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1. What is the zoning of my property?

The Planning Board Office is the best location to find that information since they have a digital map which allows them to locate the parcel by map and parcel number and determine if the property is in more than 1 zoning district. Find more information by clicking the following link: Property Zoning Page

2. What are the building setbacks in South Hadley?

This is determined by the Zoning District in which the property is located. For more information, please visit: Building Setbacks Page

3. What is the process for changing the zoning classification of a piece of property?

This process is governed by Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 40A. Since South Hadley has a representative town meeting form of government, the town follows specific process, which is detailed here: Changing Property Zoning Classification Page

4. How many unregistered vehicles can my neighbor have on their property?

Unregistered vehicles are governed by Section 8(I) of the Town’s Zoning Bylaw, which states:

“The keeping of more than 1 unregistered vehicle, assembled or disassembled, except by a person licensed under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 59, on any premises shall not be permitted unless said motor vehicle is stored in an enclosed building or otherwise out of sight of all abutters and public ways.

Whoever violates any provisions of this article shall be liable to a penalty for each day of violation, commencing 10 days following date of receipt of written notice from the Board of Selectmen. This article shall not apply to motor vehicles which are designated and used for farming purposes.” For an answer with access to the laws cited, please visit: Unregistered Vehicles on Property Page

5. Can commercial vehicles be parked in a residential district?

Parking of commercial vehicles in a residential district is governed by Section 8(G)5 of the Zoning Bylaw which states:
In Residence or Agricultural Districts, no commercial vehicle other than Class 1 Commercial Vehicles, as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, at the DOT website (http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/TrafficTravelResources/VehicleClassTypeClassifications.aspx ), may be parked on any lot, except in the case of a farm that is partially exempted from zoning regulation under M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 3. Section 8(G)6 (PDF)

6. What are the zoning restrictions for installing a fence on my property?

A permit from the Building Commissioner / Inspector is required to install a fence. Therefore, you should contact the Building Commissioner / Inspector by calling 413-538-5010 when you first begin considering installation of a fence.

Generally, installation of fences on residential property is governed by Section 7(K) of the Zoning Bylaw. A more descriptive explanation and access to the applicable laws are provided on this page: Fence Installation Zoning Restrictions Page

7. How can I obtain a copy of the town’s Zoning Bylaw, Subdivision Regulations or other town requirements?

The Zoning Bylaw, Subdivision Regulations and the stormwater management bylaw are included on this website under Bylaws and Regulations. For more information on how to obtain copies - including physical copies - visit this page: Obtaining Copies of Town Zoning Regulations Page

8. How do I file a complaint about a zoning violation?

The Building Commissioner / Inspector is the Zoning Enforcement Officer. You should contact him at 413-538-5010 and detail the alleged violation. He can tell you if in fact what you describe is a violation, in his opinion. You should follow up with a written complaint if you believe the violation is continuing. Building Department Page

9. How do I find out if a development is planned for a particular area or neighborhood?

The Town Planner provides a Development Status Report on a monthly basis. This report lists projects approved by the Planning Board and under development, projects which have been so approved but have not begun development, projects pending Planning Board review and a list of projects which are anticipated to be submitted.

To learn if a building permit has been issued for a particular location, you should call the Building Commissioner / Inspector at 413-538-5010. Town Planner's Development Status Report Archive

10. How do I obtain a variance or file an administrative appeal?

Variances are subject to very specific hardship criteria in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40A and are difficult to obtain. Variances and administrative appeals are under the authority of the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Planning Board Office merely acts as the processing agent for the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The steps for applying for a variance or an administrative appeal are detailed on this page. Variances and Administrative Appeals Page

11. Does the town allow use variances?

No. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40A permits use variances only when authorized by a municipal Zoning Bylaw. South Hadley’s Zoning Bylaw does not make provisions for any form of use variances. The South Hadley Zoning Bylaw allows for some uses by special permit, however, this is not the same as a use variance. Therefore, the town does not allow use variances, only dimensional variances. For access to the bylaw, a special permit document and dimensional variances information, please visit this page: Use Variances Page