Established in 1949, the Zoning Board of Appeals is entrusted with the
granting of special permits for certain uses and evaluation of requests for
variances to the Zoning Ordinance. The Board also decides appeals of
administrative officials and is responsible for the issuing of comprehensive
permits for affordable housing.
The Board consists of five members and up to four associate members. The
activities of the Board are quasi-judicial in that its rulings and permits
have the validity of law. In making its decisions and rulings, the Board is
responsible for regulating and conditioning certain uses of land, buildings
and structures. In doing so, it is charged to protect the health, safety and
general welfare of the inhabitants of the town and advance the orderly
growth and development of Barnstable.
With respect to affordable housing proposals under MGL Chapter 40B, the
Board acts on behalf of all local regulatory and permitting boards,
commissions and committees, issuing a single Comprehensive Permit for the
development.
In 2000 the Town established a Local Chapter 40 B process
termed Accessory Affordable Apartment Program. This program
authorized a Hearing Office to issue a comprehensive permit for
an accessory apartment dedicated to affordability.
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