ZBA to speed up small projects

Mayor Martin Walsh recently announced the creation of streamlined Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) process for small businesses and smaller residential applications.

A subcommittee of the ZBA will meet bi-weekly to hear zoning relief requests from small businesses and smaller residential projects. The move will is aimed at aiding small businesses and homeowners making renovations to their properties, by separating smaller projects from major developments that can take months to be approved.

Smaller residential projects means variances relating to one- or two-family, owner-occupied residential properties.

The process should also “lighten the load” on the ZBA and allow it “to focus more on the larger projects,” Inspectional Services Department (ISD) spokesperson Lisa Timberlake told the Gazette.

The first hearing of the ZBA Small Business and Owner-Occupied Residential Subcommittee will be Sept. 11. ZBA Staff is currently examining cases scheduled for September, October and November, and contacting applicants eligible for the streamlined process. Applicants interested in having their appeal heard through the subcommittee should contact 617-635-5300.

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