Zoning Board of Appeals

Next meeting is to be held Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

Note: This will be a Hybrid meeting. You may either attend the meeting in person at 700 Main St. or via Zoom by requesting a remote attendance link to the City Zoning Secretary at mmata@fitchburgma.gov

Regular Meetings

• 6:00 PM
• 2nd Tuesday of every month
• View filing deadlines (PDF) before meetings.
• DUE TO COVID-19 CURRENT MEETINGS ARE VIRTUAL

Agendas & Minutes

View most recent agendas and minutes.

Current Commissioners

• Christine Tree, Chair
• Michael McLaughlin, Vice Chair
• Joseph Byrne, Clerk
• Brian Gallagher
• James Reynolds, Associate Member

Purpose & Responsibilities

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) as a quasi-judicial body charged under the provisions of General Law Chapter 40A, subject to the provisions of the Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance.

The ZBA has the authority to grant variances to the Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance and is one of the Special Permit granting authorities, in addition to the Planning Board and the City Council. Additionally, the ZBA hears and decides on all appeals by aggrieved parties of administrative or enforcement decisions by the Building Department.

The Board will accept applications for an Appeal, a Variance or a Special Permit only after a determination has been made by the Building Department.

Organization

The ZBA consists of five volunteer residents who serve as full Board Members and two volunteer residents who serve as associate members. Associate members serve as voting members in the special permit process under the Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance when a full board member is either unable to participate in discussion or unavailable. 

 Full Board members serve for a five year term and associate members for a two year term. All volunteers are appointed by the Mayor and are subject to confirmation by the City Council.