In the recent matter of Bellalta v. Zoning Board of Appeals of Brookline 481 Mass. 272 (2019), the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (the “SJC”) ruled that a variance was not required for a homeowner to add a dormer to their roof (only a special permit) despite the additional living space increasing a nonconforming Floor Area […]
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In a case of first impression, the Housing Court for the City of Boston ruled that neighbors who appealed the issuance of a variance by the Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) must post a $20,000 bond or the case will be dismissed.
Not everyone can challenge the granting of zoning relief. Under the Zoning Act, MGL Chapter 40A, only a “ person aggrieved” by a zoning decision may appeal for judicial review of that decision. See MGL ch. 40A, §17. Such person who suffers some infringement of legal rights is said to have “ standing,” that is, […]
