Consultant Services for Revisions to the Melrose Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations

The City of Melrose, Massachusetts is requesting proposals for consulting services to revise the City's zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations under an RFP with proposals due June 22, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., with formal questions due June 15, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

The scope encompasses four primary tasks: project initiation including review of relevant materials and development of a workplan; stakeholder engagement planning and execution of community outreach; preparation of draft zoning and subdivision regulation amendments through multiple revision cycles; and ordinance adoption including final documentation and City Council presentation. The amendments must achieve housing-related goals outlined in the City's Housing Production Plan and modify subdivision regulations to align with historic and sustainable development patterns and street and lot standards.

The contract shall commence immediately upon award and must be completed within twelve months maximum, with the City Council public hearing for adoption consideration targeted for June 30, 2027. The total not-to-exceed contract amount is $100,000, funded through a Community Planning Grant from the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities.

Proposals must include a cover letter, up to five relevant project references from the past five years with client contact information, detailed credentials and qualifications of assigned personnel with organizational charts, project approach and schedule, and resumes on no more than fifteen pages excluding covers. The fee proposal must be submitted in a separate sealed envelope with a detailed cost breakdown by task and personnel category, including all markup and subcontractor costs. Submissions require one hard copy (unbound and recyclable) and one electronic PDF copy; fee proposals must be submitted as hard copy only. All work products, documents, graphics, and exhibits become the property of the City.

Selection will be based on project approach and methodology, professional qualifications of assigned personnel, demonstrated experience with similar zoning projects in Massachusetts municipalities, and client references indicating satisfactory work within budget and schedule. The City reserves the right to request interviews, check references, and reject any or all proposals. The selected consultant must provide proof of insurance. A Certificate of Non-Collusion/Tax Compliance form is a mandatory submission requirement.