Planning Board

The mission of the Amesbury Planning Board is "to shape development in order to preserve and enhance Amesbury through an equitable, efficient, and collaborative process." The Planning Board's primary jurisdiction is defined in M.G.L. Ch. 40A and 41. Generally Chapter 40A relates to zoning and Chapter 41 relates to the subdivision of land. The Planning Board has outlined their application and meeting procedures in their Rules and Regulations. Under the City's local zoning ordinances, the Planning Board is responsible for all projects requiring site plan review and approval. The Board is the special permit granting authority in approximately 75% of the cases where special permits are required under the ordinance, with the Zoning Board of Appeals being responsible for the remainder. The Planning Board is also responsible for all sign permits. Finally, the Board is the primary local Board responsible for land use planning and conducts public hearings for proposed zoning amendments.