Zoning Board of Appeals

UPCOMING ZBA MEETINGS*:
7/1/21 - 6:30 pm - ZBA Monthly Virtual Meeting
*Meeting dates are included in the 'ZBA Filing Fees & Filing Deadlines 2021' under 'Resources' in the lower right side of this page.

HOW TO WATCH A ZBA VIRTUAL MEETING:
  •  TO VIEW the LIVE MEETING go to: https://andover.vod.castus.tv/vod/?live=ch3&nav=live
  • It is also live broadcast on Comcast Channel 22, Verizon Channel 45 & www.andovertv.org
  • Channels are subject to changed based on the broadcasters' schedules. Please verify on the broadcasters' channel the night of the meeting for the most accurate information.
VIRTUAL MEETING PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES for the General Public:
  • At this time, only ZBA Members, Town Staff, Applicants, & their Representatives / Contractors/Engineers/Architects/Team Members are allowed to enter the virtual meeting platform.
  • Meeting IDs & passwords must not to be shared.
  • Prior to a meeting, the General Public may ask a question or make a comment on an agenda item by sending an email to  zoning@andoverma.gov. Your name and address must be included.
  • During a meeting, you may ask a question or make a comment on an agenda item by emailing   zoning@andoverma.gov or calling the Administrative Secretary at: 978-623-8627. 
  • Staff will be available to present the Board with questions received during the meeting. 
  • You must include your name and address.
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS:
  • 1st Thursday of every month
  • 6:30 p.m.
  • MEETINGS ARE HELD VIRTUALLY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE (see instructions above)
  • When we are able to resume in-person meetings, they will be held at:
  • Town Offices, 3rd Floor                                                                                           
  • Conference Room A*                                                                                                        
  • 36 Bartlet Street                                                                                                       
  • Andover, MA 01810
  • View Archived ZBA Meeting Videos
  • *Location is subject to change. Verify Public Meeting Notice posted at Town Clerk's Office

Agendas & Minutes


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

Zoning Board Decisions


Per Mass. General Law Chapter 40A, Section 11, decisions are recorded at the Northern Essex Registry of Deeds and can be found here: Northern Essex Registry of Deeds

Members


Members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen to three-year terms. Five regular members and four associate members serve without pay.

About the Board


The Andover 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 Andover Zoning Bylaw (Article VIII).  The Board issues special permits, grants variances and comprehensive permits, and hears appeals from decisions of the Building Commissioner or other administrative officer.
  
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 Andover.
  • 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.
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