Do you want to have a say in helping to resolve Bedford’s zoning issues that are being appealed? Did you know that Bedford’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) currently has TWO openings for members?
In this and future spotlights, the Volunteer Coordinating Committee will continue to let Bedford residents know a little more about some town committees that could use your help.
The ZBA is a Town Board comprised of five (5) full members and three (3) alternate members, appointed by the Select Board of Bedford for three (3) year terms. The ZBA holds public hearings to consider petitions for a variance or special permit as well as appeals brought to the Board by anyone aggrieved by a decision of the Zoning Enforcement Officer or the Inspector of Buildings. The ZBA typically meets once or twice per month, in the evenings.
ZBA holds public hearings to hear petitions for the following reasons:
- Petitioners seeking variances to the dimensional requirements in our zoning bylaws
- Petitioners seeking special permits for particular uses allowed by special permit
- Petitioners seeking to overturn the decision of the Building inspector
- Petitioners seeking approval of Chapter 40B affordable housing projects
The ZBA is a wonderful opportunity for citizens who are curious, thoughtful and enjoy navigating through issues that are not just black and white. ZBA members do not have to come from any specific discipline; all are welcome. For example, we currently have an architect, a structural engineer, a software engineer, and a lawyer on the board. ZBA members get to help decide how the town as a whole will look for years to come.
For more information on this board, please visit Zoning Board of Appeals | bedfordma. For more information on Bedford’s volunteer process, including links to VCC contact information and the volunteer application, please visit https://www.bedfordma.gov/volunteer-coordinating-committee.
~ Submitted by Bedford’s Volunteer Coordinating Committee
Loading ...
