RICHARD MCLAUGHLIN vs. CITY OF BROCKTON & another. [Note 1]

The plaintiff stores and services trucks and heavy construction vehicles at premises in Brockton zoned for general commercial use (C-2 zone). Responding to the building inspector's enforcement action, the plaintiff

Page 931

sought a ruling from the zoning board of appeals (board) that his use of the property was protected as a lawful nonconforming use based on the business operated by the preceding owner. The board denied relief, finding that "the prior use of the property from the late 1920's to the 1960's was substantially different than the present use" and that the plaintiff's use "caus[es] potential danger to the public safety and significant and detrimental effect to the surrounding neighborhood." [Note 2] The board appeals from a judgment of the Land Court annulling (in effect) its decision and declaring that the plaintiff's use of the premises is protected under art. VI, Section 27-43, of the Brockton zoning ordinance.

The problem arises because of the coexistence in the zoning ordinance of two different sections governing alterations of nonconforming uses. The first, art. VI, Section 27-39, provides that "no . . . alteration . . . [of a nonconforming use] shall be permitted unless there is a finding by the zoning board of appeals that such . . . alteration . . . shall not be substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming use to the neighborhood." The judge focussed on Section 27-43, which provides that "[a] nonconforming use may be changed to a use of the same or more restrictive classification," [Note 3] and makes no mention of the necessity for a finding by the board concerning the effect of the alteration on the neighborhood. The judge interpreted Section 27-43 as permitting, without board approval, a one-time alteration of a nonconforming use to another nonconforming use of a type permitted in the same or more restricted zones than the prior use. The materials submitted to the judge in support of the plaintiff's motion for summary judgment established that the plaintiff's use was allowed in zones where his predecessor's use (scrap metal salvage) was prohibited.

The judge's interpretation of Section 27-43 would place that ordinance in conflict with the enabling Zoning Act, which, in G. L. c. 40A, Section 6, as inserted

Page 932

by St. 1975, c. 808, Section 3, provides that "no . . . alteration [of a nonconforming use] shall be permitted unless there is a finding by the permit granting authority or by the special permit granting authority designated by ordinance . . . that such . . . alteration shall not be substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming use to the neighborhood." An ordinance that permitted an alteration of a nonconforming use in the absence of such a finding would be in violation of the literal mandate of Section 6. It is true that in Chilson v. Zoning Bd. of Appeal of Attleboro, 344 Mass. 406, 411 (1962), it was held that the predecessor statute "prescribes the minimum tolerance which must be given to nonconforming uses." But the predecessor statute, G. L. c. 40A, Section 5, inserted by St. 1954, c. 368, Section 2, and as later amended by St. 1962, c. 340, was materially different in form and substance from the present G. L. c. 40A, Section 6, and it lacked the requirement of a finding by the board concerning the effect of the alteration on the neighborhood.

Nothing in Section 27-43 expressly precludes the finding and permit procedure of Section 27-39 from applying to alterations of nonconforming uses. The two sections may be read harmoniously if Section 27-43 is interpreted as imposing specific restrictions on the types of alterations authorized generally by Section 27-39. This reading comports with the general principle that, where possible, ordinances should "be construed so as to harmonize superficially discordant provisions." Lee v. Board of Appeals of Harwich, 11 Mass. App. Ct. 148, 154 (1981). More importantly, it avoids conflict with the enabling statute.

We conclude that the board should have an opportunity to reconsider its decision and to make findings in accordance with G. L. c. 40A, Section 6, and Sections 27-39 and 27-43 of the Brockton zoning ordinance, including a specific finding as to whether the plaintiff's altered use is more detrimental to the neighborhood than the protected nonconforming use of his predecessor. Accordingly, the judgment of the Land Court is vacated, and the case is to be remanded to the zoning board of appeals for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. The Land Court may retain jurisdiction over the case.

So ordered.