How long will it take the Board of Zoning Appeals to review my project?

It typically takes two to three (2-3) months for a case to be completed by the Board of Zoning Appeals. However, this time period can vary greatly depending on the scope/type of the project being proposed. Applications for single-family residential properties often take less time than those proposing the construction of multi-family housing or a commercial building. In any case, the process will take at minimum 10 weeks to complete due the requirements of a public hearing and appeals process:

• Abutters must be notified and legal advertisements in a local newspaper must be published 14 days prior to the date of the public hearing.
• The Board of Zoning Appeals must open and close the public hearing as well as vote on the case in a public meeting.
• A written decision must be prepared and then approved for signature by the Board of Zoning Appeals at another public meeting.
• The approved decision must be submitted to the Town Clerk for a 20-day appeals period, after which the applicant can record the decision at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.

For more information on the Board of Zoning Appeals’ application process, please visit the Board’s webpage or contact the Principal Planner at (781) 340-5015 during normal business hours. If you would like to speak to someone regarding the details of a case, please call ahead to ensure that either the Principal Planner or Planning Director will be available when you arrive.