Board of Appeals

The work of the ZBA Office continues remotely. An in-office meeting may be scheduled by appointment only with proper social distancing protocols.  Please contact us by email or by phone (leave a voice mail), and your message will be returned as soon as possible during business hours.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) continues to hold Public Hearings remotely, using Zoom. Applications are being accepted and processed. Please contact Daphne Collins, Zoning Specialist, for information on this process.

Meetings

• 7:30 p.m.
• Third Thursday of each month
• Charles River Room, Public Services Administration Building
  500 Dedham Avenue
  Needham, MA 02492

Filing deadlines are normally one month in advance of the meeting. Please confirm dates on the meeting schedule or with the office. Filings are to be submitted to the Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall, 1471 Highland Avenue. Please have applications reviewed by the board staff and the Building Commissioner before they are filed. Meetings are open to the public and are taped by The Needham Channel.

Note: Meeting dates and locations are subject to change due to holidays or other town events

Agendas & Minutes

View the latest agendas and minutes for the Board of Appeals.

Members

The Zoning Board of Appeals consists of three regular members who are appointed by the Select Board for three years in such a manner that the term of one regular member shall expire each year. Two associate members are appointed by the Select Board for a term of one year. In case of a vacancy or absence, inability to act, or interest on the part of a regular member of the Board of Appeals, that place may be taken by an associate member designated by the Chairman or acting Chairman.

Current membership: Howard S. Goldman, member; Jonathan D. Tamkin, Vice-Chairperson; Jon D. Schneider, Chairperson; Kathy Lind Berardi, associate member; Peter Friedenberg, associate member. (left to right) 

_{Photo courtesy of Needham Community Television Development Corporation}

Purpose

The Zoning Board of Appeals is a quasi-judicial body. The Board serves the community by hearing and making decisions on applications brought before the Board for special permits, variances, and comprehensive permits; hears appeals to the decision of the Building Inspector; and renders its decisions by applying Massachusetts General Laws and the Town By-laws.