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Zoning Board of Appeals
Meetings
- 7:00 p.m.
- 1st Tuesday of every month (please see meeting dates link)
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Schedule
The meeting schedule is subject to change as necessary. It is a recommended to contact the Planning and Zoning Office to confirm the date of a particular hearing that you may be of particular interest to you.
All meetings are being held virtually via Zoom for the foreseeable future. Virtual meeting access is available on public meeting agendas no less than 48 business house in advance of meeting dates.
All Zoning Board of Appeals Meetings are open to the public.
Background & Responsibilities
The Zoning Board of Appeals consists of 6 members (3 full members, and 3 associate members) whom are appointed by the Board of Selectmen for 3 year terms. The Committee typically meets on the first Tuesday of each month and is responsible for holding public hearings for the following purposes:
- Hear and decide appeals from the decision of the Building Inspector concerning the issuance or denial of building permits on the basis of conformity with the zoning laws.
- Hear and decide applications for special permits.
- Authorize or deny variances from the zoning law.
- Fulfill other responsibilities and duties as required under Chapter 40A of Massachusetts General Laws
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes
| Zoning Board of Appeals Member | Appointment Type & Term | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|
| S. Woodworth Chittick, Chair | Appointed (3 years) | 2026 |
| David McMorris, Vice-Chair | Appointed (3 years) | 2024 |
| Charles Higginson, Member | Appointed (3 years) | 2025 |
| Lee Darst, Associate | Appointed (3 years) | 2024 |
| Mike Dickey, Associate | Appointed (3 years) | 2025 |
| Matthew Watkins, Associate | Appointed (3 years) | 2025 |
New Application With the Zoning Board of Appeals
To file a new Zoning Board of Appeals Application, please follow these steps:
- Confirm that you will need to come before the Board with the Building Inspector. If you do, view the Zoning Board of Appeals Application, along with the checklists and other requirements below.
- Call the Zoning Board office and ask when the next meeting is and what the submission deadline for that meeting will be. Confirm what the appropriate fee associated with your application is.
- Make sure you have all of the plans you will need to show the Board what relief you are seeking (you will see these requirements in the application.)
- Obtain a certified abutters list from the Assessor's Office - this costs $25 and can take up to 10 business days.
All submissions for continued hearings need to be filed at the Zoning Board Office at least a week plus 1 day prior to the next hearing. This will allow for the submissions to be included in the board's packets that will be delivered 1 week prior to the hearing. This benefits the applicant as it allows the board to review the materials prior to the meeting. Submissions can of course be filed after this date, or at zoning board meetings, but the applicant should be aware that in most cases this may lengthen the decision making process.