Get in the Zone
Zoning is how municipalities control the development of land and its use. Zoning laws specify the areas in which residential, industrial, recreational, or commercial activities may take place. These laws also regulate the dimensional requirements for lots and for buildings on any property located within a community. For example, a parcel of land must be sized appropriately for its neighborhood and structures must be designed and placed properly on that lot. Zoning laws also determine whether an existing property can be repurposed or replaced and protect places of historical significance. Zoning laws regulate the density of development, determine whether an existing property can be repurposed or replaced and protect places of historical significance.
Changes to a property affect not only the homeowner or developer, but also the neighboring property owners. Zoning will in large part determine whether an owner can make changes to their buildings, and also whether neighbors can petition to prevent or modify changes.
In Massachusetts, all zoning is controlled locally. Each of the 351 municipalities in Massachusetts adopts its own zoning ordinance or bylaws. These bylaws are voted into place by the residents, reflecting their will and desires. Andover adopted its first Interim Zoning Ordinance at Town Meeting in 1927 and the bylaws have evolved ever since.
In 2003, Andover adopted a Zoning Amendment for a special dimensional permit specifically for affordable housing. As stated in Art. VIII, Section 7.8, the bylaw was enacted,“to encourage the development of affordable housing in the Town of Andover by increasing the supply of housing in the town that is available to low- and moderate-income households. The by-law gives the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)authority to issue a special permit modifying dimensional standards for the use of existing nonconforming lots for purposes of affordable housing”. By this adoption of this amendment, the residents of Andover made it clear that they supported the increase of affordable housing in town.
Zoning is a powerful tool for every jurisdiction as it:
Defines allowable uses for residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
Plays a role in how cities, regions, and neighborhoods develop.
When done properly, zoning encourages economic growth and provides affordable housing for people who would otherwise be displaced or not have access to a community.
