Located on the second floor of the Ames Building, the Planning & Zoning Department:

  • Works on long-term planning for land use, open space, economic development, and transportation in collaboration with several Boards, Committees, community groups, professionals, and residents.
  • Provides administrative and technical support on the design and permitting of residential and commercial projects.
  • Addresses regional planning issues with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and neighboring cities and towns.

Zoning Bylaw

The Department works with the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals to administer the Town's Zoning Bylaw which guides and regulates how residential, commercial, and industrial land can be developed and used. If you have questions related to land use and zoning, please contact our department.

If you would like to file an application and/or have questions regarding the Planning Board or the Zoning Board of Appeals, please email Planning Director Jeremy Rosenberger, jrosenberger@dedham-ma.gov or call (781) 751-9241.  

About us

The Planning Department is focusing on developing a long term vision for the Town of Dedham in both planning and urban design, to determine how the town can develop in the future. With the rapid increase of modern development and the shift in trends to more expectation of walkability, local investment and local spending, the demands that will be asked of the Town of Dedham must be met with proactive planning along with essential urban design. This process will incorporate the various boards, committees, departments and projects to create a cohesive vision for Dedham’s future.

Board and Committee Work

Planning & Zoning provides administrative support to three boards and two committees whose members (some elected, some appointed) oversee how residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational land in Dedham is used. 

Please see individual board and committee pages for:

  • Applications and forms,
  • Meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, and
  • Decisions rendered by each board or committee.

The Department currently supports the following boards and committees:

When to Contact us

Before you plan alterations to a building or property in Dedham -- or before you purchase or lease property -- contact us or the Building Department to learn about any applicable regulatory requirements.

Please contact our department for any issues pertaining to planning, land use, or zoning, including:

  • zoning variances,
  • special permits,
  • administrative appeals,
  • re-zoning,
  • site plan review,
  • major development projects, and
  • parking plans.