What We Do

The Department of Planning & Development is responsible for overseeing and planning projects that enhance and preserve Newton’s unique character. Through projects, studies, community engagement, public meetings, and a host of other activities, Planning & Development staff work hard to improve the quality of life for all Newton residents and the experience of visitors to our great community.

As a City with thirteen distinct villages, our department aims to develop plans that enhance each village with thoughtful consideration. The Department of Planning & Development also seeks to promote appropriate economic development and to support amenities that make Newton a desirable place to live, work, and spend time.

Click on the image to go to the division page

Important Links:

City Ordinance

Zoning Ordinance

Zoning Map

Village Center Zoning

The Village Center Overlay District (VCOD), was passed by the City Council on December 4th, 2023. This was a comprehensive zoning update designed with three distinct districts:

Village Center 3 (VC3) for commercial cores
Village Center 2 (VC2) for smaller commercial areas
Multi-Residence Transit (MRT) to gently transition to existing residential areas

This new zoning is an overlay district, meaning, the current zoning remains while allowing property owners the option to build according to either the pre-existing zoning or the newly updated zoning. This new zoning does NOT require new buildings to be built to the updated zoning, but rather expand development rights.

Planning Applications

All planning applications should be submitted through Newton’s NewGov portal.

Different types of applications include:

Administrative Site Plan Review
Building Permit
Comprehensive Permit
Comprehensive Sign Package
Demolition Review
Design Review
Fence Appeal
Historic District
Historical Review
Inclusionary Zoning
Local Landmark Review
Preservation Restriction Review
Rezoning
Section 558 Planning Review (Public Buildings ONLY)
Sign Review
Site Plan Review (Village Center Overlay District - VCOD)
Special Permit
Wetlands Permit
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)
- 40B Insubstantial Change
- Appeals
- Variance
Zoning review

Information about creating an account and applying on NewGov can be found here: https://newtonma.portal.opengov.com/categories/1086

Boards, Commissions , & Committees

There are several Boards, Commissions, and Committees that provide and receive support from the Planning & Development Department. Click the linked name to explore the respective page of each Board, Commission, and Committee. Each page includes meeting information, agendas and minutes, and other relevant information.