Zoning Board of Appeals

Mission and Responsibilities

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is a quasi-judicial body that operates under the authority of Chapter 40A of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the inhabitants of the Town of Brewster.

The ZBA hears and decides on zoning cases related to the following applications:

  • Special permits
  • Petitions for variances
  • Appeals from code-enforcement decisions
  • Chapter 40B comprehensive permits

The Board of Appeals holds public hearings on all cases before it.  All meetings and public hearings of the ZBA are open to the public. Hearings are advertised in the local paper and abutters are notified at least 2 weeks in advance of the hearing.  The entire application, hearing and approval process takes a minimum of two months from the time of application to a signed decision.  After a decision is written, signed and filed with the Town Clerk, there is a 20-day appeal period.  After the 20-day appeal period the applicant must obtain the decision letter indicating that no appeal has been taken.  Next the decision letter, stating that no appeal has been taken, is recorded with the Barnstable Registry of Deeds.  Lastly, the applicant may proceed to obtain a building permit or otherwise begin work authorized by the grant of a special permit or variance.  The special permit or variance does not take effect until it is filed with the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds.

The ZBA is comprised of nine (9) members appointed by the Select Board, five (5) regular members and four (4) alternate members.  

Board/Committee Members

NamePositionTerm End
Jeff CarterCo-Chair6/30/2024
Patricia EggersMember6/30/2024
Brian Harrison Chair6/30/2026
Bruce MacGregorMember6/30/2024
Patricia MetzMember6/30/2025
David AyersAlternate Member6/30/2024
Corey GillAlternate Member6/30/2024