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1. How do I get a zoning verification letter?

Zoning Verification letters are ONLY issued for a business that is physically based in Andover (either in the business owner's home or a non-residential location in Andover). The zoning verification application is filed prior to applying for a Business Certificate (d/b/a or Doing Business As)  from the Town Clerk's Office.

APPLY ONLINE FOR A ZONING VERIFICATION HERE: ZONING VERIFICATION APPLICATION

Zoning Verifications are NOT used to verify the zoning district for any property in town, nor as a means to determine if there are any zoning code violations, site plans, zoning decisions, etc.

In order to obtain copies of public records, please use the procedure to submit public records requests listed separately in FAQs.

2. Do I need a certified plot plan?

Yes, it is imperative. The majority of applications to appear before the Zoning Board deal with dimensional requirements as set forth in Section 4.1.2 (Table of Dimensional Requirements). Therefore, it is essential to submit a certified plot plan as required in No. 3 of the General Filing Requirements. Failure to submit an accurate and complete plan may disable the Board from granting appropriate relief.

3. What are the setbacks for my zoning district?

Generally, minimum setbacks and other dimensional restrictions can be found in Appendix A, Table 2, Section 4.1.2 (Table of Dimensional Requirements) of the Zoning By-Law. Setbacks are not quoted over the telephone because each lot/project is unique. Please bring a plot plan into the office, where we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

4. Are fences subject to setback requirements?

Only if the fence is to be erected on the intersection of streets is there a setback requirement, as set forth in Section 4.1.3.2.g of the Zoning By-Law.

5. How long does the process take for a Zoning Board application?

It takes approximately a minimum of 3 months from the time the application is filed with the Zoning Board to the end of the statutory appeal period (see explanation in General Filing Requirements of when the appeal period starts). MGL Chapter 40A allows the ZBA 100 days from the date of filing a petition for a variance and 90 days from the close of the public hearing for a special permit to file a written decision with the Town Clerk.

6. When does the appeal period start/finish?

The appeal period starts when the written decision is filed with the Town Clerk’s office. It does not start after the vote on the night of the hearing or at the deliberation meeting after site views (see No. 9 of the General Filing Requirements).

7. Can I file for a building permit before the appeal period expires?

You may apply for a building permit prior to the expiration of the appeal period. The Building Inspectors may review your permit application prior to the appeal period expiration. However, you will not be issued a building permit until after it expires.

8. How long is a variance/special permit valid?

The relief granted by the Zoning Board as a variance is valid for 1 year and as a special permit for 2 years from the date the written decision is filed with the Town Clerk. An extension may be granted once, upon application to the ZBA prior to the expiration of either the variance/special permit, for a maximum of 6 months (see #12 of the General Filing Requirements).

9. If I need relief from other Town Boards, can I file simultaneously with my zoning application?

You may file with multiple Boards simultaneously. However, you must obtain the necessary relief from all Boards and all conditions must be met in order to execute the project.

10. What are the allowed uses in the (insert district) zoning district?

The allowed uses for all zoning districts are found in Appendix A, Table 1, Section 3.1.3 (Table of Use Regulations). Generally, any use not specifically listed in the Table is not an allowed use and would require a petition for a variance from the Zoning Board.

11. Is this a buildable lot?

In order to determine whether a specific lot is buildable, you must bring a plot plan into the office and speak with all divisions: Health, Planning, Conservation, Zoning and Building. We cannot make such a determination by telephone.

12. When will the Zoning Board Members respond to my email, letter or phone call?

The Zoning Board is subject to the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law (M.G.L. c. 30A, §§ 18-25). Responses from Zoning Board Members are strictly limited to during a public hearing. If members of the Zoning Board respond to a communication outside of the public hearing, it could be a violation of the Open Meeting Law. All communications will be discussed and responded to during the public hearings. If your inquiry is more general in nature and not specifically related to a current application on a ZBA agenda, the Zoning Administrative Secretary can assist you in obtaining the answers that you seek.

13. Public Record Resources & Procedure to Request Records

The Zoning Bylaw and zoning map on the town website are the official and most recent map and bylaw.

The Zoning Bylaw is found here: https://ecode360.com/15582155

The Zoning Map is found here: https://andoverma.gov/709/Property-Lookup-Tools

Permits from 1996-present in our online permitting system are found here: https://andoverma.viewpointcloud.com/search

IF there are any code violations on a property, the address will be flagged in the system.

View archived permits prior to 1996 at http://andoverma.gov/726/Permit-Archive-Index-1958-1995. 

Zoning Board decisions are recorded at the Northern Essex Registry of Deeds.

To submit a Public Record / Freedom of Information Act Request, please either use the 'Public Record Request' form in our Resources section, or submit your request to zoning@andoverma.us. Please include the record number (i.e. decision number), your name and contact information (telephone number &/or email address).