CommunityScale

Melrose Zoning Recodification

Client City of Melrose, Massachusetts
PartnerLevine Planning Strategies, BBHS Law
ServicesZoning
TimelineMarch – June 2024
DeliverableZoning ordinance

CommunityScale, Levine Planning Strategies, and Blatman, Bobrowski, Haverty & Silverstein, LLC worked closely with the Melrose City staff and Planning Board to complete a comprehensive recodification of the city’s Zoning Ordinance. This collaboration modernized and streamlined Melrose’s zoning laws to reflect the community’s current and future needs. The team reorganized and rewrote the existing zoning ordinance to align with state laws, encourage the development of diverse housing types, and support the preservation of Melrose’s architectural heritage. 

Key accomplishments of the project included restructuring the zoning code for improved clarity and accessibility, removing redundant and conflicting regulations, and updating the code to comply with current state laws and court decisions. The recodification also streamlined processes by moving certain requirements, such as site plan review and special permit criteria, to separate regulations documents. The team engaged with stakeholders through multiple meetings with city staff and the Planning Board to gather feedback and ensure the recodified ordinance met the city’s needs.

The City Council voted to adopt the recodified zoning ordinance on October 21, 2024. The adopted zoning can be accessed here.

Nels Nelson

Nels Nelson, co-founding Principal at CommunityScale, is passionate about planning happier, healthier, and more resilient places. His goal today? Optimizing community strategies with data-driven techniques. His diverse clients appreciate his swift, accurate, and transparent insights.