Board of Appeals

The Melrose Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) considers requests for variances, special permits and appeals from decisions of City Officials. 

• Variances allow for the departure from strict terms or provisions of the Zoning Ordinance where a literal enforcement of the provisions would involve a substantial hardship and where desirable relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good.
• Special permits are required by the Zoning Ordinance in order to establish some land uses and utilize other provisions that need individual consideration based on the nature of the surrounding uses and structures.
• Appeals from decisions of City Officials could be regarding the inability to obtain a permit or other decision of a City Official or Board in violation of any provision of the Zoning Ordinance.

The ZBA is established under the provisions of Chapter 40A of Massachusetts General Laws and the Melrose Zoning Ordinance.  The Board is comprised of five members and two alternates who are Melrose residents that are appointed and serve as volunteers. The membership includes experts in architecture, planning, engineering, and law.