Pursuant to MGL c. 40A, § 9, the Special Permit Granting Authority (SPGA) shall hear and decide applications for Special Permits for which express provision is made in this Chapter. The SPGA may be the Board of Appeals or the Planning Board.

The SPGA shall adopt rules not inconsistent with the General Laws and the provisions of this Chapter for conducting its business and shall file a copy thereof with the Town Clerk.

A Special Permit granted under this section shall lapse upon the expiration of the maximum period of time authorized by M.G.L. c. 40A, § 9, which shall not include such time required to pursue or await the determination of an appeal from the grant thereof, if a substantial use thereof has not sooner commenced except for good cause or, in the case of permit for construction, if construction has not begun except for good cause; provided, however, that, prior to the expiration of such period, an applicant may request an extension of the term of a Special Permit from the SPGA, and the SPGA may extend such term as it deems appropriate.

Public hearings on all applications for Special Permits shall be held in accordance with MGL c. 40A, § 11.

The decision of the SPGA shall be made within 90 days after the close of the public hearing. The required time limits for a public hearing and the filing of a decision may be extended by written agreement between the applicant and the SPGA, and shall be filed with the Town Clerk.

Failure of the SPGA to act within the specified period shall be deemed to be a grant of the Special Permit.

Unless otherwise specified in this Chapter, a special permit may be granted only if the SPGA determines that:

In reviewing an application for a Special Permit, the SPGA shall give due consideration to promoting the public health, safety, convenience and welfare; and shall not permit a use that is injurious, noxious, offensive or detrimental to its neighborhood except as otherwise specified in this Chapter.

Special permits shall be subject to whatever appropriate conditions and safeguards the SPGA may prescribe.