Cambridge City Council and Commission vacancy notice: Cambridge Zoning Council Appeal (deadline for applications: Monday 7 November 2022)

City Manager Yi-An Huang is looking for new members for the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal.

What is the Zoning Appeal Board (BZA)?
The BZA is a quasi-judicial body that holds public hearings on all applications and appeals brought before it and renders decisions. The BZA is composed of five members and up to seven associate members. Members are appointed by the Chief Administrative Officer and then approved by City Council. Regular members generally have a 5-year term, while associates have a 2-year term.

What is the role of the BZA?
The BZA plays an important role in making decisions that shape the use and appearance of buildings in our community. Under the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, certain uses and types of development may require a waiver, special permit or full permit from the BZA. The BZA also hears appeals of zoning determinations made by the Commissioner of Inspection Services.

Who can apply to join the BZA?
All BZA members must be residents of Cambridge. No technical training is required to sit on the BZA; however, an interest in and understanding of development, architecture, town planning and zoning law is desirable. The City is committed to promoting a culture of anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. All Cambridge Board and Commission members must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups of varying identities, cultures, backgrounds and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

What kind of skills and abilities do you need to serve effectively in the BZA?
BZA members should be able to:

• Participate in a collaborative process with other board members;
• Consider diverse ideas and perspectives;
• Apply the provisions of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and State Zoning Act to facts presented in applications and petitions to Council in quasi-judicial proceedings;
• Demonstrate keen attention and listening skills during long and complicated presentations and discussions.

How much of a time commitment is BZA?
The BZA meets twice a month on Thursday evenings for about 3-4 hours. Members must attend all meetings and associate members attend as required. Under the provisions of Massachusetts’ open meeting law, meetings must generally be held in person; although the BZA has met remotely under the temporary provisions of the Open Meetings Act established during the COVID-19 pandemic and may continue to meet remotely until March 2023.

Members should review nomination and petition materials prior to each meeting they attend. Documents may include development plans and specifications, narrative descriptions, analyzes of the applicability of zoning ordinance provisions to applications, petitions and appeals to council, information from municipal departments, written comments from the public and other documents.

Are BZA members paid for their time?
Members of the Cambridge Board and Committees do not receive compensation for their time. However, the city is considering offering a stipend for high time commitment boards such as the BZA.

How can I apply?
Those interested in consideration should apply using the city’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting “Board of Zoning Appeal” from the list of current vacancies. A cover letter and resume or summary of applicable experience may be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available at the City Manager’s Office, Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. The deadline for submitting applications is November 7, 2022.