| Planning Board |
|
Planning & Community Development Master Plan Underway
Work has begun on our Master Plan update. Our last Plan was completed in 1993, laying the framework for many of the changes we have seen taking place in recent years: the construction of the Civic Arena, the Millyard revitalization, the Hackett Hill Research Park, and the Riverwalk, to name a few.
The Master Plan is a legal document upon which land use zoning is based. It envisions what kinds of development can take place in what parts of town. This is one reason that it is important to all citizens: it may impact what landowners can and cannot do with their properties. In describing a vision of how the City should look 10 years from now, it will also help to shape neighborhoods.
According to state law, the preparation of the Master Plan is the responsibility of the Planning Board. Toward this end, the Board has created a 5-person Steering Committee that is gathering public input as to what local residents, property owners, and the business community value about Manchester and what they think needs to change.
When you think of housing, transportation, economic development, parks, how the City looks, what do you think we need to address? How do you think Manchester should look 10 or 20 years from now? Your views will help to guide the City’s future.
You’re invited to share your thoughts. You may contact Alison Barker directly in the Planning and Community Development Department (624-6450; abarker@ManchesterNH.gov).
Planning Board
The Manchester Planning Board hears applications for subdivision, site plans, planned developments and conditional use permits. The Planning Board also works on long-range plans such as the community master plan. The Board normally meets twice a month with the first meeting being a public hearing and the second a business meeting. The agenda for the meeting is available on line.
Regulations for subdivisions and site plans are contained in the Subdivision and Site Plan Regulations. Applications are available on this web site. Regulations for Planned Developments and Conditional Use Permits are contained in the Zoning Ordinance.
The Board is composed of nine members and four alternates. Members are nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Bylaws of the Board are available to the public.
The Planning and Community Development Department provides staff support to the Planning Board. Any questions or applications should be directed to this Department.
Planning Board Hearings
The Planning Board holds hearing on most major applications. Hearings are normally scheduled for the second Thursday of each month. While it is not possible to always predict what questions or concerns will be raised at the hearing, the staff can normally give an applicant guidance on what to expect.
The public hearing is normally held at the meeting at which the application is accepted. The applicant and abutters shall be notified not less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the hearing in accordance with NH RSA 676:4. If the completed application is approved with one or more conditions which are to be fulfilled prior to approval of the subdivision and which may, in the opinion of the Board, pertain to abutting interests, the Board will hold a compliance hearing to determine whether the applicant has complied with the conditions. The Board will specify whether such a hearing will be held as part of their action in any Conditional approval.
Planning Board Action
In many cases, the Planning Board will act on an application at the next business meeting following the hearing. If there are unresolved issues, however, an action may take longer. In certain instances where new issues have not been resolved, the applicant may have to request an extension beyond the 65 day time limit for Board action.
Within 65 days of acceptance of application, the Board may grant Final Approval of the application; Tentative Approval specifying bonds, conveyances or other documents to be provided for Final Approval; or Conditional Approval with such conditions as the Board may deem consistent with the purposes herein to be fulfilled prior to a Tentative or Final Approval becoming effective. Upon disapproval the Board will notify the applicant of such action and shall state the reasons for such action in the Board records in accordance with NH RSA 676:4. In granting a Conditional or a Tentative Approval, the Board may specify in its action the time period within which such approval shall be considered valid. Where conditions required by the Board will run with the land, the Board may require that deed restrictions be placed on the property in order to carry out the condition(s). The Board may authorize the staff to issue a Final Approval upon finding that the specified terms of a Tentative Approval have been met.
Following action by the Planning Board, the staff will work to insure all conditions are met and other issues are wrapped up prior to the staff signing off on the application. It is a good idea to develop an Approval punchlist to be clear about what is needed to get the final approval.
This is normally a good time to be working with the Building Department in preparation for the building permit. The Planning staff will forward the signed plan to the Building Department when completed.
Approved subdivision plans are required to be recorded at the Hillsborough Registry of Deeds. Other approved plans do not need to be recorded unless the applicant has other reasons to do so.
|
|
