Zoning

The following amendment to the Zoning Ordinance entitled "Proposed Incentive Zoning, Related Map Changes and Parking Regulation Amendments" is before the Melrose City Council. A Joint Public Hearing between the City Council and Planning Board was held on April 29, 2021, and, in accordance with MGL Chapter 40A Section 5, the Planning Board has submitted a report with recommendations to the City Council. The Council will then vote to adopt, amend, or reject the proposed amendment. Click the links below to view the zoning materials.

In 1926, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of zoning, ruling it appropriate to limit an individual’s property rights in the best interest of the general public. In Massachusetts, zoning is authorized through the Mass General Laws, Chapter 40A. In Melrose, the Zoning Ordinance describes the rules and regulations regarding how land is developed locally.

Melrose zoning is detailed in a written Zoning Ordinance and a Zoning Map. The Table of Use and Parking Regulations and the Table of Dimensional and Density Regulations, taken together, give a good idea of how a property may be able to be developed. Zoning works by establishing zoning districts that determine what uses are allowed “by right” in each district and what uses require a “special permit” to establish and distinguish their dimensional and density requirements as detailed in the Table of Use and Parking Regulations. When a proposed project does not comply with the Zoning Ordinance, seeking a “variance” would allow a petitioner to build out of compliance with the Zoning Ordinance.

Melrose Zoning Ordinance

Melrose Zoning Map