Billerica ZBA Unanimously Rejects Solar Carport Permit at 333 Boston Road

BILLERICA -- February 18, 2026, Billerica ZBA voted 0-5 to deny a solar carport special permit at 333 Boston Road, keeping two proposed structures out of an adjacent residential zone. The petition, brought by Michael Pattinson on behalf of property owner Paul Looney and energy developer FB Benniker Realty Investors LLC under Section 9.4.C of the zoning bylaw, sought to allow two rear solar carports to straddle the general business and neighborhood residence district boundary. Abutters John Carlson, Sarah Carlson, Laura Vogler, and Martine Whitman packed the hearing room to oppose the project, citing noise, glare, fire risk, and a long history of unpermitted activity on the lot, including stored buses and trailers. The board also voted 0-5 to deny a Class 2 used-car license to Dale Laurie at 56 Sullivan Road, who failed to appear, citing a conflicting existing license on the same parcel. A separate change-of-ownership fast-food permit at 480 Boston Road was granted 5-0.