[Massplanners] Zoning Administrator Question

Wed Jun 7 15:05:00 EDT 2023

The City of Somerville created a Zoning Review Planner position - nested in the enforcing agency responsible for zoning ( Inspectional Services). The description is:

This position is responsible for administration and review of projects under the Somerville Zoning Ordinance.  Work duties include professional and technical work in planning, including project review, plan review for zoning consistency, and site inspections for consistency with zoning approvals and special permit approvals. The Zoning Review Planner also participates in development review, provides input into zoning amendments and serves as the principal liaison between the ISD building inspectors, OSPCD planners, and other City agencies to ensure streamlined review of development projects and consistent and fair application of the zoning ordinance.

Our zoning states that the Building official ( which includes the Zoning Review Planner in the definition but is ultimately the Superintendent of ISD) is charged with the enforcement and interpretation of the code. Note the decisions are not unilateral as we work as a team.

Hans Jensen - AICP
Senior Zoning Review Planner
Inspectional Services

City of Somerville Public Records Notice
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From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> on behalf of Nancy Durfee via MassPlanners <massplanners at masscptc.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 2:27 PM
To: Tim Czerwienski <tczerwienski at townofmilton.org>; Leslie Snell <LSnell at nantucket-ma.gov>; massplanners at masscptc.org <massplanners at masscptc.org>
Subject: Re: [Massplanners] Zoning Administrator Question

Hi Tim,

Thank you for your response and information. It is interesting how this position is handled in the various communities. Truly appreciate all the information.

Sincerely,

Nancy

Nancy Durfee

Town Planner

37 Marion Road

Rochester, MA 02770

ndurfee at townofrochester.com<mailto:ndurfee at townofrochester.com>

508-763-5421 ext 208

From: Tim Czerwienski <tczerwienski at townofmilton.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 1:28 PM
To: Leslie Snell <LSnell at nantucket-ma.gov>; Nancy Durfee <NDurfee at townofrochester.com>; massplanners at masscptc.org
Subject: RE: Zoning Administrator Question

Milton recently appointed a Zoning Administrator, after having opted in to 40A Section 13 many years. (Our bylaw text simply reads: “The Board of Appeals is authorized to appoint a Zoning Administrator in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40A, Section 13.”)

It’s been working out very well for us. Between 2020 and today, we had seven 40B applications, so our Board of Appeals was very busy and requesting extensions on a lot of routine business. The Zoning Administrator has helped clean up the backlog and organize the Board’s work.

Tim Czerwienski, AICP

Director of Planning & Community Development

Town of Milton | 525 Canton Avenue | Milton, Mass. 02186 | 617-898-4847

From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org<mailto:massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org>> On Behalf Of Leslie Snell via MassPlanners
Sent: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 11:41 AM
To: Nancy Durfee <NDurfee at townofrochester.com<mailto:NDurfee at townofrochester.com>>; massplanners at masscptc.org<mailto:massplanners at masscptc.org>
Subject: Re: [Massplanners] Zoning Administrator Question

[External Email- Use Caution]

We have a Zoning Administrator in Nantucket and that process works very well.  The Bylaw specifically states that the Zoning Administrator cannot also be a Zoning Enforcement Officer.

>From Chapter 139-29(C) of the Nantucket Zoning Bylaw

Zoning Administrator.

(1) <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ecode360.com_11472591-2311472591&d=DwMFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=tqYix0YD2a2WVJ3--QStumFXTrQiY7lvVcMldcLBG5Q&m=N0j81cfKb4uwzsp7DFk1GKjXG3taKbPgqajsLjdjiWo&s=0KMrmvU3djNlJpDDC6yaL2Gz08DuNRleJdjKoabAMwc&e=> The Board of Appeals may request that the Town Manager appoint a Zoning Administrator (not the Zoning Enforcement Officer).

[Amended 4-6-2015 ATM by Art. 64, AG approval 8-5-2015]

(2) <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ecode360.com_11472592-2311472592&d=DwMFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=tqYix0YD2a2WVJ3--QStumFXTrQiY7lvVcMldcLBG5Q&m=N0j81cfKb4uwzsp7DFk1GKjXG3taKbPgqajsLjdjiWo&s=Ox4XCoDKWtzpOtws1HwOREc8RbDZHqGqvuQkxvOWUd4&e=> The Board of Appeals may delegate to said Zoning Administrator some of its powers and duties by a concurring vote of all except one of the five members of the Board of Appeals.

(3) <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ecode360.com_11472593-2311472593&d=DwMFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=tqYix0YD2a2WVJ3--QStumFXTrQiY7lvVcMldcLBG5Q&m=N0j81cfKb4uwzsp7DFk1GKjXG3taKbPgqajsLjdjiWo&s=a1QqyrdOIEiNwZrFrSgaT00HEcn5wDyyKlWOwA-eEhA&e=> Any person aggrieved by a decision or order of the Zoning Administrator, whether or not previously a party to the proceeding, or any municipal office or board, may appeal to the Board of Appeals within 30 days after the decision of the Zoning Administrator has been filed with the office of the Town Clerk.

(4) <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ecode360.com_11472594-2311472594&d=DwMFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=tqYix0YD2a2WVJ3--QStumFXTrQiY7lvVcMldcLBG5Q&m=N0j81cfKb4uwzsp7DFk1GKjXG3taKbPgqajsLjdjiWo&s=JIAFpJdb8JQhnQjGb6ahGFjx7wbCg6wafmnWc9neKuY&e=> Any appeal, application or petition filed with said Zoning Administrator, as to which no decision has been issued within 35 days from the date of filing, shall be deemed denied as of the date ending such thirty-five-day period and shall be subject to appeal to the Board of Appeals.

(5) <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ecode360.com_11472595-2311472595&d=DwMFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=tqYix0YD2a2WVJ3--QStumFXTrQiY7lvVcMldcLBG5Q&m=N0j81cfKb4uwzsp7DFk1GKjXG3taKbPgqajsLjdjiWo&s=AhduOpiPMLnsHs2c91sS7mHCadcKS6EVKyzmMEXu_dc&e=> Any appeal to the Board of Appeals from the order or decision of the Zoning Administrator shall be taken within 30 days from the date of the order or decision or within 30 days from the date on which the appeal, application or petition shall have been deemed denied in accordance with § 139-29C(4)<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ecode360.com_11472594-2311472594&d=DwMFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=tqYix0YD2a2WVJ3--QStumFXTrQiY7lvVcMldcLBG5Q&m=N0j81cfKb4uwzsp7DFk1GKjXG3taKbPgqajsLjdjiWo&s=JIAFpJdb8JQhnQjGb6ahGFjx7wbCg6wafmnWc9neKuY&e=> above, as the case may be.

(6) <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ecode360.com_11472596-2311472596&d=DwMFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=tqYix0YD2a2WVJ3--QStumFXTrQiY7lvVcMldcLBG5Q&m=N0j81cfKb4uwzsp7DFk1GKjXG3taKbPgqajsLjdjiWo&s=Csu6GCABJ68h85uRxgmnpwAJU8DTXpXpZ9jjmM8MVio&e=> Any appeal pursuant to Subsection C(3)<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ecode360.com_11472593-2311472593&d=DwMFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=tqYix0YD2a2WVJ3--QStumFXTrQiY7lvVcMldcLBG5Q&m=N0j81cfKb4uwzsp7DFk1GKjXG3taKbPgqajsLjdjiWo&s=a1QqyrdOIEiNwZrFrSgaT00HEcn5wDyyKlWOwA-eEhA&e=> through (5)<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ecode360.com_11472595-2311472595&d=DwMFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=tqYix0YD2a2WVJ3--QStumFXTrQiY7lvVcMldcLBG5Q&m=N0j81cfKb4uwzsp7DFk1GKjXG3taKbPgqajsLjdjiWo&s=AhduOpiPMLnsHs2c91sS7mHCadcKS6EVKyzmMEXu_dc&e=> above shall be taken by having the petitioner file a notice of appeal, specifying the grounds thereof, with the Town Clerk.

(a) <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ecode360.com_11472597-2311472597&d=DwMFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=tqYix0YD2a2WVJ3--QStumFXTrQiY7lvVcMldcLBG5Q&m=N0j81cfKb4uwzsp7DFk1GKjXG3taKbPgqajsLjdjiWo&s=382X0VMhxUz9nA5ZWBkCWanC8hv26szoyQTkq57CLug&e=> A copy of said notice, including the date and time of filing certified by the Town Clerk, shall be filed forthwith in the office of the Zoning Administrator and, in the case of an appeal under § 139-31A<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ecode360.com_11472653-2311472653&d=DwMFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=tqYix0YD2a2WVJ3--QStumFXTrQiY7lvVcMldcLBG5Q&m=N0j81cfKb4uwzsp7DFk1GKjXG3taKbPgqajsLjdjiWo&s=uClrzqhTy2rRm5Bl9H-8XmnBQuBVdeKPQAv-UHw6nQM&e=> and B<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ecode360.com_11472656-2311472656&d=DwMFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=tqYix0YD2a2WVJ3--QStumFXTrQiY7lvVcMldcLBG5Q&m=N0j81cfKb4uwzsp7DFk1GKjXG3taKbPgqajsLjdjiWo&s=vHmrD9kara2alM8PPLaPcsFqrgkAKRTYyB7jit17ko8&e=> below, with the officer whose decision was the subject of the initial appeal to the Zoning Administrator.

(b) <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ecode360.com_11472598-2311472598&d=DwMFAw&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=tqYix0YD2a2WVJ3--QStumFXTrQiY7lvVcMldcLBG5Q&m=N0j81cfKb4uwzsp7DFk1GKjXG3taKbPgqajsLjdjiWo&s=WIGDNb3nlwypOz19ftAkAa6n7PPy702Fz9lutXqfTVw&e=> The Zoning Administrator shall forthwith transmit to the Board of Appeals all documents and papers constituting the case in which the appeal is taken.

>From Chapter 139-33A of the Nantucket Zoning Bylaw:

(1) Preexisting, nonconforming structures or uses may be extended, altered, or changed, provided that:

(a) …

(b) The Zoning Administrator or the special permit granting authority finds that the alteration, extension, or change to a structure does not increase its nonconforming nature and does not create any new nonconformities. Where an existing structure violates a front, rear, or side yard setback distance, the Zoning Administrator may issue a permit allowing an extension, alteration, or change to the structure, provided that the nonconforming setback distance is not made more nonconforming and no new nonconformities are created; or

(c)  …

(2) …

(3) Preexisting, nonconforming lots may be increased in area or frontage through the addition of adjoining property without the need for any relief under this bylaw. Any other alteration to a preexisting, nonconforming lot that does not increase an existing or create a new nonconformity is allowed upon determination by the Zoning Administrator that such alteration will not be substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood. Lots created pursuant to MGL c. 41, § 81P, based upon the exception in the clause of MGL c. 41, § 81L for lots containing two or more structures that predate the adoption of subdivision control in the Town, shall have the same status as preexisting, nonconforming lots, and any structures thereon, which predate the adoption of subdivision control in the Town, shall have the status of preexisting nonconforming structures. The removal of structures to facilitate an alteration or change to an existing structure, the relocation of the structure upon the lot, or the construction of a new structure, shall not cause the lot to be merged with an abutting lot in common ownership, provided that the lot remains vacant for less than one year.

___________________________________________

Leslie Woodson Snell, AICP, LEED AP

Deputy Director of Planning

Nantucket Planning & Economic Development Commission

Planning & Land Use Services (PLUS) Department

2 Fairgrounds Road

Nantucket, MA 02554

Telephone: 508-325-5385

[cid:image001.png at 01D9994C.3C00A620]

From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org<mailto:massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org>> On Behalf Of Nancy Durfee via MassPlanners
Sent: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 10:26 AM
To: massplanners at masscptc.org<mailto:massplanners at masscptc.org>
Subject: [Massplanners] Zoning Administrator Question

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Good morning,

While dealing with an enforcement issue the Town of Rochester came across a section of MGL 40A, Section 13, that references a Zoning Administrator. Does anyone have a Zoning Administrator and what duties do they carry out for the Zoning Board of Appeals? Is this potion in conflict with the Zoning Enforcement Officer? Thank you in advance for any information you can provide.

Sincerely,

Nancy

Nancy Durfee

Town Planner

37 Marion Road

Rochester, MA 02770

ndurfee at townofrochester.com<mailto:ndurfee at townofrochester.com>

508-763-5421 ext 208

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