Zoning Board of Appeals

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.