Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals is responsible for reviewing requests for relief from the Town’s Zoning By-Law in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A. The Board considers petitions for variances, special permits, Planned Developments, Affordable Housing, administrative appeals, and conducts public hearings to evaluate each request. In making its decisions, the ZBA ensures that proposals are consistent with local zoning regulations while balancing the rights of property owners with the interests of the community. The Board’s role is to provide a fair and impartial process for applicants seeking reasonable use of their property when strict application of the zoning bylaw would create hardship or when specific approvals are required.

Meetings

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Meetings are generally held in the Cucinotta Community Room at the Somerset Public Library, located at 1464 County Street, Somerset, MA 02726. Please note that meeting locations may occasionally change; attendees are encouraged to review the posted meeting agenda to confirm the meeting location. Can also be seen live on Somerset Access TV channel 15 or YouTube.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings at the office of the Town Clerk. Minutes are available following approval.

Members 

ZBA Members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen and serve three-year terms.

Filing Information:

• The Building Inspector serves as the Town’s Zoning Enforcement Officer. All zoning-related inquiries should first be directed to the Building Inspector at 508-646-2800 ext. 304. If it is determined that Zoning Board action is required, all application materials must then be submitted to the Office of the Town Planner, Room 22A.
• Applications, the Zoning By-Law, and other required forms are available in hard copy during regular office hours in the Town Planner’s Office and are also provided through the links on this page.
• Submission Deadlines
  Petitions must be submitted no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) on the last Thursday of the month to be placed on the agenda for the following month.
• Home Occupations
  If a business is located at a residential address, approval for an In-Home Occupation from the Zoning Board of Appeals is required prior to the issuance of a business certificate. This includes home offices and internet or online-based businesses.
• Scheduling Note
  Due to time constraints, if more than five petitions are received for a given hearing date, additional petitions may be scheduled for the following month at the Board’s discretion.

Zoning Filing Fees

Contact Us:

Somerset Town Hall

Office of the Town Planner, Rm. 22-A

140 Wood Street

Somerset, MA 02726

508-646-2809

Hours:

Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. & Fridays 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.