Zuckerman v. Zoning Board of Appeals of Greenfield

In this case we are asked to interpret the requirement of G. L. c. 40A, § 15, that a zoning board of appeals file its decision “within fourteen days.” A judge of the Superior Court concluded that the provision requires that the board’s decision be filed within fourteen days after the decision is made, but held that the board’s failure to observe the requirement does not result in a constructive grant of the relief sought. Instead, the judge entered summary judgment for the board, on the ground that the applicant for the building permit failed to appeal to the Superior Court within twenty days…