Brookline homeowners looking to add a dormer, finish a basement, or build a garage may soon face fewer hearings and less red tape under a proposed zoning change.
The idea: move approval power for many home renovation projects from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to the Planning Board, cutting out a second review process that officials say can add six to eight months — and thousands of dollars in fees.
Right now, homeowners seeking zoning relief often have to appear before both boards, repeating the same presentation twice.
Planning staff say the overlap is unnecessary:
- In 2025, all 50 special permit applications reviewed by the town received ZBA approval.
- All 50 had already received a positive recommendation from the Planning Board.
- 36 involved single- or two-family homes, the exact projects targeted by the proposed change.
The switch would apply to projects like:
- Home additions
- Dormers
- Basement and attic conversions
- Garage construction
- Driveway changes
Full demolitions and projects requiring a zoning variance would still go before the ZBA.
Regulatory Planning Director Polly Selkoe said the current process forces homeowners to hire attorneys, architects, and engineers for multiple appearances, sometimes requiring three or four Planning Board meetings before reaching the ZBA.
The Planning Board already reviews many of these projects and includes architects, planners, landscape architects, and an attorney, staff said. The change would not add new public notice requirements or alter residents’ ability to appeal decisions.
The proposal is part of the town’s broader push to “streamline operations” and make permitting “less time consuming and less costly,” according to Selkoe’s memo.
The ZBA discussed the idea Thursday but did not vote. Any change would require a zoning bylaw amendment approved by Town Meeting.
Residents can submit comments to Cameron James at [email protected].
