Show All Answers

1. Where can I find the zoning ordinance?

The Zoning Ordinance can be viewed at this link: https://www.ecode360.com/29283330. It can also be found through the Municipal Inspections/Building Department webpage. You can also use the search function at the top right of the webpage and type in “Zoning Ordinance”.

2. Where can I find the subdivision ordinance?

The Subdivision Rules and Regulations can be viewed at this link: https://www.ecode360.com/29285336. Application forms and checklists can be found on the Planning Board’s webpage under Subdivision Control Documents

3. What projects are approved through the planning department at this time?

For a list of recent and current projects please visit the following link: https://www.beverlyma.gov/338/Projects-Development

4. Are there wetlands on my property?

A good place to start to see if any wetlands are on your property, is by using the City’s GIS map at this link: https://beverlyma.mapgeo.io/datasets/properties?abuttersDistance=100&latlng=42.558701%2C-70.889592&panel=themes&zoom=14. On the right side of the page, press Themes, click the box next to DEP Wetlands to turn on the Wetlands layer, and click the box next to FEMA Flood Zones to turn on the flood zones layer. Zoom in to your property to see if it is located on or near wetlands. To delineate and flag the exact wetland line for you, you must hire a wetland scientist/environmental consultant. The Conservation Commission's jurisdiction is within 100 feet of most wetland resource areas and within 200 feet of perennial streams.

5. Where can I find the Beverly Wetland Protection Ordinance and Regulations?

The Ordinance can be found at this link: https://ecode360.com/29283259 and the 2018 Amended Beverly Wetland Protection Regulations can be found at this link: https://www.beverlyma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/828/2018-Amended-Beverly-Wetland-Protection-Regulations-PDF Under the Ordinance, there is a 50-Foot No Build Zone and 25-Foot No Disturbance Zone.

6. What does each Board or Commission do?

For an explanation of each Board, Committee, and Commission within the Planning Department, please visit the Boards & Commissions page on the Planning & Development website here: https://www.beverlyma.gov/570/Boards-Commissions. For a list of each Board, Committee, and Commission, please visit the main City website and select Boards & Commissions at the top of the page.

7. What is available for affordable housing in Beverly at this time?

Affordable housing opportunities are uploaded to the City’s Housing Resources webpage as they arise. Please visit the housing resources page for more details: https://www.beverlyma.gov/723/Housing-Resources. You can also visit the State’s Housing and Community Development page here: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/affordable-units-for-sale.

8. Does Beverly offer first time home buyer’s assistance?

Not at this time.

9. Who do I contact for my parking ticket?

To access all information related to parking in the City of Beverly including parking permits, and parking tickets, visit Park Beverly’s website at this link: https://www.parkbeverly.com/

10. Can I put a sign up on my property?

To see what kind of signage is permitted at your address, please refer to the Sign Ordinance at this link:https://ecode360.com/29284814. You will need to know which zoning district your address is located in. To find your zoning district, use the City’s online GIS map at this link: https://beverlyma.mapgeo.io/datasets/propertiesabuttersDistance=100&latlng=42.565158%2C-70.857627. Select Themes on the right side of the page. Click the box next to Zoning to turn on the zoning layer. Visit the Design Review Board page for more information regarding signs, and the Design Review Board process.

11. I have an easement on my property. Is it the city’s?

Some information is available on the City’s GIS website, but for the most accurate information you will need to look at the Registry of Deeds for plans and information on the deed regarding ownership.

12. Do I need a permit for a fence?

A building permit is not required for fences up to 7 feet in height (nominal). A building permit must be obtained for any fence over 7 feet in height. Also, according to MGL c. 49 Section 21, fences over 6 feet in height could be considered to be a spite fence. Therefore, for any fence over 6 feet in height, it is strongly recommended that you obtain approval of the abutter. It is also recommended that you talk with your neighbor prior to installing any fence, regardless of height.

If your fence is on the corner of two streets, the City of Beverly Zoning Ordinance 300-16 states, in part:

On a corner lot…nothing else shall be erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such a manner as to obstruct vision at intersections between a height of three feet and eight feet above the street grades in the triangular area bounded by the street lines of such corner lot and a line joining points along said street lines of 25 feet from their intersection. What this means is that for fences on a corner lot, the height may be limited to no more than 3 feet for a distance of 25 feet from the intersection of the streets, along each street line. This is to prevent obstructions to site distance for vehicles.

If the fence is in a wetlands buffer, fence installation may need review and approval by the Conservation Commission if located in their jurisdictional area.