Review appeals to the town zoning by-laws.
9.2 BOARD OF APPEALS
9.2.1 Establishment. [Amended 5-7-05 ATM Art. 14] There shall be a Board of Appeals
of five (5) members and three (3) associate members appointed by the Board of
Selectmen as provided in G.L c. 40A, s. 12, which shall act on all matters within its
jurisdiction under this Zoning Bylaw in the manner prescribed in the General Laws.
No member or associate member shall act on any appeal in which he/she has a
personal or financial interest. In case of the absence of or inability to act by any
regular member or in the event of a vacancy, an associate member shall be assigned
to act in place thereof.
9.2.2 Powers. The Board of Appeals shall have and exercise all the powers granted to it
by Chapters 40A, 40B, and 41 of the General Laws and by this Bylaw. The Board's
powers are as follows:
1. Special Permits. To hear and decide applications for special permits. Unless
otherwise specified herein, the Board of Appeals shall serve as the special permit
granting authority, to act in all matters in accordance with the provisions of
Section 9.3, or as otherwise specified. A special permit shall lapse within a twoyear
period or a shorter period if so specified, including time required to pursue
or await the determination of an appeal pursuant to G.L.c. 40A, s. 17, and if
substantial use thereof has not sooner commenced except for good cause, or, in
the case of a permit for construction, if construction has not begun within the
period except for good cause.
2. Variances. To hear and decide appeals or petitions for variances from the terms
of this Bylaw, with respect to particular land or structures, as set forth in G.L. c.
40A, s. 10, where owing to circumstances relating to the soil conditions, shape or
topography of such land or structures and especially affecting such land or
structures but not affecting generally the zoning district in which it is located, a
literal enforcement of the provisions of the Bylaw would involve substantial
hardship, financial or otherwise, to the petitioner or appellant, and that desirable
relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and
without nullifying or substantially derogating from the intent or purpose of this
Bylaw. A use variance may be granted by the Board of Appeals to authorize a
use or activity not otherwise permitted in the district in which the land or
structure is located.
3. Administrative Appeals. To hear and decide appeals taken by any person
aggrieved by reason of his inability to obtain a permit or enforcement action from
any administrative officer under the provisions of G.L. c. 40A, ss. 7, 8 and 15.
4. Comprehensive Permits. To hear and decide comprehensive permits for
construction of low or moderate income housing by a public agency or limited
dividend or nonprofit corporation, as set forth in G.L. c. 40B, ss. 20-23.
9.2.3 Conditions. With regard to special permits and variances, the Board of Appeals may
impose conditions, safeguards and limitations, both of time and use, including the
continued existence of any particular structures; provided, however, that a variances
may not be conditioned so as to pertain exclusively to the appellant, petitioner or any
owner.
9.2.4 Regulations. The Board of Appeals may adopt rules and regulations for the
administration of its powers.
9.2.5 Fees. The Board of Appeals may adopt reasonable administrative fees and technical
review fees for petitions for variances, administrative appeals, and applications for
comprehensive permits.
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