Department Mission:

The Planning Department has several important missions. One such mission is to serve the Town's Land Use Commissions. These Commissions enact and administer the Town's Zoning, Subdivision and Wetland Regulations. These Regulations have been established to preserve the quality of life in the community, and to protect the Town's rural character while acknowledging that the Town continues to develop as a highly attractive community in which to live and work.

The Department also provides the technical planning expertise in the development of the Town's Plan of Conservation and Development. This is the guide that the Town uses to set its goals and objectives in the planning and land use of the community. The Plan establishes the framework from which all other zoning, subdivision and wetland regulations are based. The Planning staff and commission will often make recommendations to the Town's Board of Selectmen concerning budgeting and policy matters that affect the Town.

The Department also provides the role of helping the general public, homeowner and business person to understand the planning and development process. The Planning Department and other Town staff will meet and discuss issues relating to home building, business expansion or other questions so that the process is as understandable and as speedy as possible.