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Planning Commission and Landuse & Planning
Planning Commission
In a broad sense the Planning Commission is responsible for thinking ahead, with the help of Middlesex residents—for envisioning what we all want our town to be like in the future and then helping to make that happen.
In addition to drafting the Town Plan and zoning bylaws, the Planning Commission does site plan review of zoning applications for “allowed” uses (except one- or two- family residential uses and agricultural uses). The Commission can use this review to request certain conditions relative to the layout of roads and driveways, traffic flow, landscaping and screening and erosion control measures. (Zoning applications for uses defined as “conditional” are referred to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for consideration.)
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The Middlesex Planning Commission wants to hear your thoughts. (l-r:) Sandy Levine, Dennis Nealon (standing); Paula Crossett, Susan Warren, and Gregg Faber (seated).
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In addition, the Planning Commission may study and make recommendations on land development, transportation, energy conservation, and many other related matters.
The Planning Commission makes a strong effort to contact town residents about meetings where citizens can provide input, and includes news in many issues of the Middlesex Monthly.
The Commission is made up of five members, elected for staggered three-year terms. The group always welcomes people who want to get involved, and encourages you to contact them with questions or comments. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Call a Planning Commission member to confirm before you come.) A schedule of upcoming meetings is posted at the Town Office and on the community bulletin board at Rumney School. (See Contacts)
Landuse and Planning
Planning is the process of designing a community’s future.
Zoning is the process of regulating proposed uses of property, so as to fit with the plan that the town designed.
In Middlesex, the Town Plan is developed by the volunteer Planning Commission, with input from citizens. After a public hearing, the plan is then referred to the Selectboard, which also holds a hearing. In towns that so choose (and Middlesex has been one), the Selectboard then sends the plan to the voters for approval. The Town Plan may include recommendations for both voluntary and regulatory actions. It is also used as a benchmark in certain Act 250 proceedings. The plan is updated and readopted every five years. The Planning Commission is also charged with preparing Zoning Bylaws or amendments to implement the town plan, which are adopted in a similar fashion. There is a specific process for Zoning Bylaws or amendments (Planning Commission Reporting Form
for Municipal Bylaw Amendments).
Our current Town Plan was readopted at the 2002 Town Meeting. As of early 2003, the Planning Commission is reviewing and revising the Middlesex Zoning Bylaws, adopted in 1987. The town received a state grant to hire a consultant to assist with this effort. This effort is completed and new Zoning Regulations were approved by the town in November 2006.
Stop by the Town Office to take a look at a copy of your Town Plan. It is updated every five years, so if there’s something in it you’d like to see written differently, there are regular opportunities to change it.
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