Zoning & Permitting
Strategy
Services

Permitting and planning support, built around your project

Every project is different, so every engagement starts with a conversation. These are the ways we most often help, and many projects combine more than one.

Zoning and Feasibility Assessment

For anyone buying, building on, or expanding a property

Before you invest in design, find out what the bylaw actually allows. We review the zoning for your lot and give you a clear read on the options:

  • What's allowed by right, what needs a special permit, and what would need a variance
  • Dimensional limits, and where there’s flexibility in setbacks, height, or lot coverage
  • Nonconforming lots and structures, and what’s possible under Chapter 40A, Section 6
  • How state laws such as the ADU rules, Chapter 40B, and MBTA Communities zoning affect your property

You receive a written summary in plain language that you can share with your designer, lender, or attorney.

Permitting Strategy and Roadmap

For projects heading into approvals

A step-by-step plan for getting from concept to permit:

  • Every approval needed, in the right order, from planning and zoning to conservation and beyond
  • A realistic timeline, including hearing schedules and appeal periods
  • Likely concerns from boards, staff, and neighbors, and how to address them before filing
  • Ways to reduce risk, such as design adjustments, phasing, or a different permitting route

Application and Hearing Preparation

For teams getting ready to file or present

A second set of experienced eyes before your application goes in:

  • Review of your application package for completeness and clarity
  • The questions a review board is likely to ask, and strong answers to them
  • Guidance on responding to staff comments, peer review, and conditions of approval

Ongoing Permitting Advisory

For projects that want a strategist on call

A standing resource for your team from filing through decision. You get quick answers, a sounding board for decisions, and a strategy that adjusts as the process unfolds.

Community Outreach Support

Optional, alongside any engagement. For projects that will benefit from early, clear communication with neighbors

Projects tend to move more smoothly when neighbors hear about them clearly and early. When it makes sense for your project, we help you plan that communication:

  • Identify abutters and other stakeholders
  • Plan outreach timing and messaging to match your permitting schedule
  • Prepare outreach materials, from fact sheets to neighbor letters
  • Build project websites and feedback tools that give the community a clear source of information
Aerial view of city buildings and streets
How it works

  1. Introductory call (free)

    Tell us about your property or project, and we'll talk through where we can help.

  2. Scope and flat-fee quote

    You receive a clear description of the work and one fixed price.

  3. Get to work

    We start right away, keep you updated, and stay available as questions come up.

Frequently asked questions
Do you work outside Massachusetts?

No. Our focus is Massachusetts zoning and permitting, and that focus is what makes our advice useful.

Can you help homeowners, or only developers?

Both. Many of our assessments are for homeowners planning an addition, an ADU, or a purchase.

Can agents use your assessments in listings?

Our assessments are meant to inform you and your clients, not to serve as marketing claims. Zoning outcomes depend on review and approval, so we ask that assessments not be quoted in listings or advertising.

Is your advice legal advice?

No. We provide planning and permitting strategy. For legal questions, we're happy to work alongside your attorney.

How much does it cost?

Every engagement is a flat fee, quoted after the introductory call so it matches your project's actual scope.

Talk with us