Zoning Board of Appeals

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, Governor Baker issued an Executive Order No. 591 declaring a State of Emergency.

Given the circumstances and recommendations at both the state and federal levels to limit and avoid public gatherings, including Governor Baker’s ban on gatherings of more than 10 people, together with the closure of Amesbury City Hall and other public buildings to the public, our staff will be working remotely. Please email staff and allow for delayed response times. Please check here for any changes to our office's normal functions.

Mission

The Amesbury Zoning Board of Appeals is a quasi-judicial board.  The Board hears and decides on:

• Requests for Variances
• Appeals of the decisions of the Zoning Enforcement Officer
• Requests to alter, modify or extend non-conforming uses and structures
• Requests for Special Permits and findings as set forth in the Amesbury Zoning Bylaws

The Board typically meets the fourth Thursday of the month at the Town Hall Auditorium.  

Deadline for submission of applications is 30 days prior to the meeting date.  Applications are to be submitted to Office of the Building Inspector, 9 School Street no later than two days prior to the stated deadline for submittal.  The Zoning Compliance Officer will review the application for corrections and completion.  If the application requires editing, you will be notified.  Once application is determined to be complete it will be delivered to Kaila Sauer in the Office of Community & Economic Development on the second floor of 62 Friend Street for processing.

The Board is the permit granting authority for Findings, Variances and Special Permits noted as S2 in the Amesbury Zoning Ordinance Table of Use Regulations (Section V).  Appeals of decisions may be filed within 20 days of the Board's issuance of a decision.