The 5 Planning Board members are elected for 5-year terms and are not paid. The Board has 2 functions as defined by Massachusetts law:
To establish planning goals and to prepare plans to implement those goals, which take the form of the town's zoning bylaws
Administer the Subdivision Control Law which establishes the process for development of new roads and new housing.
A developer's proposed plans are carefully scrutinized for roadway design, drainage, soil conditions and a host of details related to proper siting. Site plans for commercial projects are also reviewed by the Planning Board.
