Mission

The Community Development Department strives to promote the highest quality of community engagement, respectful use and protection of community open spaces, and sensible development by coordinating all land use matters through one department. We achieve this through the following guiding principles: 

• Provide information and creative recommendations based on sound planning practices; 
• Promote and assist with sensible economic development; 
• Ensure public health and safety through programs that support healthy living and by enforcing applicable statutes, codes, bylaws, and regulations; 
• Protect the environment through programs encouraging thoughtful use; 
• Foster appreciation and education of land through conservation and wetland protection measures; and 
• Support other departments in enhancing the community's quality of life.

The Department of Community Development consists of the following divisions:

• Building Department
• Health Department
• Planning and Conservation Department

Staff support is provided to five statutory Boards:

• Board of Health
• Community Preservation Committee
• Conservation Commission
• Planning Board
• Zoning Board of Appeals

Administrative support is also provided to the:

• Economic Development Committee
• Green Committee
• Historic Commission