City of Framingham Seeking Applicants For Full & Associate Members of the Zoning Board of Appeals

FRAMINGHAM – The City of Framingham is seeking applicants to fill two full-member seats and four associate-member seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is a quasi-judicial board whose role is to interpret the Framingham Zoning Bylaw in appeals of denied building permits or other determinations of the Building Commissioner and hear petitions for Special Permits and Variances subject to the requirements of Mass. General Laws Chapter 40A.

The Board acts as the Sign Appeals Board, authorized under Article VII of the local bylaws, empowered to decide appeals and petitions for variances for signs that do not comply. Finally, the Board has jurisdiction over affordable housing projects proposed under M.G.L. Chapter 40B. Applicants are encouraged to background in law or regulatory compliance, land use planning, real estate, and/or urban development policy.

ZBA cases involve sometimes complex questions of legal interpretation, property rights, and policy in defense of the law and public interest.

“Members appointed to a case must be present for all meetings at which that case is discussed; otherwise, a decision may not be considered valid. They must review case materials before the meeting and be prepared to discuss and ask questions. Review and learn the requirements of the Zoning Bylaw and Chapter 40A (training provided). Determine, based on the law, whether a given petition should be granted or denied.”

Associate members may also serve on the sign appeals board.

The Zoning Board typically meets the second Wednesday monthly, but the Chair may call additional meetings.

To apply for one of the seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals click here.

Applicants for the Zoning Board of Appeals, both full and associate members must submit a cover letter and a resume.

The deadline to apply is Monday, May 20, at 11:59 p.m.

The Mayor will review the applications submitted by the deadline, and then make nominations to the City Council. Current members are encouraged to re-apply but are not guaranteed re-appointment.

There is a full member seat through June 30,2026, and a full member seat through June 30, 2027 available.

There also are four 1-year associate member seats through June 30, 2025.

Mayoral nominees will need to attend a City Council appointment subcommittee and a full City Council meeting during the nomination process.

The City Council, as the legislative division of City Government, has 30 days to approve or reject the Mayor’s nominations.

Questions about the Committee can be directed to Framingham Citizen Participation Officer Nicole Horton-Stimpson at NHS@framinghamma.gov or by calling 508-532-4510.