To facilitate open communications with the developer and ensure that the public understands what

the ZBA intends to do, the ZBA should draft preliminary conditions of approval and provide them to

the developer while the public hearing is still open. Developers do not have to respond, but usually

they do because they want a comprehensive permit that will allow them to build housing. The ZBA

should also ask the building commissioner to review the draft decision and provide comments and

suggestions. It is important to remember that when the developer is ready to start construction, administration of the comprehensive permit will fall to the building inspector. It makes sense to verify

that the ZBA’s decision is specific and clear enough for the building inspector to interpret, apply, and

enforce it.