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1. What is an Appeal?

Appeals are petitions to the Zoning Board of Appeals under Section 2.1.2 of the Zoning By-Laws in accordance with § 8 of Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws, including petitions from any person aggrieved by reason of inability to obtain a permit or enforcement action from any administrative officer under the provisions of the Town of Seekonk Zoning By-laws or Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws, by the Southeastern Regional Planning Council, or by any person including an officer or Board of the Town of Seekonk, or of an abutting city or town aggrieved by an order or decision of the Building Official, other administrative official, or Board of the Town of Seekonk in violation of any provision of the Town of Seekonk Zoning By-laws and/or Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws. Prior to making a decision on an appeal, including under Section 2.1.3, the Board may request the opinion of the Planning Board and one or more expert consultants selected by the Board as qualified to advise as to whether a proposed use will conform to performance standards contained in the Zoning By-Laws.

2. What is a Special Permit?

Special Permits allow a use that would not be appropriate generally or without restriction throughout the zone, but which if controlled as to number, area, location or relation to the neighborhood, would promote the public health, safety, morals, or general welfare.  Such uses may be permitted in such zone by special permit, by specific provision for such special permit uses made in the Zoning By-Laws. Special permits shall be issued only for uses which are in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Zoning By-Laws and only upon subjecting the specially allowed use to general or specific provisions set forth in the Zoning By-Laws, as appropriate.  Special permits may impose conditions, safeguards and limitations on time and/or use.  Every special permit must be duly recorded before it expires in order to take effect.

3. What is a Variance?

Variances are a relaxation of the terms of the Zoning By-Laws where such variance will not be contrary to the public interest or nullify or substantially derogate from the intent of the Zoning By-Laws and where, owing to circumstances relating to the soil conditions, shape, or topography of such land or structures but not affecting generally the zoning district in which it is located and not the result of any action or inaction of the owner or applicant, a literal enforcement of the Zoning By-Laws would involve substantial hardship, financial or otherwise to the petitioner or appellant. Establishment or expansion of a use or activity otherwise prohibited (i.e. a use variance) shall not be allowed by variance. Conditions, safeguards and limitations of both time and use may be applied. Every variance must be duly recorded before it expires in order to take effect.

4. What does the Zoning Board of Appeals do?

The Zoning Board of Appeals is empowered to hear and decide applications for Special Permits, and petitions for Variances from property owners or duly authorized applicants, as well as, appeals or petitions from any person aggrieved by reason of inability to obtain a permit or enforcement action from any administrative officer under the provisions of the Town of Seekonk Zoning By-laws or Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws, by the Southeastern Regional Planning Council, or by any person including an officer or Board of the Town of Seekonk, or of an abutting city or town aggrieved by an order or decision of the Building Official, or other administrative official, in violation of any provision of the Town of Seekonk Zoning By-laws and/or Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Law.