About the Board
The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is a five-member adjudicatory board, appointed by the Select Board to serve a 5-year term. The ZBA also has three associate members who serve one-year terms and may sit on the board, as designated by the chairman, in case of absence, inability to act or conflict of interest on the part of any member, or in the event of a vacancy.
Duties
The ZBA acts on all matters within its jurisdiction as provided under MGL Chapter 40 A and the Ipswich Protective Zoning Bylaw. They are empowered to issue special permits and variances. Additionally, they are the local authority where someone who feels aggrieved may appeal an enforcement order issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer specifically, when the order alleges a violation of the Ipswich Zoning Regulations, the Board can also overturn a ruling or decision of the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
Orders issued under the Massachusetts Building Code (780 CMR) may be appealed to a different board (State Building Code Appeals Board). Additionally, the Board considers applications under the Comprehensive Permit Statute (MGL c.40B).
For more information about the Board or about information on this page, please contact Administrative Assistant, Marie Rodgers at
marier@ipswichma.gov or 978-356-6672.