What is the Boston Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA)?
The Boston Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) is the mayor-appointed body that rules on zoning variances, conditional-use permits, and appeals of building-code and zoning decisions for property in Boston, Massachusetts.
When a proposed project doesn't conform to Boston's zoning code — for example, it needs relief on setbacks, height, floor-area ratio (FAR), use, or parking — the owner files an appeal with the ZBA. The board holds a public hearing where abutters can testify, then votes to grant or deny the requested relief, sometimes with conditions (provisos).
The ZBA is separate from the Boston Planning Department's larger project review. Most residential additions, change-of-use projects, and small developments that need zoning relief pass through the ZBA. Verdwise is built on the complete record of these decisions.