The Planning Board upon its own initiative may, and upon petition
shall, hold public hearings, 14 days public notice of which shall
be given, for the consideration of any amendments to the Zoning Map
or to the Bylaw and report to a Town Meeting its recommendations as
to what action shall be taken. No hearing shall be held or appeals
considered for any variation or change of district boundaries except
as provided in Chapter 40A, Sections 4 and 5, of the Massachusetts
General Laws and amendments or supplements thereto.
Adoption or change of zoning by-laws may be initiated by the
submission to the Board of Selectmen of a proposed zoning by-law by
the Board of Selectmen, by the Board of Appeals, by an individual
owning land to be affected by change or adoption, by request of registered
voters of the Town of Dartmouth pursuant to MGL Chapter 39, Section
10, by the Planning Board, or by a regional planning agency.