JOIN THE ZBA!
Do you have an interest in helping Shutesbury and your fellow residents with their building plans? Are you looking for a way to get involved with the community but aren’t able to commit to monthly meetings? Consider joining the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)!
The ZBA hears and decides on applications for special permits, zoning variances, and appeals of decisions made by the Building Inspector or other authorities regarding zoning.
The ZBA only meets as-needed, when an application is submitted. Familiarity with zoning and building regulations is welcome, but not required–this is a great opportunity to learn more about both! It’s also an excellent way to have a voice in the future of planning and building in our town.
The ZBA currently has openings for two full members and one associate member. Full members have regulatory authority to issue special permits, variances, and appeals. Associate members support and advise the Board and may occasionally be authorized to serve as full members in the event of an absence of a quorum of full members. Both full and associate members are appointed by the Select Board.
For more information about the ZBA and this opportunity, email landuseclerk@shutesbury.org.
The Zoning Board of Appeals performs the following functions:
- Hears and decides applications for Special Permits as provided by the Zoning Bylaw,
- Hears and decides applications for Variances from zoning, and
- Hears and decides appeals of Decisions made by the Building Inspector or other authority regarding Zoning
The Shutesbury Zoning By-Laws set forth the rights and limitations on land usage within the town of Shutesbury. While the by-laws generally either allow or deny particular uses, there are cases where they allow a particular type of use or change in use only after the ZBA finds that the proposed use meets criteria set forth in the by-laws and grants a special permit, often with conditions. The by-laws list the particular uses allowed by special permit.
A variance exempts the applicant from some aspect of the zoning regulations in cases, where the proposed use satisfies the general intent of the by-laws but a literal reading of the regulations would result in a substantial hardship to the applicant. The state severely limits the conditions under which the ZBA may grant a variance. These conditions are listed in the by-laws.
The Zoning Enforcement Officer, in our case the Building Inspector, has among other duties, authority to decide whether uses are allowed, building permits are accepted or rejected, or other orders such as cessation of use. The applicant or land owner may decide to appeal such decision, and the Zoning Board of Appeals hears those appeals.
Announcements of ZBA meetings and hearings are posted on the official Town calendar.
Questions can be brought to the ZBA at any scheduled meeting. If you have a question, please call the ZBA Secretary or the Chairperson and decide if attendance at a meeting for discussion and information would be valuable.
Applying for a Special Permit or Variance, or Preparing an Appeal
Guidelines for Providing Documentation in Support of an Application
Procedure Following a Complete Application to the ZBA
Zoning Board of Appeals Forms and Documents
Zoning Board of Appeals Special Permit Application
Zoning Board of Appeals Special Permit Checklist
Zoning Board of Appeals Variance Application
Zoning Board of Appeals Site Plan Review Application
Zoning Board of Appeals Ground Mounted Solar Language Interpretation
Fee Schedule
Effective February 16, 2022
| Type | Fee |
| Special Permit Application | $500 |
| Variance Application | $400 |
| Appeal from Building Commissioner Determination | $400 |
| Site Plan Review | $100 |
Current Cases
None.