what constitutes near by?
In MA, Abutters, Abutters to abutters within 300' and Properties across the street.
Although the main questions in a Zoning Hearing are:
Is the proposed change, alteration or extension of a pre-existing non-conforming structure or use substantially more detrimental than the current structure or use? Or Is the proposed Special Permit or Variance substantially detrimental to the neighborhood?
I have seen folks from a mile a way claim that the neighborhood for a project increases when the project is large. We had a gas station conversion to a mini-mart (big deal in these parts, we'll never have a walmart either) and an interested part from almost a mile away claimed standing based on the fact that the convenience store would service a large area: ie It's neighborhood. The appeal was continued, then approved, then appealed, ands now it's at the Appellate Court.
The Bigger The Project, The More Neighbors It Affects.
200' is a good minimum for a minor lot variance, but if a commercial project area is 10 acres, it affects mnay more people.
I propose that the minimum for a commercial project should be, take the square root of the project area. For that 10 acre site that is 660'. Notify them all. Since traffic may be the biggest impact, double that 660' to a quarter mile and notify all those additional with frontage on any road used for access.
Paul in PA