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Woburn ZBA discusses one‑page applicant checklist to simplify filings
Summary
The Zoning Board reviewed a one‑page diagram/checklist summarizing Table 6.1 to help homeowners prepare variance and special‑permit filings; members praised the visual tool and asked the city solicitor to review language before rollout.
At the end of the meeting the Woburn Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed a proposed one‑page diagram and checklist intended to help applicants understand table 6.1 dimensional requirements and the legal standards petitioners must meet.
Chair credited Member Ryan for creating a visual "cheat sheet" and said the tool could be more accessible for homeowners than the full zoning ordinance. The board discussed format, storage and editing (the diagram was created in Adobe Illustrator and the form in InDesign); members agreed the tool should be short, easy to read and vetted by the city solicitor before use.
Several members said the checklist could steer petitioners toward the legal hardship categories the board must evaluate (soil/topography/shape of lot) and help reduce emotional confrontations at the counter. "If everything is on paper and they can go back and look at this later…that would be extraordinarily helpful," one member said. The board asked staff to retain source files and produce enlarged, legible copies for petitioners and agreed to solicit city solicitor feedback before any formal adoption.
