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1. How often does the Planning Board meet?

The Planning Board meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 5PM for regular business and long range planning discussions. 

Planning Board Page

2. What is the difference between a subdivision and an Approval Not Required (ANR) Plan?

A subdivision involves the division of land into two or more lots. An ANR plan is the division of land into lots with frontage on existing roads, whether those roads are public or private. Since the latter type does not create new roads, endorsement of an ANR plan by the Planning Board is a certification that Approval under the Subdivision Control Law is Not Required.

3. How much land is required to subdivide?

This would depend on the zoning district the property is located, and any environmental or physical impediments that may affect the development potential of any given site. That determination can be best made by a Registered Professional Land Surveyor. We cannot recommend a land surveyor but suggest you ask friends for their recommendations or look in the phone book for a list of surveying firms.

4. What triggers Site Plan Review by the Planning Board?

No use, other than single-family dwellings and their accessory structures, approved home occupations, agricultural and fishing uses, roadside stands, and those uses permitted in the Conservancy Districts as set forth in Section IV. A of the Zoning Bylaw shall be established, erected, enlarged, or changed except in conformity with a Site Plan approved by the Planning Board.

Planning Board Page

5. How are Zoning Bylaws adopted?

Town Meeting votes to adopt zoning bylaw amendments, which require a two-thirds vote. Zoning bylaw amendments are typically presented to Town Meeting as articles printed in Warrant.  Prior to Town Meeting the Planning Board holds a public hearing for the purpose of accepting public comment on the article and making a recommendation to Town Meeting.  The article is also voted on by the Finance Committee and Select Board. Once the article is approved by Town Meeting and the MA Attorney General, the amendment is effective retro-active to the date of publication of the public hearing notice.  

6. Where can one obtain a copy of the Planning Board’s Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land, the Protective (Zoning) Bylaw, or the Zoning Map?

All are available at the Town Hall Annex counter, for a fee. The Zoning Bylaw is also available on the Town’s website.

Planning Division Page

7. How do I get a building permit?

Contact the Building Department for applicable forms and requirements.

Building Department Staff Directory Page

8. Who are the Planning Board members? Who is the Town Planner?

View a current list of the Planning Board

Planning Board Page

9. Who enforces the Zoning Bylaws?

The Building Commissioner who is also the Chief Zoning Officer. 

Building Commissioner Staff Directory Page