What are the ZBA's public hearing protocols?

The Board will first hear evidence from the applicant who will give a presentation on the project and requested relief. Then there will be a period of time when the Board may ask questions. Following that, there will be a question and answer period from the audience. If you want to speak or ask a question, please direct your question through the Chair and identify yourself by stating your name and address for the record. After that, there will be a period where people may speak in favor or in opposition to the application. The Board will then close the public hearing. The Board may or may not take a site visit, depending on the nature of the relief and the Board’s familiarity with the neighborhood of the property. If the Board does take a site visit, they will only observe the property and not take additional evidence from attendees. Once the hearing is closed the only evidence that the Board will take in is their observations at the site visit. Following that, the Board will render a decision. There are statutory time periods in which the Board must file their decisions with the Town Clerk. If you feel aggrieved by the Board’s decisions, there are certain statutory time periods in which to appeal the decision. If you do want to appeal the Board urges you to promptly consult an attorney because the time periods are short and strictly enforced. 


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1. What is my zoning district?
2. How do I know what laws apply to my project?
3. What if I want to construct a new home, addition, or new business?
4. What is Zoning?
5. What is the difference between the Zoning Code and the Building Code?
6. What if my proposed structure or use is not allowed by the Zoning Bylaws?
7. What are zoning nonconformities?
8. Can zoning nonconformities legally continue to exist?
9. Can zoning nonconformities be enlarged?
10. When can zoning nonconformities be replaced as they currently exist?
11. When must zoning nonconformities be replaced to conform with current zoning requirements?
12. Why did I receive a hearing notice?
13. What should I expect at the public hearing?
14. What are the zoning requirements regarding sheds?
15. What is a Zoning Freeze?
16. What are the ZBA's public hearing protocols?
17. How to appeal a ZBA Decision?
18. What is the difference between a special permit and a variance?
19. Medfield Zoning Info for Homeowners and Realtors
20. We want a pool; what should we be aware of?