Where Do ZBA Board Members Come From?

So far, we have learned some basics about Zoning and the various departments in Andover that assist with the planning and development of land in town. We have learned that the zoning bylaws are voted in place by the residents and reflect their wishes about how the town grows and changes. The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is in place to help navigate those situations where a development or construction project does not meet the bylaws and needs some relief to proceed. But who are the members of the ZBA and how did they end up with this important job?

In Andover, the ZBA is appointed by the Select Board and members are volunteers, considered “Special Town Employees”.  Any resident may indicate their interest in participating in town governance by completing a simple form and submitting it to the Town.  The Andover Talent Bank Form is available on its website here: Form Center • Andover, MA • CivicEngage (andoverma.gov).  There are many opportunities to donate your time to your community.

For the ZBA, the Select Board reaches out to residents individually and asks them to interview,  If selected, you are sworn in and must complete municipal ethics training offered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There are also additional training sessions provided by the state and all members are encouraged to complete them. Effective Board Members know the authority of the Board and its duties, and they should understand how a board operates. The standards for decision-making by the Board and legal aspects for its decisions must be clear to all. Finally, the Board must have all the regulations, laws and plans specific to its community at its disposal. The learning curve is fairly steep, and it is wise to invite new board members to participate first as an associate member, so that they can listen and learn and participate as needed. This is a bit like being an apprentice and provides vital experience to individuals before they are asked to consider a full voting role. An associate is there to fill in if a full member is unable to hear a case. Andover has five full Members and an additional four Associate Members. The term is three years and members may be re-appointed as the Select Board warrants.

Stay tuned for more articles on Zoning in Town!