What is the function of the Board of Appeals?

To hear testimony regarding why an appeal is being request. An appeal to the permit granting authority as the zoning ordinance or by-law may provide, may be taken by any person aggrieved by reason of his inability to obtain a permit or enforcement action from any administrative officer under the provisions of Chapter 40A, by the regional planning agency in whose area the city or town is situated, or by any person including an officer or board of the city of town, or of an abutting city or town aggrieved by an order or decision of the inspector of buildings who is also the Zoning Enforcement Officer, or other administrative official, in violation of any provision of this chapter or any ordinance or by-law adopted thereunder. To hear requests for Special Permits the Zoning bylaw must designate the Board as the Special Permit Granting Authority. The Board also is the permit granting authority for Comprehensive Permits (MGL, c.40B Sections 21-23).