Mission Statement
The Board of Selectmen is sworn to enforce the Town ByLaws, to be responsive to the Town’s needs, values and directions and to manage the affairs and property of the Town.
Town Government
The Town of Berkley is governed by open Town Meeting. Such a gathering of registered voters may decide on all Town matters. It is the Legislative Body of the Town of Berkley and, as such, has the authority to raise and appropriate money and to approve the town’s bylaws. The Annual Town Meeting is called by the Board of Selectmen, with notifications posted in the Town by Constable and mailed to each residence at least two weeks before the Town Meeting date.
Berkley must have one Annual Town Meeting by Town ByLaw, on the first Monday in June. Additional Special Town Meetings may be held as needed and notifications are made in the same manner as Annual Town Meeting.
There are three members of the Board of Selectmen who serve as the chief executive officers of the Town of Berkley. They are elected at large by the voters of the Town at the Annual Town Election, which is held on the Saturday following the first Monday in May. As the chief policymakers, of the Town, the Board of Selectmen exercises its core powers and authority to promulgate and formulate Town guidelines, directives and bylaws. It serves as the licensing authority and serves as the appointing authority, including appointing members of the majority of the Town’s boards, committees and commissions. The Board of Selectmen is also responsible for the appointment of a Town Administrator to carry out the affairs of the Board of Selectmen on a day to day basis.
Service Description
The three-member board is elected for staggered three-year terms and is charged with the management of the affairs and property of the Town. Their authority and responsibilities are derived from the Massachusetts General Laws and the Town ByLaws.
Licenses of all types are granted by the Board of Selectmen. In order to obtain a license, you must appear before the Board to describe your needs. License are required for, but not limited to, the following:
- Victuallers’ (food service)
- Automotive-related Business Licenses
- Junk License
- Antiques
- Liquor Licenses
- Entertainment Licenses
Fees of The Board of Selectmen
Junk Dealers Bylaw (Article 17)
Please Note:
In addition to the required Form T and Worker’s Compensation Affidavit, several applications also require the following supplemental forms:
Entertainment License Application
Be sure to include all necessary documents when submitting your application to avoid delays in processing.
This guide is designed to help residents understand the role of municipal committees and the opportunities they provide for community service. Serving on a committee is one of the most direct ways to contribute to Berkley’s future—whether shaping policy, reviewing local projects, or advising elected officials.
Inside, you’ll find an overview of a committee member’s responsibilities, expectations for members, and information on how to get involved. The goal is to make the process clear, accessible, and welcoming to all who want to serve.
By volunteering your time and expertise, you help ensure that Berkley remains a strong, responsive, and well-governed community.
The Town of Berkley is advancing its efforts to comply with Section 3A of the Massachusetts Zoning Act (M.G.L. c.40A, §3A)—also known as the MBTA Communities Law—which requires all MBTA-served communities to create at least one zoning district that allows multi-family housing by right.
This zoning effort does not mandate construction, but rather creates a legal framework where multi-family housing could be developed, consistent with state requirements and local planning goals.
Proposed District
The proposed Residential Development Overlay District (RDOD) would establish a designated area along County Street that meets the Commonwealth’s requirements for:
- Density: A minimum of 15 units per acre
- Permitted Use: Multi-family housing allowed by right (no special permit required)
- Location: Near existing services and transportation corridors
- Capacity: Accommodates at least the minimum number of units required by the State (based on Berkley’s housing stock and population)
Key Documents
- 📄 Draft Zoning Bylaw — Residential Development Overlay District (RDOD)
(Download PDF) - 🗺️ Proposed District Map
(Download Map / View Map)
These materials represent a draft proposal prepared for public review and discussion prior to the Special Town Meeting scheduled for November 15, 2025.
Questions or comments may be directed to:
Town Administrator’s Office
Town of Berkley, MA
📧 selectmen@berkleyma.us
📞 (508) 824-6794
All the questions you had about opening a business in Berkley—but were afraid to ask. This concise, step-by-step guide covers required permits and licenses, zoning and site review, inspections, fees, expected timelines, and who to contact at each stage.
Questions? Contact the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 824-6794.
Read/Download the 2025 Guide