For updated ZBA meeting information, please visit: 2024 hearing information page.

The Newton Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is a quasi-judicial body which interprets and enforces the City’s Zoning Ordinance. The ZBA has the power to hear and decide petitions for:

• Appeals of zoning orders and decisions made by the Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department

• Variances from the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance

• Comprehensive Permits under Chapter 40B of the Massachusetts General Laws

Composition

The ZBA is a five-member board, which is made up of five regular members and five associate members. The members are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council to three year terms. 

Services

The ZBA holds regular meetings at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at City Hall in the City Council Chamber located at 1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton Centre, unless otherwise noticed and with the exception of the months of July, August and December. All meetings are open to the public.

Please reference the ZBA’s Rules for more information.

Information

• Current List of Zoning Board of Appeals Members

• Rules of the Zoning Board of Appeals

• Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 30 of the Newton City Ordinances)

• Zoning Map

• Chapter 40A

• Fair Housing Policy

• NEW: Update on Chapter 40B Safe Harbors: August 24, 2022

Pending 40B Projects 

• Boylston Street, 528 
• 41 Washington Street
• 78 Crafts Street

Safe Harbor Updates

• City Council Memo January 31, 2018.
• ZBA Memo February 15, 2019.
• ZBA Memo December 20, 2019.
• ZBA Memo January 7, 2021.
• ZBA Memo August 24, 2022.
• ZBA Memo January 4, 2024.
• Safe Harbor Status January 8, 2024
• ZBA Memo February 22, 2024.

Application Instructions

City of Newton Planning Application Process

The City of Newton is moving online to a new system, NewGov (hosted by OpenGov).  NewGov is an interdepartmental software that allows increased efficiency across departments and for the public.

Please be aware -- application fees for variances and appeals have increased to $1000 as of May 25, 2022.

What does this mean?

The process for submitting all planning applications has changed. The Planning Department will stop accepting e-mailed and paper applications (except for 5 paper copies of plans for special permits). NewGov will be how an applicant submits all applications (zoning review, special permits, rezonings, administrative site plan review, variances, ZBA appeals, sign review, historic district review, demolition review, local landmark review, preservation restriction review, wetlands permitting, comprehensive permits, and fence appeals, along with building permits).  You can access the NewGov storefront to submit applications here: https://newtonma.viewpointcloud.com/

How does it work?

NewGov functions like many other online application systems and mirrors the current application requirements and process, however everything will be submitted online.  NewGov allows the applicant and City Staff to communicate within the system at each step of their application and allows applicants to easily track all their applications. Information about creating an account and applying can be found here: https://stories.opengov.com/newtonma/published/aCNzPz4zv

Contact Information

Brenda Belsanti, Zoning Board Clerk
bbelsanti@newtonma.gov| 

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