the zoning changes approved by the Council in 2003 and 2004, based on the comprehensive master plan.  The following links include the approved zoning changes and the DPD presentation:

• Zoning Amendments & Additions proposed by the Zoning Subcommittee on March 28, 2006 (Approved April 18, 2006) 
• Updated Zoning Ordinance - August 2008
• Presentation to City Council & Planning Board by DPD*

*Please note the following regarding the slides of the presentation given by DPD:

• Slides 3 and 4 illustrate locations where the photo on the right is a site, sold since the zoning changed, where the previous zoning would have allowed development similar to the photo on the left.
• Slides 5 and 6 illustrate locations where the new regulation allows for projects of similar density to the old regulation. But, the photos on the right illustrate the difference created by new setback and landscaping regulations
• Slide 7 illustrates two four-unit townhouse projects. The photo on the left is as allowed by right under the old zoning. The photo on the right is a project regulated through site plan review and special permit under the new zoning.
• Slide 8 illustrates the impact of the new 'building conversion ordinance' on institutional parcels.
• Slide 9 illustrates the difference between projects on Westford Street that could have been built under the old zoning with what is now being built.
• Slide 10 summarized the zoning changes approved by the council on 4/18/06, as the first phase a two-part process to provide further revisions to the code.
• Slide 11 summarizes items to be addressed with the Zoning Subcommittee as the second phase of the two-part process to provide further revisions to the code.

If you have comments or questions about the above zoning changes, please feel free to contact:

George Proakis, Chief Planner
-or-

Aaron Clausen, Associate Planner

Division of Planning and Development
Phone: (978) 970-4252