Planning Board

Responsibilities

The Planning Board is responsible for overseeing plans for land use working closely with the Building Inspector/ Zoning Enforcement Officer, as well as other town departments and committees. The Planning Board reviews the resources and needs of the town, with focus on conditions affecting public welfare and safety related to land use and development. The Board is authorized to develop the Town's Master Plan for growth and make recommendations to ensure that development is consistent with this Plan. The Board responsibilities include the following:

• Conducting public hearings and making recommendations on proposed amendments to the Zoning By-Law (which must then be approved by Town Meeting);
• Regulates the subdivision of land and the construction of new roadways; 
• Grants site plan approval and special permits for various land use proposals required by the Town's Zoning By-Law; 
• Reviews all petitions for variances and other zoning matters filed with the Zoning Board of Appeals

The members serve a five-year term. The Board may nominate one associate member who shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board for a one-year term. The associate member may serve as an alternate voting member on special permit applications as necessary in accordance with the provisions of Section 8.4 of the Zoning By-Law.