Variances

The Zoning Board of Appeals has the authority to grant a variance from applicable zoning bylaws when the board finds that specific conditions, detailed in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, are met.  These conditions are:

• Literal enforcement of the bylaw would involve substantial hardship due to circumstances related to soil conditions, shape or topography of the land or structures that are specific to the property in question, but not to the zoning district in which it is located.
• Desirable relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without nullifying or derogating from the intent or purpose of the bylaw.

File a Variance Petition
Please follow the instructions on the Filing a Petition page.  A Variance petition requires:

• 20 Copies of the petition and supplemental information

Completed Petition Application
Form A: Variance Findings of Fact
Form C: Abutters and Planning Boards
Instrument plan survey showing all structures and adjacent roadways and lot lines and Form D: Specification of Plan
Copy of the Letter of Denial from the Inspector of Buildings

• The Filing Fee
• 2 sets of stamped addressed envelopes of the Abutters and Planning Boards listed on Form C

A Public Hearing is required for a Petition for a Variance.  A decision on the Petition for a Variance must be made within 75 days of the date of filing of the application with the Town Clerk’s Office.