Zoning Board of Appeals Home Page

The Zoning Board of Appeals has authority pursuant to M.G.L. c. 40A (the state Zoning Act) and the Town of Whitman Zoning Bylaw to approve special permits and to grant variances from the Whitman Zoning Bylaw, and to consider appeals from orders of the Building Inspector or other administrative officials pertaining to zoning.

The Zoning Board of Appeals consists of five members.  There are also three associate members, who are designated by the Chairman to sit on a case if a regular member is unable to participate due to absence, conflict of interest, or any other reason.  The members and associate members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen.

All petitions for variances and special permits, and appeals from decisions of the Building Inspector, are subject to the public notice requirements of the state Zoning Act (including mailing of notices to abutters, and the placement of newspaper advertisements at the petitioner’s expense), and require a public hearing.  The affirmative vote of at least four members of the Zoning Board of Appeals is necessary to grant a special permit or variance, or to reverse any order or decision of the Building Inspector or other administrative official.

The Zoning Board of Appeals normally schedules hearings and holds its meetings on Monday evenings, as needed.