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
Berman, Sondria
- Departments:Planning
- Divisions:Planning, Development Review Staff Contacts
- Title:Senior Planner
- Phone:(617) 796-1141
- Email:Email
Sondria serves as the Senior Planner in the Current Planning Division where she reviews special permit petitions requiring zoning relief. Her main responsibilities include supporting the Current Planning team and land use committee with administrative review, analysis, and presentations for various residential and smaller commercial project applications.
With a diverse background in municipal work, Sondria is particularly interested in how different municipal departments, elected officials, and constituents come together to shape their community, make decisions, and institute goals, plans, and objectives of the city. With respect to Planning, Sondria enjoys learning about the ways in which zoning policy strives to balance the needs for economic development, housing, and conservation.
Sondria has been with the City of Newton since June of 2025. Prior to joining Newton, Sondria worked for the Town of Lynnfield in the Planning and Conservation Department as a Land Use Assistant, where she supported the department’s processing of wetland permits and enforcement orders, special permits for elder housing developments, grant applications, and other department-led special projects. Sondria holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Marist University and a Master’s Degree in English from Salem State University. She is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Public Policy Administration from Northwestern University.
As a proud Newton resident, Sondria enjoys exploring the various Newton Villages with her husband, two daughters, and their rambunctious goldendoodle, Miles. She also enjoys trying new restaurants and chocolatiers, traveling with her family, and snagging any opportunity to see a musical or comedian in the Boston area.