Zoning Board of Appeals
The Groveland Zoning Board of Appeals is authorized to function under the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Chapters 40A and 40B, as well as the Groveland Zoning Bylaws. The Board issues special permits, grants variances and comprehensive permits, and hears appeals from decisions of the Building Inspector.
Public hearings of the Board are held as the result of applications in the following areas:
- By a person aggrieved by the decision of the Building Inspector or other administrative officer (Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 40A, Section 13).
- For a Comprehensive Permit pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 40B to construct affordable housing within the Town of Groveland.
- For a special permit under the Zoning Bylaw.
- For a variance from the requirements of the Zoning Bylaw.
Prior to the public hearings, plans and drawings are reviewed, legal advertisements are published and abutters are notified as required by state law. The public hearings are conducted by the Chair in conformity with the Board of Appeals Rules and Regulations. The Board may conduct a site view when necessary. Following the hearings, a duly posted public deliberation meeting is conducted. During deliberation meetings, the Board discusses the petitions and, based on any site views and the evidence 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. Following the conclusion of the appeal period, or any appeal, the decision is recorded at the Essex North Registry of Deeds.
