Zoning Reform

Phase 1

Introduction

Homes and businesses, streets and parks, public and private spaces; these are the elements that define the physical character of a city. While the City of Newton directly controls the improvement of these public elements, it is mostly through the zoning ordinance that the City has influence on the use and design of private property. The City of Newton last conducted a significant review and update of its zoning ordinance in 1987. In December, 2011, the Zoning Reform Group released a report recommending that changes to the Zoning Ordinance be considered to enhance its usability and bring the regulations into compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. This report described a three phase process with Phase 1 focusing on enhancing the usability of the existing ordinance. The City kicked-off Phase 1 on February 11, 2013 with lead consultant, Code Studio. If you have any questions or comments about the Zoning Reform Project, please contact James Freas, Chief Planner for Long-Range Planning, zoningreform@newtonma.gov.

Current News and Events

• There will be a public presentation of the Zoning Ordinance Assessment April 8, 2013 at 6 p.m. in the War Memorial at City Hall. All are welcome to attend.
• The Zoning Reform Advisory Group will be meeting April 8, 2013 at 3 p.m. at City Hall in room 202.  This is a public meeting and observers will be given an opportunity to speak at the end of the meeting.
• The Zoning and Planning Committee will be meeting April 8, 2013 at 7:45 p.m. to discuss the Zoning Ordinance Assessment.   
• Phase 1 of the Zoning Reform process kicked-off February 11^th with meetings of the Zoning Reform Advisory Group and the Zoning & Planning Committee of the Board of Alderman. Notes from these meetings are available below.

Meeting Notes, Handouts, and Resources