The Planning Board is charged with broad statutory responsibilities to guide development in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. Specifically, the Planning Board is legally mandated to carry out certain provisions of the Subdivision Control Law and of the Zoning Act. These legal responsibilities are reflected locally in the Subdivision Rules and Regulations, the Procedural Rules of the Planning Board, and in the Town’s Zoning Bylaw.

The Planning Board has continued to participate in regional planning activities through the Three Rivers Inter-Local Council, the Neponset River Watershed Association, and the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association.

Project Types

• Approval-Not-Required (ANR) Plans

• Preliminary Subdivision Plans

• Definitive Subdivision Plans, including ongoing administration

• Minor Site Plans for smaller developments

• Major Site Plan for larger developments

• Major Non-Residential Project for developments over 25,000 square feet

• In some instances, the special permit granting authority (i.e., Special Permit for Major Non-Residential Project)

Function

• Initiation, development, and presentation of proposed Zoning Amendments to Town Meeting.

• Preparation and maintenance of a Master Plan and related planning studies to guide future physical growth and development in (including studies referred to the Board by Town Meeting).

• Revisions to “Subdivision Regulations and Procedural Rules of the Planning Board” and printing of the same.

• Reprinting of Town Zoning Bylaws.

• Provision of information on planning, zoning and development matters to the public (including residents, developers, and other government agencies).

Goals & Objectives

• To make sure the Board fulfills its charge from the Town Charter.

• Continue to work with the Master Plan Implementation Committee on the implementation of the Master Plan. This involves many different Boards, Commissions, Town Departments, and the general public.

• Ongoing review of the zoning bylaws and zoning for possible changes.

• Continue to comprehensively and thoroughly review projects in an expeditious fashion.

• Evaluate ways to improve the permitting process.

• Evaluate housing needs and demands for the Town.