Zoning Board of Appeals

UPCOMING ZBA MEETINGS*

6/7/23   - 6:00 pm (Site Visit, 80 Summer St. - ONLY ZBA MEMBERS ALLOWED ON SITE PER PROPERTY OWNER , NO DISCUSSION / NO QUESTIONS)

7/6/23   - 6:30 pm (Regular Monthly Meeting, The Hall at Memorial Hall Library, 2 N. Main St.)

8/3/23   - 6:30 pm (Regular Monthly Meeting, The Hall at Memorial Hall Library, 2 N. Main St.)

9/7/23   - 6:30 pm (Regular Monthly Meeting, The Hall at Memorial Hall Library, 2 N. Main St.)

10/5/23   - 6:30 pm (Regular Monthly Meeting, The Hall at Memorial Hall Library, 2 N. Main St.)

11/2/23   - 6:30 pm (Regular Monthly Meeting, The Hall at Memorial Hall Library, 2 N. Main St.)

12/14/23   - 6:30 pm (Regular Monthly Meeting, The Hall at Memorial Hall Library, 2 N. Main St.)

*Meeting dates & filing deadlines for the entire year can be found in the 'ZBA Filing Fees & Filing Deadlines 2023' under 'Resources' in the lower right side of this page.

Public meeting notices are posted here: Official Public Meeting Notices and at the Town Clerk's Office at least 48 hours in advance of a meeting.

Please refer to the official public meeting notice for the date, time and location of each meeting, as they are subject to change.

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS

MEETING PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES

  • You must state your name and address as part of the public hearing process.
  • During a pubic hearing, the Chair will invite the public to ask questions, make comments & voice concern, opposition or support.  If another member of the public has asked the same question or made the same comment, we respectfully request that you assist the ZBA in running an efficient meeting by refraining from repeating what has already been said.

HOW TO WATCH A ZBA MEETING (if you do not attend the in-person meeting)

  • VIEW LIVE on Andover TV's live stream: ANDOVER TV LIVE STREAM
  • Watch on Comcast Channel 22* or Verizon Channel 45*
  • *Channels are subject to change based on the broadcasters' schedule. Please verify on the broadcasters' channel the night of the meeting for the most accurate information.
  • Check Andover TV, Verizon & Comcast schedules for replay days & times
  • Watch Archived ZBA Meetings

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View ZBA Agendas and Minutes

BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

9 members are appointed by the Select Board to three-year terms; 5 regular members and 4 associate members serve without pay.

The Andover Zoning Board of Appeals is authorized to function under the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter40A, Section14 and Chapter 40B, as well as the Andover Zoning Bylaw (Article VIII)

Public hearings are held as the result of applications for relief in the following areas:

  • As a party aggrieved by a decision of the Building Inspector or other administrative officer (M.G.L. Chapter40A, Section13).
  • For a Comprehensive Permit pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 40B to construct affordable housing within the Town of Andover.
  • For a special permit under the Zoning Bylaw.
  • For a variance from the requirements of the Zoning Bylaw.
  • For an extension or modification of a decision issued by the Zoning Board.

Prior to the public hearings, the applications, plans and drawings are reviewed, legal advertisements are published and abutters are notified as required by M.G.L. Chapter40A Section11. The public hearings are conducted by the Chair in conformity with the Zoning Board Rules & Regulations. The Board may conduct a site view when necessary. A site view is an extension of the public hearing and posted according to the Open Meeting Law.

Once a public hearing is closed, a duly posted public deliberation meeting is conducted. During deliberation meetings, the Board discusses the petitions and, based on any site views, the evidence and testimony presented at the hearing, a vote is taken and a member volunteers to draft a decision. The draft decision is voted on at the following month's meeting, signed by the Chair and filed with the Town Clerk. 

Once the decision is filed with the Town Clerk, the statutory 20-day appeal period commences, the applicant / petitioner receives a copy of the decision and the abutters are notified of the decision by mail. Following the conclusion of the appeal period, or any appeal made pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter40A, Section17, Zoning Board decisions are recorded at the Northern Essex Registry of Deeds and can be found here: Northern Essex Registry of Deeds

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