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Zoning Board of Appeals Procedures/Process

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The procedures for the Town of Dedham Zoning Board of Appeals are solely governed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in M.G.L. c. 40 ("The Zoning Act").  Other than following the Town of Dedham Zoning Bylaw (Section 280-9.5 (K)), all steps are taken in accordance with the State regulations.

STEP
 ACTIONS

1. Determine if the project needs relief from zoning limitations.

 Meet with the Building Department to determine if filing is necessary.

2. Preliminary Review

 The Applicant is encouraged to meet with the Building Commissioner, Planning and Zoning Department, neighbors, or applicable staff for review of the draft application.
3. Zoning Application The Applicant completes the final application and submits eight (8) hard copies and a digital submission to the Planning and Zoning Department.
4. Review The application is reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Department to ensure that the proper relief is requested.
5. Advertisement Legal notices of the hearing are mailed to the Applicant, abutters, and surrounding towns. Legal notices are also published in the Dedham Times for two consecutive weeks, pursuant to M.G.L. c.40A, Section II.
6. ZBA Hearing The Applicant attends and presents the petition at a public hearing. The ZBA votes to grant, deny, or continue the hearing.
7. After the Hearing A decision is prepared and pursuant to M.G.L c.40A provided to ZBA members for approval.
8. Submission to Town Clerk The decision is filed with the Town Clerk. Copies are mailed to the Applicant. A 21-day appeal period begins.
9. Abutter Notification After filing with the Town Clerk, abutters and the surrounding towns that the decision has been rendered.
10. Certification of No Appeal If there are no appeals, the Applicant obtains a certificate from the Town Clerk.
11. Recording the Decision The Applicant must record the decision at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham, MA. Copies of the stamped recording are brought to the Planning and Zoning Office and the Building Department.
12. Permits The Applicant may now apply for the appropriate building, wiring, and plumbing permits from the Building Department.