Office of Planning and Community Development

It is the mission of the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) to protect and enhance the quality of life in Melrose. To accomplish this mission OPCD provides long range planning, manages the capital improvement program, reviews and recommends changes in zoning, applies for and administers grants and community development programs and implements special projects. Additionally, OPCD supports the work of several Boards and Commissions in the City and reviews all major land use proposals, including subdivision plans and significant residential and commercial development proposals.

OPCD provides staff support to the following Boards and Commissions: Planning Board, Board of Appeals (ZBA), Historic District Commission, and Energy Commission.

OPCD Permit Application Procedures During COVID-19 Pandemic

Pursuant to Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2020, notwithstanding any general or special law, rule, regulation, charter, ordinance or by-law to the contrary, during the governor's March 10, 2020 declaration of a state of emergency, the process for permit applications to permit granting authorities has been modified and timelines for permit application review have been extended.

During this time the steps to submit applications to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Melrose Downtown Historic District Commission have changed. Please note that all application submission requirements, including application fees, remain in full force and effect. All application submission questions should be directed by email to the applicable permit granting authority as set forth in the Permit Application Procedures.

Please find the procedures to submit an application as well as the application forms, which have not changed, here.