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Mass. General Laws c.40A

Zoning

This page links to an unofficial version of each section of G.L. c. 40A. Please note that sections that appear missing have been either reserved for future use or repealed.

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§ 1 Title of chapter 
§ 1A Definitions 

Amended by St. 2024, c. 239, § 36, effective February 18, 2025

§ 3 Subjects which zoning may not regulate; exemptions; public hearings; temporary manufactured home residences 

Amended by St. 2024, c. 239, § 37, effective February 18, 2025

§ 3A Multi-family zoning as-of-right in MBTA communities 

Amended by St. 2024, c. 150, § 9, effective August 6, 2024

§ 3B Outdoor table service, city or town approval 

Added by St. 2024, c. 88, § 4, effective April 1, 2024

§ 4 Uniform districts 
§ 5 Adoption or change of zoning ordinances or by-laws; procedure 

Amended by St. 2023, c. 7, § 154, effective May 30, 2023

§ 6 Existing structures, uses, or permits; certain subdivision plans; application of chapter 

Amended by St. 2024, c. 238, § 171, effective November 20, 2024

§ 7 Enforcement of zoning regulations; violations; penalties; jurisdiction of superior court 
§ 8 Appeals to permit granting authority 
§ 9 Special permits 

Amended by St. 2020, c. 358, §§ 20-24, effective January 14, 2021

§ 9A Special permits for adult bookstores, adult motion pictures theaters, adult paraphernalia stores, adult video stores or establishments which display live nudity 
§ 9B Solar access 
§ 9C Child care facilities; allowable floor area; charges of owner; family incomes 

Amended by St. 2008, c. 215, § 48, effective July 31, 2008

§ 10 Variances 
§ 11 Notice requirements for public hearings; parties in interest defined; review of special permit petitions; recording copies of special permit and variance decisions 
§ 12 Boards of appeal; membership; rules 
§ 13 Zoning administrators; appointment; powers and duties 
§ 14 Boards of appeal; powers 
§ 15 Appeals to permit granting authority; notice; time; boards of appeal hearings; procedure 
§ 16 Final unfavorable decisions by permit granting authorities; reconsideration; withdrawal of petitions for variance or applications for special permit 
§ 17 Judicial review 

Amended by St. 2024, c. 150, §§ 11-13, effective August 6, 2024

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