An Act relative to abutter appeals

This bill modifies Massachusetts zoning laws to require neighbors, known as abutters, to prove specific harm to their property before they can appeal zoning decisions. Under the new rules, simply being a neighbor is no longer enough to file an appeal; instead, the neighbor must submit a detailed affidavit within 60 days describing exactly how the decision negatively affects their property. If the neighbor claims harm from technical issues like traffic or drainage, they must also provide a sworn statement from a qualified expert supporting those claims. This change directly affects residents who wish to challenge zoning permits or enforcement actions by placing the burden of proof on them rather than allowing appeals based solely on proximity to a project.