For the purpose of this ordinance, the City of Peabody is hereby divided into the following zoning districts:

(Amended 10-25-2012; Amended 8-27-2015)

3.2.1 R-1, R-1A, and R-1B - Single-Family Residences. To provide sites for single-family residential development, while respecting the existing character of the neighboring homes and properties. Intensive land uses and uses which would detract from the desired residential character are not permitted.

3.2.2 R-2 Single- and Two-Family Residences. To provide sites for single-family and two-family residential development, while respecting the existing character of the neighboring homes and properties. The predominant uses are single- and two-family dwellings.

3.2.3 R-3, R-4, and R-5 - Multi-Family Residences. To provide sites for multi-family residential development, with a mix of density standards. Additionally, R-4 districts allow more intensive multi-family development, as well as some commercial and retail uses.

3.2.4 MH Mobile Homes. To provide proper siting for mobile home dwelling units.

3.2.5 BR Regional Business.To provide space for large mixed commercial development that serves a regional market, which customers generally access by car so there is ample parking to serve the facility. Outdoor storage and use is allowed.

(Amended 3/28/13)

3.2.6 BC Central Business. To provide for a mix of commercial, office and residential uses in close proximity to each other and to allow a mix of uses within the same structure. Predominant uses are smaller retail, service and office buildings. This district should be more pedestrian-oriented so that residents can walk to local retail and service businesses. Mixed-use development is permitted, such as retail on the ground floor with office or business and residential above by Special Permit. Businesses which consume large amounts of land and interrupt pedestrian circulation and shopping patterns are not permitted.

3.2.7 BN Neighborhood Convenience Business. To provide for uses including small retail and service establishments serving the needs of adjacent neighborhoods and oriented to pedestrian traffic. Uses which would detract from this small-scale business character are not allowed.

3.2.8 BN2 Neighborhood Convenience Business. To provide for uses including small retail and service establishments serving the needs of adjacent neighborhoods and oriented to pedestrian traffic. To allow a restaurant to serve alcoholic beverages from a service bar only by Special Permit. Uses which would detract from this small-scale business character are not allowed.

3.2.9 IL Light Industry.To provide for areas that allow uses requiring the manufacture, assembly, processing or handling of materials which because of their traffic, noise, appearance, odor, or hazards would be disruptive to residential and other business uses. Residential uses or uses which would otherwise interfere are not allowed. Outdoor storage and use is allowed.

(Amended 3-28-2013)

3.2.10 IP Industrial Park. To provide for a large area where uses requiring the manufacture, assembly, processing or handling of materials can locate, along with related office facilities.

3.2.11 DDD Designated Development District. To provide for professional uses like office, research and development, and light manufacturing as well as support services like hotels, restaurants, retail shopping and recreational facilities. Development should facilitate creative and integrated physical designs which are compatible with the natural environment and which promote the overall improvement of the urban environment for the welfare of the city. Outdoor storage and use is allowed.

(Amended 3-28-2013)

3.2.12 GB General Business. To provide for office, retail, service and small-scale production where noise and truck traffic impacts are minimal. This district shall allow for less intensive uses than the IL zoning district. Businesses can be accessed by auto or by pedestrian. Properties should be well maintained so as to achieve a quality aesthetic and visual cohesiveness within the district. Residential uses are not allowed.

3.2.13 GBD General Business Downtown. To provide for office, retail, service and small-scale production businesses where noise and truck traffic impacts are minimal. Businesses should be primarily accessed by pedestrian, and properties should maintain a quality aesthetic and a consistency with the historic downtown setting wherever possible. Residential uses are not allowed.

3.2.14 BR1 Regional Business 1.

3.2.15. MFOD Multi-Family Overlay District.

3.2.16 GMSPOD Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Overlay District. A Ground Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Overlay District is established, and shall be considered as superimposed over all other districts established by this zoning ordinance pursuant to section 3, and is shown as an overlay on the official zoning map established pursuant to section 3.3, zoning map.

(Amended 10-25-2012; Amended 8-27-2015; Ord. No. Z1-24, § 2, 12-12-2024)

Said districts are as shown, defined and bounded on the maps accompanying this ordinance, as referenced in Appendices E and F, both of which are on file in the office of the city clerk and with the planning board. The zoning maps, with all explanatory matter thereon, are made part of this ordinance.

The district boundaries shall be as shown on the zoning maps, the scale of the maps and the figures entered to serve as guides. Where boundary lines run parallel to and a distance of approximately 100 feet from street lines, said distances shall be deemed to be 100 feet. Where building lines for business and industrial districts are hereafter established by the city, the district boundary lines may be measured from the new street line.

When a district boundary line divides a lot in single or joint ownership at the time such line is established, a use permitted on the less restricted portion may be extended into the more restricted portion, but in no case more than 25 feet over the established line. This section shall not apply to the flood boundary district and wetlands conservation district.