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CURRENT EVENTS
The Sturbridge Planning Board recently adopted a revised set of "Rules and Regulations of the Sturbridge Planning Board". Adopted on March 22, 2011, this document contains general information about the operations of the Planning Board as well as specific chapters devoted to Special Permits, Site Plan Approval, Expedited Permitting, Open Space Residential Development, Application Review Fees, Stormwater Management and Forms. The document can be accessed here Rules and Regulations .
GENERAL INFORMATION
Introduction
The Sturbridge Planning Board was established under Chapter 41, Section 81-A of the Massachusetts General Laws. The responsibilities of the Planning Board are varied and are governed by the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These responsibilities include activities such as acting as the Special Permit Granting Authority, reviewing and approving Subdivision Plans, and reviewing Subdivision Approval Not Required Plans. In addition, this Board has the responsibility of developing various long-term planning tools for the community such as the Zoning By-Law, Rules and Regulations, Subdivision Regulations, Master Plans, Community Plans and other similar documents that are used by the town to help guide and manage growth.
Board Members
The Sturbridge Planning Board consists of seven members that are appointed by the Town Administrator for five year terms. The current members of the Board are:
Sandra Gibson-Quigley, Chairperson
Penny Dumas, Vice Chair and Clerk
Charles Blanchard
Russell Chamberland
James Cunniff
Brian McSweeney
Ginger Peabody
Meeting Schedule
The Planning Board normally meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Center Office Building, 301 Main Street. However, this schedule can change from time to time due to availability of the meeting room, and other conflicts. The meetings are posted on the Town Calendar and on the Town Clerk’s Bulletin Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Does The Planning Board Meet?
The Planning Board normally meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Center Office Building - 301 Main Street. However, this schedule can change from time to time due to availability of the meeting room, and other conflicts. The meetings are posted on the Town Calendar and on the Town Clerk’s Bulletin Board.
When Is The Deadline Date For Planning Board Submissions?
Every application type has different submittal requirements. A Subdivision Approval Not Required Plan (SANR) must be submitted at least five (5) days in advance of the Board meeting for consideration at the meeting. Other application types have different submittal requirements depending upon the type of application. A Public Hearing on a Special Permit must be held within sixty five days of date of submittal, a site plan must be finally acted upon within ninety days following the close of the Public Hearing, a preliminary plan must be finally acted upon within forty-five days of submission and a definitive plan must be finally acted upon within ninety days of submission (when the plan is preceded by a preliminary plan).
Is There An Application Form?
Yes. Every item that goes before the Planning Board requires an application form. Many applications are available on this website. If you are unsure as to which form to use you may contact the Planning Department at 508-347-2508.
What Should I Submit With My Planning Board Application?
Please refer to our applications and/or Rules and Regulations for required submissions as the information required does vary from application to application.
May I Look At The Minutes Of The Planning Board Meetings?
The Planning Board meeting Minutes are available for review on this web site from 2002 to the present. If you require minutes of earlier meetings you may contact the office at 508-347-2508 for assistance.
Who Is Notified About the Public Hearings?
Each applicant must obtain a Certified Abutters List from the Assessor’s Office. Town regulations require that public hearing notices be mailed by the applicant via certified mail to all abutters as provided on the list. An abutter, or “parties in interest” is defined under Section 11 of the Zoning Act as “the petitioner, abutters, owners of land directly opposite on any public or private street or way, and abutters to the abutters within three hundred feet of the property line of the petitioner as they appear on the most recent applicable tax list, notwithstanding that the land of any such owner is located in another city or town, the Planning Board of the city or town and the Planning Board of every abutting town.” In addition, the Town of Sturbridge Subdivision
Regulations require that notice be sent to all owners within three hundred (300) feet of the subdivision as appears on the most recent tax list.
When do I need Site Plan Approval?
According to the Zoning Bylaw, Section 25.02, Site Plan Approval is required for all uses, other than single family and two family dwellings, horticultural nursery, farm, tree farm, professional office when office and residence of the professional are both located in the same residential building and accessory uses customarily incidental thereto.
When do I need a Special Permit?
A Special Permit is required for a variety of uses outlined in the Zoning Bylaw. A Special Permit is discretionary and may only be granted if the criteria outlined in the Zoning Bylaw has been met (See Chapter Twenty-Four, Section 24.09 in the Zoning Bylaw). The Use Regulations for each zoning district outlines uses that are permitted uses and those that are exceptions that may be allowed by Special Permit. It is also important to note that the Town of
Sturbridge has a permissive bylaw; this means that if it is not listed as a permitted use, it is prohibited.
I am not sure what I need for approvals, who can help me?
You can contact Jean M. Bubon, the Town Planner at 508-347-2508, or the Zoning Enforcement Officer at 508-347-2505. They would be happy to help clarify the types of approvals needed and the application process.
Where can I get more planning related information?
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