A planning board is a group of appointed citizens responsible for guiding and overseeing the orderly growth and development of a community by creating a comprehensive plan, including zoning regulations, to manage land use and development within a municipality, typically by reviewing and making recommendations on proposed projects like subdivisions and site plans while considering the community's future needs and priorities.
Key responsibilities of a planning board:
Developing a Master Plan:
Creating a long-term vision for the community's land use, including residential, commercial, and industrial areas, transportation networks, and open spaces.
Zoning Regulations:
Reviewing and recommending zoning ordinances to regulate land use and development within different areas of the community.
Site Plan Review:
Evaluating proposed development projects like new buildings or subdivisions to ensure they comply with zoning and design standards.
Subdivision Review:
Assessing proposed land divisions to ensure proper infrastructure and compliance with regulations.
Public Hearings:
Holding public meetings to gather input from residents on proposed development projects and planning decisions.
Making Recommendations:
Presenting recommendations to the governing body regarding land use decisions based on their analysis.
Important aspects of a planning board's role: