Zoning Enforcement
The Inspectional Services Department is responsible for coordinating and managing all inspection-related activities within the City, including interpreting and applying the City of Lynn Zone Ordinance. To obtain a zoning determination concerning the feasibility of a proposed use or development, please submit a written request for a Zoning Determination via lynnisdportal.com.
The City of Lynn adopted regulations concerning the use, height, area, construction, repair and alteration of buildings or structures in 1926. The Zone Ordinance, as subsequently amended and in effect today, divides the community in eighteen (18) zoning districts as reflected upon the Zoning Map City of Lynn. The Assessor's Office maintains zoning information available online by street address on Patriot Properties.
The Table of Uses (and footnotes) identifies for each recognized use whether such use is (p) permitted by right within that zone, (sp) permitted by special permit granted by the City Council, or (blanks) permitted only if the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) grants a variance.
The Table of Dimensional Regulations (and footnotes) describes the area requirements applicable to each zoning district relative to lot size, minimum yard requirements, height restrictions and limitations upon lot coverage.
If you are dissatisfied with the decision, interpretation or application of the zone ordinance relative to a proposed use or project, you may appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals pursuant to G.L. c. 40A ยง8. Complete applications shall be filed with the Inspectional Services Department, in City Hall,Room 103. The ZBA meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall, Room 302. The meeting schedule and agenda, when available, may be found on the City Clerk's webpage
Zoning Resources
Rules And Regulations For Governing The Subdivision of Land- POSTED 2020
Application For Zoning Board Of Appeals- POSTED DECEMBER 2023
Updated Zoning Board of Appeals Fee Schedule-POSTED DECEMBER 2023
Zoning Board of Appeals Calendar 2024-POSTED DECEMBER 2023
Ordinance Amending Zoning/Map-POSTED FEBRUARY 2020
Inclusionalry Zoning Ordinance (December 2022)- POSTED 2023
Zoning Map City of Lynn-POSTED MARCH 2020
City of Lynn Zone Ordinance (March 2022)
Zoning Review Check List Home- POSTED DECEMBER 2020
Zoning Review Check List Commercial- POSTED DECEMBER 2020
Other Resources
City of Lynn Conservation Commission
City of Lynn Planning Board
Site Plan Review
The Site Plan Review Committee must review and approve the site layout of commercial, residential, and industrial projects to ensure conformity with design guidelines and landscaping/buffering requirements, including the adequacy of site access, parking and storage arrangements, and waste disposal methods, as well as to protect adjoining premises, natural and historic site features.
Site Plan approval is required whenever a proposed project involves:
1. New construction or replacement of a building greater than 5,000 sf in gross floor area
2. Any renovation/change of use which:
a. requires more than 10 additional parking spaces
b. involves relocating existing parking spaces, or
c. involves relocating site or building entrances/egresses.
3. Any new construction or replacement building with a drive-thru.
Persons seeking approval for projects requiring Site Plan Review shall submit application materials to the Inspectional Services Department, City Hall, Room 401.
For further information about Site Plan Review please see the Zone Ordinance, Section 16. The Site Plan Review Committee meets as necessary on Tuesday mornings in Room 402.
-Zone Ordinance, Section 16: Site Plan Review
-Application for Site Plan Review