Tanner v. Board of Appeals

At issue in this appeal is whether the Boxford zoning by-law authorizes the operation of a stand-alone veterinary hospital, either by right (as an agricultural use) or by special permit. The defendant board of appeals (board) concluded the by-law does not permit such use either by right or by special permit, and a judge of the Land Court, acting on cross motions for summary judgment, agreed. We add our agreement to the list.

*648Background. The plaintiffs, licensed veterinarians, have resided in Boxford since 1994 and have operated a veterinary hospital from their residence during that time.4 They…