The Zoning Board of Appeals is a quasi-judicial body. The Board serves the community by hearing and making decisions on applications brought before the Board for special permits, variances, comprehensive permits, hears appeals to the decision of the Building Inspector, and renders its decisions by applying Massachusetts General Laws and the Town By-laws.

Meetings are normally held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Filing deadlines are normally one month in advance of the meeting. Please confirm dates with the office. Meetings are open to the public and are taped by Community Cable. Meetings are often held at the Needham Public Library Community Room or other site as announced.

APPLICATION FEES
TYPE OF APPLICATION	SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL	MULTI-DWELLING RESIDENTIAL	COMMERCIAL
Appeal of the Building Inspector’s Decision	$200	$200	$200
Amendment, Modification, Transfer	$200	$200	$200
Special Permit	$200	$500	$500
Variance	$200	$200	$200
Comprehensive Permit		$2,000 + $100/unit

 

• In addition to the above stated filing fees, the applicant shall be responsible to pay the cost of publishing public notices of any hearing in a newspaper.  The clerk shall prepare the notice and arrange for publication.  The newspaper may send an invoice directly to the applicant or through the clerk. The applicant shall pay any such invoice promptly upon receipt and failure to make timely payment shall be grounds for the Board to withhold a decision or deny an application.

Three regular members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen for three years in such a manner that the term of one regular member shall expire each year. Two associate members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen for a term of one year. In case of a vacancy or absence, inability to act, or interest on the part of a regular member of the Board of Appeals, that place may be taken by an associate member designated by the Chairman or acting Chairman.