City of Newton, MA
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The Development Review Division of the Planning and Development Department helps guide petitioners and citizens through the Special Permit, Comprehensive Permit (40B), Variance, and Administrative Site Plan Review process.
What's Zoning?
Zoning is the principal means of regulating real estate and land development. Newton's zoning ordinance is a city law outlining the size and shape of buildings that can be built in different parts of the city, how buildings can be remodeled over time, and what types of activities can take place in which buildings
Interactive Zoning Map (search by address or village)
City staff is available to consult with residents, business owners, project developers and other city agencies to discuss zoning regulations or to review proposed development projects.
- Newton's Current Zoning Ordinance: Chapter 30
- Newton's Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance
- Sustainable Development Design Zoning Amendment
- Building Efficiency Zoning Amendment
What's in the Works
The City of Newton is embarking on a comprehensive zoning redesign project. The goal is to enhance the city’s high quality of life and quality of place. In 2011, a Zoning Reform Group was tasked by the Mayor and Board of Alderman to develop a plan for reforming Newton's zoning ordinance. Phase One of the zoning reform project was completed in 2015, which successfully reorganized the existing ordinance making it easier to understand, but it did not alter the content of the ordinance
Phase Two of the Zoning Redesign Project started in October 2016. This phase will create a new, context-based zoning ordinance that provides guidance and rules for the development and redevelopment of land in Newton. Context-based means the new zoning will aim to be in keeping with the city's existing development forms, reflect the building patterns of Newton's different neighborhoods and village centers, and allow new growth to occur in appropriate places and at appropriate scales
Accessory Apartments
In 2016-2017 City Council passed a new Accessory Apartment ordinance. Below you will find information about the new current ordinance
Santosuosso, Jane
- Departments:Planning
- Divisions:Planning, Development Review Staff Contacts
- Title:Chief Zoning Code Official
- Phone:(617) 796-1128
- Email:Email
Jane serves as the Chief Zoning Code Official in the Current Planning Division where she plays a vital role in interpreting the zoning regulations, collaborating with the Long-Range Division and Inspectional Services, and guiding applicants through complex land use processes to help them achieve their project goals.
Passionate about planning since the start of her career, Jane is dedicated to creating livable communities.
Jane has been with the City of Newton since 2013. Prior to her role with Newton, she was the Zoning Administrator for the Town of Hingham, and a Planner with the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (now EOHLC) and a project manager for the Merrimack River Watershed Council. Jane has a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Virginia Tech.
When Jane isn’t at City Hall, she’s often outdoors hiking, kayaking, gardening, and more. She co-leads the Powisett Farm 4-H youth development program, where she engages young people in farming. She also enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, embracing nature whenever she can.