The Department of Planning and Development Services is responsible for community planning projects, which include:

• Grant writing and administration
• Preparation and implementation of town and village plans
• Special project planning

Town Master Plan
A master plan is a comprehensive, long-range plan intended to guide the growth and development of a community. Master plans consist of sections on:

• Community facilities and services
• Economic development
• Housing
• Land use
• Population
• Recreation and natural resources
• Transportation

An essential part of the master plan process is to include citizen involvement and incorporate goals and recommendations into the plan. The town master plan is required to be updated every 5 years. The most recent revision was adopted May 27, 2014. It is important that plans are not only prepared and updated, but also to ensure that they are implemented. To ensure that the goals and recommendations of the town and village plans are implemented, the department works with the:

• Planning Commission
• Selectboard
• Other commissions and departments

Village Plans
Over the years, the department has received grant funds to prepare village plans. Some of these include:

• White River Junction Revitalization Plan
• White River Junction Railroad Row Historic District Plan
• White River Junction River City Revival Plan

The Town also has been working with other village residents, property owners and businesses to develop Village Plans and pursue Village Center Designation at the state level.  Quechee Village has received this approval and the others are in process.

Regional Initiatives
The department works cooperatively with the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Planning Commission, other towns and state agencies and non-profit organizations on regional projects. They include:

• Connecticut River Scenic Byways Program
• Conservation
• Housing needs
• Regional Bike Path System
• Transportation systems

For More Information
Contact Planner Matt Osborn or Department Director Lori Hirshfield.