Zoning & land use in Massachusetts local government
What Massachusetts city councils, county boards and school districts are deciding about zoning & land use — plain-English summaries written from official agendas and minutes, updated as meetings happen.
7,601 Massachusetts meetings since 2024 covered zoning & land use. Counts are directional — coverage varies by place and platform.
Places in Massachusetts with the most zoning & land use activity
- Nantucket County, MA (493)
- Plymouth, MA (241)
- Franklin Town, MA (229)
- Dennis, MA (225)
- Wellesley, MA (180)
- Salem, MA (158)
- Carlisle, MA (153)
- Northampton, MA (139)
- Bridgewater Town, MA (137)
- Hingham, MA (137)
- Easthampton, MA (135)
- Pittsfield, MA (112)
Latest matching meetings
Zoning Board to decide on 8 cases including subdivision withdrawal
The Taunton Zoning Board of Appeals will consider multiple requests for variances and special permits at this meeting. Items include a proposed withdrawal of a variance for a 5.45-acre subdivision, conversion of a single-family to two-family dwelling, renewal of an accessory dwelling unit, and several lot division…
Planning Board to discuss zoning application amendments
The Wales Planning Board will review minutes from July and discuss proposed amendments to planning and zoning applications, including follow-up with legal counsel. No public hearings or new business items are listed. The meeting is primarily procedural and discussion-based.
Public hearing for proposed trucking terminal at 0 Medeiros Way
The Westfield City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss a trucking terminal application. The body will review requests for a Special Permit, Site Plan Approval, and Stormwater Permit for the project.
Public hearing on amendments to Short-Term Rental Ordinance
The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on a zoning petition to amend the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. Proposed changes include clarifying language, new registration requirements, time restrictions, and enhanced enforcement. The City Manager also transmitted an awaiting report on updates to the ordinance.
Public hearing for accessory pool project at 23 Anchorage Road
The Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a hybrid public hearing regarding a Notice of Intent for a project at 23 Anchorage Road. The commission will discuss a proposal to construct an accessory pool area.
Board will consider a special permit and variance for a wall sign at 547 Main St.
The Medfield Zoning Board of Appeals will review two applications. The first is from Heather Dudko, owner Russell Palumbo, for a finding, special permit, and variance to install a wall sign reading “CITIZENS” with halo illumination on the side elevation of 547 Main St, located in the Business Zoning District…
Discuss possible Local Initiative Project on Brian Tardif properties with state aid
The Essex Affordable Housing Trust will review a possible Local Initiative Project on the Brian Tardif properties, including collaboration with a private developer and state financial assistance. The board will receive an update on the Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw technical assistance grant. A town planner will present…
Board to hear variances for oversized sign and shed setback
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a special meeting to consider two variance requests: one for a ground-mounted sign exceeding the village residential limit at 177 Main Street, and another for a shed encroaching into the front setback at 22 Sunberg Road. The board will also approve prior meeting minutes and hear a…
Planning Board to hear proposal for Franklin Plaza mixed-use development
The Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a Special Permit and Site Plan Application for a project titled “Franklin Plaza A Mixed Use Development”. The applicant, Fourzol, LLC, proposes constructing a four-story mixed-use building.
Historic District Commission to hold three public hearings on property alterations
The Hull Historic District Commission will review three separate requests for property modifications. The body will hold public hearings to discuss additions and replacements at specific residential addresses.
Planning Board reviews five special permit petitions for residential and commercial use
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to discuss special permit petitions for several properties. These include proposals for new multifamily housing and the conversion of existing structures. The board will also consider a request for illuminated signage.
Town Council committee to hold hearings on data center and zoning amendments
The Community and Economic Development Committee and Planning Board are holding a joint virtual meeting. The body will conduct hearings on two proposed zoning ordinance amendments.
Planning Board to review multi-family complex proposal at 132 Chief Justice Cushing Highway
The Cohasset Planning Board will hold a virtual public hearing to conduct a Site Plan Review. The board is considering an application by Jonathan M. Silverstein for a residential development.
Cemetery Committee to evaluate expansion site and repair needs
The committee will review the use of Wilson Chapel and other activities from Old Home Day. Members will discuss the evaluation of a potential expansion site and review the current project list and repair inventory.
Zoning Bylaw Committee to discuss reorganization and schedule
The Zoning Bylaw Committee will review prior meeting minutes, discuss possible reorganization actions, and plan a joint meeting with the Planning Board. No zoning bylaw changes or public hearings are listed for this meeting.
Board to hear Egan Development's project modification request
The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 3, 2026, to consider an amendment to a previous decision regarding a proposed over 55 multi-family condominium at 447 Harvard Street. The applicant, Egan Development, LLC, seeks to modify the project by adding two units and changing three two-unit…
ZBA to review new business for 447 Harvard Street
The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet to reorganize and approve prior meeting minutes. The board will also consider new business regarding 447 Harvard Street.
Historical Commission to review demolition and building preservation updates
The Historical Commission will meet to discuss updates on demolition applications and the preservation of 1900s structures. The body will also review the status of several endangered significant buildings and the NRHP listing for Carleton Hall.
Review minutes and discuss 665 & 663 Longmeadow Street proposals
The Longmeadow Historic District Commission will first review and approve the draft minutes from its July 14, 2026 meeting. It will then discuss two new business items concerning properties at 665 Longmeadow Street and 663 Longmeadow Street. The commission will also receive updates on the Building Use Task Force, a…
ZBA to hear request for boat storage shed at 257 Atlantic Ave
The Cohasset Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider a special permit application. The applicant, Susan Wakeman Davis, is seeking permission to construct a boat storage shed.
Zoning Board to hear request for boat storage shed at 257 Atlantic Ave
The Cohasset Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a property at 257 Atlantic Ave. The board will consider a special permit application filed by Susan Wakeman Davis.
Board of Appeals to consider demolition and construction at 17 Winthrop Street
The Zoning Board of Appeals is meeting to review a proposal for a single-family home. The board will also review meeting minutes from June 25, 2026.
Public meeting on 6 & 12-14 Church Hill St multi-family development
The Watertown Planning and Zoning Boards are holding a public information meeting required by the zoning ordinance to present the proposed 3‑story, 9‑unit multi‑family building with a ground‑floor parking garage at 6 & 12‑14 Church Hill Street. The project team will share site context, plans, and answer community…
Board to consider variance for new construction at 162 Otis Street
The Board of Zoning Appeal will hold a public hearing on two cases: a special permit for non-conforming curb cuts at 1 Corcoran Lane, and a variance for partial demolition and new construction at 162 Otis Street that would extend the building beyond allowed side setbacks. Both cases involve residential properties in…
Zoning Committee reviews two special permit applications on Chicopee St and Chester St
The Zoning Committee will consider a special permit to rezone a Business A site at 520 Chicopee Street for a mixed‑use building, including a waiver to reduce required parking from six spaces to three. The committee will also review a special permit application to operate a dog kennel at 54 Chester Street. The meeting…
ZBA continues hearing on 78-unit affordable housing project on Route 6A
The Zoning Board of Appeals is continuing a public hearing on a Comprehensive Permit (40B) application for a 78-unit affordable and moderate-income housing development at 66 & 76 Route 6A. The project includes rental and homeownership units and seeks multiple waivers from local zoning and subdivision regulations.
ZBA to hold public hearing on 116-unit rental project at 55 West Union Street
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a 40B Comprehensive Permit request for 55 West Union Street. The proposal involves a four-story elevator building on 4.9 acres. The board will also review meeting minutes from June 23 and July 14.
Historical Commission to hold demolition delay hearing for 14 Plain Street
The Historical Commission will conduct a hearing regarding a demolition delay for the former Armstrong Cork factory. The commission will also discuss the town's demolition delay policy.
Committee to review two basement accessory dwelling unit applications
The Site Plan Review Committee will hold public hearings to consider site plan approval for two proposed accessory dwelling units. Both projects involve constructing units in the basements of existing single-family homes.
Board hears variance request for 679 Hart Street
The Zoning Board of Appeals holds a public hearing on a variance application for 679 Hart Street and reviews a status update on Phase 1 of the Stonegate Landing development on Somerset Avenue. Other business includes organizing the board, approving minutes, and scheduling the next meeting.
Planning Board to review zoning permits and house modifications
The Planning Board will hold a remote meeting to discuss several Zoning Board of Appeal cases and a large house review. The board will also address an inclusionary zoning special permit and discuss a Comprehensive Plan RFP.
Zoning Board to consider two single-family home reconstruction requests
The Braintree Zoning Board of Appeals will consider two petitions to demolish and reconstruct single-family homes on non-conforming lots. The board will also approve its 2027 meeting schedule and review minutes from the previous meeting.
Public hearing on 4-story mixed-use building at 9-15 Main Street
The Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on July 27, 2026, to consider a Special Permit and Site Plan Application for a four-story mixed-use building at 9, 13, and 15 Main Street. The applicant, Fourzol, LLC, proposes constructing the building with associated parking, landscaping, and utilities in the…
Public hearing for proposed additions and grading at 26 Little Harbor Rd
The Cohasset Conservation Commission will hold a remote public hearing regarding Notice of Intent 26-14. The commission is reviewing a proposal for work within the Buffer Zones to Coastal Bank and Salt Marsh.
Conservation Commission to hold public hearings on multiple residential projects
The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings regarding various construction and landscaping projects within protected resource areas. The body will also address enforcement orders and a conservation restriction for Holly Hill Farm.
Methuen Historic District Commission to hear signage and roof projects
The Methuen Historic District Commission will hold public hearings on two projects at 203 Lawrence Street and review a railing modification at 16 Ditson Place. The agenda also includes a review of updated enforcement letters.
ZBA to hear request for pizza shop at 683-705 Turnpike Street
The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a site plan modification for a retail building and discuss two continuing permit requests. The board will also hold a discussion regarding zoning changes under Chapter 40A.
Board of Health to discuss pool regulations and Kratom policy
The Tewksbury Board of Health will approve minutes from June and discuss new business including a Town Counsel policy and pool regulations. The agenda also includes updates on the BESS system, a property at 70 Katie's Way, and Kratom regulation.
Oakham Board of Assessors to review land applications and motor vehicle abatements
The Board of Assessors will meet to sign payroll, bills, and motor vehicle commitments and abatements. The board will also discuss a Chapter Land application and schedule a meeting with Roy Bishop.
Conservation Commission reviews permits and enforcement orders
The Milford Conservation Commission will approve minutes, review reorganization, and consider multiple Notices of Intent and Certificates of Compliance for various properties. The meeting also includes public hearings on proposed projects and enforcement orders.