Board approves 10‑foot low‑voltage perimeter security at HERC site after safety review

The Brockton Zoning Board of Appeals granted Amarok LLC a special permit and variance to allow a 10‑foot low‑voltage perimeter security system installed inside the existing fence at 1675 Main Street, a HERC/HURC Rentals location, after testimony and technical discussion about safety standards and site operations.

Attorney Jeff Eugino (Eugino) presented the appeal of a 06/22/2026 cease‑and‑desist, asking the board first to consider whether the perimeter system qualifies as a structure under the zoning ordinance. Representative Michelle Lafrante described how the system is installed about 4–8 inches inside a standard 6‑foot perimeter fence, uses a 12‑volt DC battery/energizer and pulses up to approximately 7,000 volts in brief pulses. She said the system follows IEC 60335‑2‑76 standards, carries warning signs every 30 feet and integrates a Knox key‑box so the fire department can de‑energize the system if needed. "If you touch it, I could liken it... it's like a static shock," Lafrante said, adding the company de‑energizes the system during daytime hours and only arms it when the site is closed.

Board members asked detailed questions about proximity to the adjacent school, hours of operation and whether children could accidentally contact the system. HERC/HURC representatives said the site is staffed and operates roughly 7 a.m.–5 p.m., with early driver activity; the system is turned on when the yard is closed. The building inspector argued the barrier meets the definition of a structure and therefore required zoning review. The board debated the safety record and fire and building department approvals obtained by the applicant.

Following deliberation, the board moved to grant the petition; the clerk recorded four votes in the affirmative and one in the negative. The chair and staff confirmed language can be included so that the previously issued cease‑and‑desist is resolved consistent with the board’s order and appropriate final inspections. The board suggested — but did not mandate — added low landscaping or planters as a public‑safety buffer on the sidewalk side.