| Land Use Management |
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Land Use Management
The City regulates the private development of property in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City. There are a number of Boards and regulations that deal with development. If you have any doubts as to which regulations apply or which Board to apply to please contact the Planning & Community Development Department.
This section reviews the various Boards related to the Planning & Community Development Department and the types of applications. The following Boards are reviewed here: Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Heritage Commission, Millyard Design Review Committee and the Conservation Commission.
Preliminary Discussions
Development can be a complex and frustrating process. The more information there is on each property, project and process, the easier it will be for everyone involved. The City can help provide this information early in the game and reduce the frustration that can occur.
An early meeting with the staff can save time and money. Key staff people have considerable experience with the process, knowledge of many of the properties in the City and an understanding of the development of land in general. You will likely also require professional assistance in preparing plans. Given the complex and technical nature of land development, it is likely that you will require professional assistance such as a civil engineer, surveyor and architect for any significant project.
There can be many questions in the early stages of a development project:
- Is the property properly zoned?
- Do we have to go to the Zoning Board of Adjustment?
- Should we go to the Planning Board or ZBA first?
- Is a hearing required?
- Is it in a historic district?
- What does the Heritage Commission need for information?
- What happens when there is a paper street on my property?
- When in the process should I apply for a building permit?
We encourage you to take advantage of early contact.
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