The project, known as 270 Billerica Road, is a 91,000± sf. warehouse constructed along Route 129/Billerica Road in Chelmsford, MA. Historically, the property was previously developed as a two story 100,000 sf. office building with significant parking that had been deemed underutilized with downturn in office space demand along this corridor. 

The local entitlement process required permits from the Town of Chelmsford Planning Board (Site Plan and Special Permit), Conservation Commission (Notice of Intent), and Board of Health (Groundwater Protection Zone).
HSH provided Civil Engineering and Traffic Engineering services for this project.

Q: How long did the permitting take on this redevelopment project?

A: From initial submission to final approvals, the project undertook the entitlement process for approximately two years, beginning in May of 2022. By March 2023, the project had achieved initial approvals from both Conservation Commission and Planning Board.

The Applicant sought to make the project more cost effective, and approval modifications were required. Final approvals from Conservation Commission, Planning Board, and the Board of Health were obtained in May 2024.

Q: What were the largest obstacles with the permitting?

A: The permitting process faced several key challenges, including community concerns about redeveloping a long-vacant office site and the necessity of demolition. Traffic impacts were also a major focus, particularly regarding potential increases in tractor trailer activity and routing to nearby highways, which required extensive traffic studies and review.

Additionally, environmental testing identified PFAS in one area of the site, prompting further investigation, source evaluation, and the implementation of design and construction safeguards. Addressing these issues required close coordination with the project’s LSP and multiple permitting authorities, including the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Board of Health.

Q: What is the current status?

A: Commencement of Construction began in late fall of 2024, and has continued through 2025, with the current phase of active site construction having concluded in December 2025. Minor construction is anticipated to continue through the spring of 2026 with the goal of achieving final site completion prior to summer of 2026.

The project highlights not only project team collaboration, but also the importance of collaboration with local officials in ultimate pursuit of project success.

Our expert civil engineers will guide you through the permitting and development process. 

HSH helps clients navigate local and state permitting and regulatory approvals while ensuring projects are functional, compliant, and environmentally responsible.

Let HSH help you navigate the permitting and development process. Our experienced civil engineers can:

• Translate local requirements into a potential build with a developable yield;
• Prepare comprehensive  civil engineering and site design;
• Create transparency in the permitting process through thoughtful communication;
• Ensure confidence through understanding of the process; and
• Provide due diligence for a successful outcome.

Services offered:

• Conceptual Planning
• Civil Engineering
• Stormwater Management
• Site Plan Permitting
• Definitive Subdivision Permitting
• Transportation Impact Assessments
• Parking Demand and Needs Assessment
• Structural Engineering
• Environmental Permitting