Zoning Board of Appeals

Meetings

7 pm
Tuesdays (As Needed)
City Hall

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

The Zoning Board of Appeals is comprised of 5 regular members, with 3 alternates members, appointed by the Mayor.

Ralph Loftin, Chair
Tom Golden, Member
Robert Levine, Member
Thomas Pope, Member
Vacant

Mission

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) interprets and enforces the Marlborough Zoning Code. On a case by case basis, the ZBA hears applications for variances, special permit requests where the Zoning Code designates the Zoning Board as the Special Permit Granting Authority and appeals of decision by the Building Commissioner or any administrative official. Also, the ZBA administers the Comprehensive process for affordable housing set forth under Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 40B.

Online Permitting

The City of Marlborough has started Online Permitting. Online Permitting for the Zoning Board of Appeals can be accessed through the Online Permitting Portal.

FAQs

How does the Zoning Board decide if a variance should be granted?

According to Mass General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 10:

In order for the Zoning Board of Appeals to legally grant a variance, all three findings must be made, i.e. the Board must find:

A substantial hardship, financial or otherwise;
No substantial detriment to the public good;
No substantial derogation from the intent and purpose of the ordinance and that owing to the soil conditions, shape or topography of the land or structures, but not affecting generally the zoning district in which it is located, a literal enforcement of the ordinance would bring about item (1) above.

Regarding the definition of "Hardship" once the above factors are considered, "financial" hardship can be used for a grounds of relief. However, the "financial hardship" must inure to all owners of the land in question as a result of its unique condition, not merely to the present owner owning to his or her peculiar or particular financial status.

Will abutters be notified for a hearing?

The secretary to the Zoning Board will generate an abutters covering a 300 ft. radius from the property in question. And it will be the responsibility of the applicant to notify the abutters either by Certified Mail or Certificate of Mailing.

How often does the Board meet?

The Board only meets when there are filings to be heard. If they do meet, it is usually on a Tuesday evening at 7 pm. If necessary, the Board can/will continue public hearings.

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Zoning Board Calendar

March 2026

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Zoning Board of Appeals

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March 2026

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