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Planning Board Reference Handbook

The Planning Board handbook is a compilation of handbooks, guides, and other reference materials on a variety of planning topics. It can be used to introduce new board members to what being on a planning board entails, or to be used as a reference during meetings.

Introduction

A brief introduction to the roles and responsibilities of planning board members, and a guide to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A. 40A is the state legislation that provides the framework for municipal zoning.

Glossaries

Dictionary of planning terms, acronyms and phrases, and federal and state agencies.

Open Meetings and Public Hearings

Massachusetts' Open Meeting Law requires that meetings be posted, open to the public, and that records of the meetings proceedings be kept. This section provides guidance on where and when to post meetings, what constitutes a 'meeting,' how long to maintain minutes, and other common questions.

By-Law Amendment

Creating new zoning bylaws and amending the existing bylaws is an important part of a planning board's role. However, if the correct procedural process isn't followed, proposed amendments can be rejected by the Attorney General. This section provides guidance about public notice requirements, hearings and reports made by the planning board, and when new bylaws take effect.

Special Permits and Decisions

The planning board may be designated as a special permit granting authority for certain uses by the Town's zoning bylaws. This section provides guidance about timing of special permit hearings, and what should be included in the board's decision and findings when a special permit is issued or denied.

Subdivision Control

Massachusetts' Subdivision Control Law, Chapter 41 of the General Laws, provides the basis for towns to create Subdivision Rules and Regulations, creating planning board review over new subdivisions of land. This section provides guidance on timelines for planning board review of subdivisions, and guides to Chapter 41. Also provided is a primer on updating the Rules and Regulations.

Approval Not Required

Approval Not Required plans are the most commonly reviewed types of plans in Berkshire County. Generally, if a proposed lot has frontage that meets minimum frontage requirements, it is not subject to review as a subdivision. These guides provide in depth explanations on what an ANR is, and what the planning board can and can't consider in reviewing an ANR.

Useful Web Links

  • Links
    Berkshire Regional Planning Commission