Planning Board, Zoning Board, and other Land Use Board and Process Applications

The Zoning Board of Appeals Application is needed when a project cannot meet the requirements of the zoning code. Individual waivers of the zoning code are called variances and come in two types: area and use. Area variances are for waiving some physical dimensional requirement of the code. For example, height, building setbacks, lot coverage, etc. Use variances are for waiving the actual use allowed by the code. For example, allowing a retail use in an area zoned for offices. Use variance applications require the submittal of detailed financial information showing that the current owner has tried to find a use for the property that IS allowed by the zoning code, but has not been successful and cannot make a reasonable financial return on the property.

The Planning Board Application is needed for a variety of review processes including Conditional Use Permits, Site Plan Review, Environmental Protection Overlay District (EPOD) Permits, and Subdivision Review. A single project may require several different reviews. For example, new construction that falls within an EPOD will need both a Site Plan Review and an EPOD Permit. These can be applied for with one application, however individual fees for each process will be assessed.

ARB review is required for: - New primary structures. - Additions or alterations with exterior changes visible from the front view of a house. - Additions or alterations with any exterior changes to a commercial building.

No person shall carry out any exterior alteration, restoration, reconstruction, or new construction of or to a landmark, nor shall any person carry out any demolition or moving of a landmark, without first obtaining a certificate of appropriateness from the Town of Brighton Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). Exterior painting of a structure shall not require a certificate of appropriateness unless some or all of the surface to be painted is a brick, stone, ceramic, or other structure that cannot be returned to its original color and/or condition after it is painted. The installation of a generator, air-conditioning compressor, or heat pump and all related components which otherwise are placed and constructed in compliance with the Town Code shall not require a certificate of appropriateness.

A Certificate of Zoning Compliance certifies compliance with the Town of Brighton Zoning Code and is required when any change of use occurs, including similar uses, in terms of intensity, which are permitted within any building in any district, when any change of use of land occurs, or when the occupancy and use of a building erected, reconstructed, restored, altered or moved or any change in use.

All new and replacement signs are reviewed by the Town of Brighton. The review process is two steps: Architectural Review Board (ARB) and Planning Board (PB). Please fill out this form to start the sign review process. The sign review fee is $75. This does not include the separate sign permit fee of $35 that is only paid if the sign is approved. DO NOT COMBINE THESE INTO ONE PAYMENT. At this time, online payment is not available; please mail a check or contact staff for other payment options. Please note: a business that is moving into a new location may also require a Certificate of Compliance. Please review the Certificate of Compliance application below or contact Building and Planning Department staff for more information