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Groton, MA 01450

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Planning Board

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About

The Planning Board is mandated by state law to:
  • prepare and maintain the Town’s Master Plan and Official Map
  • prepare, adopt, and administer Subdivision Rules and Regulations
  • review all subdivision plans submitted under state and local-by-law and regulations
  • supervise construction of subdivision roads and drainage systems
  • prepare and present zoning amendments at Town Meeting
  • report to Town Meeting on all proposed zoning amendments, no matter by whom proposed
  • act as special permit granting authority where designated in the Zoning by-law
  • review site plans for non-residential, non-agricultural development
The Planning Board was first established in 1946 when the Town Meeting accepted the Subdivision Control Law. The first zoning by-law, adopted in 1956, established minimum lot area and frontage requirements. Zoning districts were adopted in 1963 based upon the Comprehensive Master Plan written by Harvard Professor Charles Eliot. The Town voted to increase membership on the Board from five to seven members in 1980. The Comprehensive Master Plan was updated in 1990.

The Planning Board is served by the Land Use Director/Town Planner.

Contact Information

Email: planning@grotonma.gov
Phone: (978) 448-1105
Fax: (978) 448-1113
Office: Town Hall
Hours: M 8:00am – 7:00pm; T-TH 8:00am – 4:00pm; F 8:00am – 1:00pm
Members: 7
Selection: Elected
Term In Years: 3
Remuneration: None

Members

David Bonnett
David Bonnett
Term Start: 2022-05-24
Term End: 2025-05-25
George Barringer
George Barringer
Term Start: 2022-05-25
Term End: 2025-05-25
Lorayne Black
Lorayne Black
Vice Chair
Term Start: 2024-04-23
Term End: 2027-05-18
Paul Hathaway
Paul Hathaway
Term Start: 2024-04-23
Term End: 2027-05-18
Phil Francisco
Phil Francisco
Term Start: 2023-05-24
Term End: 2026-05-19
Russell Burke
Russell Burke
Term Start: 2024-04-23
Term End: 2027-05-18
Scott Wilson
Scott Wilson
Chair
Term Start: 2023-05-24
Term End: 2026-05-19

Planning Board Documents

    1. 63_Gratuity_Rd_Traffic_Peer_Review_Letter_Nitsch_2024-09-10.pdf
    2. 63_Gratuity_Rd_Stormwater_Peer_Review_Letter_Nitsch_2024-09-17.pdf
    3. 63_Gratuity_Rd_Civil_Peer_Review_Letter_Nitsch_2024-09-11.pdf
    4. 63_Gratuity_Rd_-_Traffic_Impact_Assessment_04.23.24.pdf
    5. 63_Gratuity_Rd_-_Stormwater_Management_Report_07.03.24.pdf
    6. 63_Gratuity_Rd_-_O&M_Manual_-_LTPPP_08.12.24.pdf
    7. 63_Gratuity_Rd_-_Environmental_Impact_Report_08.01.24.pdf
    8. 63_Gratuity_Rd_-_Definitive_Subdivision_Plan_Set_08.12.24.pdf
    9. 63_Gratuity_Rd_-_Applications_for_Definitive_Plan_&_Special_Permit.pdf
    1. Transmittal_Letter_revised_plans_4-17-24.pdf
    2. Response_to_Comments_-_Stormwater.pdf
    3. Response_to_Comments_-_Planning_Board.pdf
    4. Nitsch_stormwater_review_letter_3-18-2024.pdf
    5. Nitsch_second_review_letter_Planning_Board_4-25-2024.pdf
    6. Nitsch_first_review_letter_Planning_Board_3-28-2024.pdf
    7. MassDEP_Checklist_for_Stormwater_Report_4-17-2024.pdf
    8. Housing_Coordinator_comments_revised_4-26-2024.pdf
    9. GHA_letter_of_support_797_Boston_Rd_3-22-2024.pdf
    10. Four_Corners_Neighborhood_Association_second_letter_4-23-2024.pdf
    11. Four_Corners_Neighborhood_Association_comments_3-21-2024.pdf
    12. Existing_Conditions_Survey_Plan_Stamped_04-16-2024.pdf
    13. Commission_on_Accessibility_comments_3-28-2024.pdf
    14. 797_Boston_Rd_Supplemental_Data_Report_Full_-_revised_4-17-2024.pdf
    15. 797_Boston_Rd_SP_&_SPR_Application.pdf
    16. 797_Boston_Rd_Site_Plan_revised_4-17-2024.pdf
    17. 797_Boston_Rd_Continuance_Request_2.23.24.pdf
    18. 797_Boston_Rd_Architectural_Set_revised_4-17-2024.pdf
    19. 797_Boston_Rd_3-D_renderings.pdf
    20. 797_Boston_Rd_-_Water_Dept_comments_2-29-2024.doc
    1. FSRSC_recommendation_memo_to_PB.pdf
    2. FSRSC_minutes_2024-1-25.pdf
    3. Firearms_Retail_Sales_Establishement_Zoning_Article_Draft_3-7-2024.pdf
    4. Firearm_Sale_Regulation_Study_Committee_agenda_2024-3-7.pdf
    5. Firearm_Sale_Regulation_Study_Committee_agenda_2024-2-8.pdf
    6. Firearm_Sale_Regulation_Study_Committee_agenda_2024-2-22.pdf
    7. Firearm_Sale_Regulation_Study_Committee_agenda_2024-1-25.pdf
    1. Proposed_Zoning_Amendments.pdf
    2. 25017C0228E.pdf
    3. 25017C0226E.pdf
    4. 25017C0209E.pdf
    5. 25017C0208E.pdf
    6. 25017C0207E.pdf
    7. 25017C0206E.pdf
    8. 25017C0204E.pdf
    9. 25017C0203E.pdf
    10. 25017C0202E.pdf
    11. 25017C0201E.pdf
    12. 25017C0184E.pdf
    13. 25017C0182E.pdf
    14. 25017C0113E.pdf
    15. 25017C0094E.pdf
    16. 25017C0093E.pdf
    17. 25017C0091E.pdf
    18. 25017C0089E.pdf
    19. 25017C0088E.pdf
    20. 25017C0087E.pdf
    21. 25017C0069E.pdf
    22. 25017C0068E.pdf
    23. 2010_Map_Index_-_Map.pdf
    1. Florence_Roche_School_-_Phase_2_Application_Submission_-_4-14-2022.pdf
    2. Florence Roche School PHASE 2 SITE PLAN FINAL 6-22-2022.pdf
    1. Volunteers_Needed_-_MasterPlanCommittee.pdf
    2. Groton_Master_Plan_2011.pdf
    3. Groton_Master_Plan_2011_Executive_Summary.pdf
    4. Groton_Master_Plan_2002.pdf
    5. Groton_Master_Plan_1990.pdf
    6. Groton_Master_Plan_1963.pdf
    1. Hayes_Woods_Pre-Development_Stormwater_Map_12122022.pdf
    2. Hayes_Woods_Post-Development_Stormwater_Map_12122022.pdf
    3. Hayes_Woods_-_Pepperell_Road_-_Storwmater_Report_12122022.pdf
    4. Hayes_Woods_-_Pepperell_Road_-_Definitive_Plan_12122022.pdf
    1. HMP-MVP_Final_Report_1-5-2021.pdf
    2. HMP-MVP_Appendices_1-5-2021.pdf
    1. HousingProductionPlan_2020-2025.pdf
    2. DHCDApprovalLetter_2020-08-03.pdf
    1. Master_Plan_StoryMap_Flyer.pdf
    2. Master_Plan_Inventory_&_Assessment_Report_revised_2024-06-07.pdf
    3. Master_Plan_Inventory_&_Assessment_Map_Package_revised_2024-06-07.pdf
    4. Groton_MP_Survey_Flyer_September_26,_2023.pdf
    5. Groton_MP_Summary_Handout_08.25.23.pdf
    6. Groton_MP_September_26,_2023_Outreach_Flyer.pdf
    7. Groton_Master_Plan_Timeline_Overview.pdf
    8. Groton_Master_Plan_Timeline_Overview_V5_6-13-2024.pdf
    9. Groton_Master_Plan_Timeline_Overview_09.26.2023_.pdf
    10. Groton_Master_Plan_Timeline_Overview_08.25.2023_.pdf
    11. Groton_Master_Plan_Survey_09.26.2023.pdf
    12. Groton_Master_Plan_Summary_Handout.pdf
    13. Groton_Engagement_Plan___Revised_1.16.24.pdf
    14. DRAFT_Vision_Statement_and_Goals_6-13-2024.pdf
    15. Community_Forum_Presentation_2024-02-06.pdf
    16. Community_Forum_3_-_Agenda_6-20-2024.pdf
    17. Ad_for_Community_Forum_-_Feb._6_2024.pdf
    1. Planning_Board_approved_minutes_2024-07-11_id-15400.docx
    2. Planning_Board_approved_minutes_2024-06-27_id-15378.docx
    3. Planning_Board_approved_minutes_2024-06-13_id-15305.docx
    4. Planning_Board_approved_minutes_2024-05-23_id-15228.docx
    5. Planning_Board_approved_minutes_2024-05-09_id-15178.docx
    6. Planning_Board_approved_minutes_2024-04-25_id-15142.docx
    7. Planning_Board_approved_minutes_2024-04-11_id-15102.docx
    8. Planning_Board_approved_minutes_2024-03-28_id-15060.docx
    9. Planning_Board_approved_minutes_2024-03-14_id-15017.docx
    10. Planning_Board_approved_minutes_2024-02-22_id-14957.docx
    11. Access additional meeting minutes and agendas at the Meeting Center
    1. Monarch_Path_Modification_-_Nitsch_review_letter_7-22-2024.pdf
    2. Monarch_Path_-_Revised_Easement_Plan_7-2-2024.pdf
    3. Monarch_Path_-_Revised_Drainage_Report_7-2-2024.pdf
    4. Monarch_Path_-_Revised_Drainage_Plan_7-2-2024.pdf
    5. Monarch_Path_-_Revised_Drainage_Details_Sheet_7-2-2024.pdf
    6. Monarch_Path_-_Post-Development_Drainage_Figure.pdf
    1. How_to_Comply_in_2022.pdf
    2. DHCD_Draft_Guidelines_for_Multi-family_Districts_12-15-2021.pdf
    1. 1.12.2017 Compiled Final Control Plans.pdf
    1. Traffic_Report_low_res_Pt_2_through_p_84.pdf
    2. Traffic_Report_low_res_Pt_1_through_p_20.pdf
    3. Technical_Appendix_Groton_MCIH_Pt_4.pdf
    4. Technical_Appendix_Groton_MCIH_Pt_3.pdf
    5. Technical_Appendix_Groton_MCIH_Pt_2.pdf
    6. Technical_Appendix_Groton_MCIH_Pt_1.pdf
    7. IHM_Traffic_Report_cover_page_&_TOC.pdf
    8. 2016-12-1_Traffic_Presentation.pdf
    1. Solar_Parking_Canopy_Zoning_Article_2024_FTM_DRAFT2_8-12-2024.pdf
    2. Firearms_Retail_Sales_Establishement_Zoning_Article_Draft_with_Summary_8-12-.pdf
    1. Stormwater_Report_2019-04-09.pdf
    2. Stormwater_Plan-04-09.pdf
    3. Reedy_Meadow_Estates_Full_Plan_Set_2007.pdf
    1. Walkability_Study_Scope.pdf
    2. Walkability_Assessment_Information_Sheet.pdf
    3. Traffic_Turning_Statistics.pdf
    4. Town_Center_Traffic_Calming_Final_Report_2008-05.pdf
    5. Station_Avenue_Traffic_Study_2007-02.pdf
    6. MRPC_Walkability_Report_full_Sept_2012.pdf
    7. Groton_Traffic_Statistics.pdf
    1. Shepley_Hill_Definitive_Plans_rev-2021-02-05_reduced.pdf
    2. List_of_Waivers_(2.10.2021).pdf
    3. BULLET_POINTS_FOR_HEARING_WITH_PLANNING.pdf
    4. 8ii_-_2_WFA_L-2_02-05-21-Review.pdf
    5. 8i._WFA_L-1_02-05-21-Review.pdf
    6. 7.___Lighting_Plan.pdf
    7. 6332_SITE_cut-fill_2021-02-09.pdf
    8. 6___6332_Planning_Def.Sub_Response_Nitsch_2020-12-17.pdf
    9. 5__6332_FIRE_TRUCK_EXHIBITS.pdf
    10. 4___6332_Analysis_2021-02-05.pdf
    11. 3___6332_SMR_2021-02-05.pdf
    12. 2.5.21_Ltr_to_Planning_(Def_Sub).pdf
    13. 2__List_of_Waivers_(2.5.2021).pdf
    14. 1___Shepley_Hill_Definitive_Plans_20210205.pdf
    1. Shepley_Hill_response_to_BPine_comments_3.8.2021.pdf
    2. Paul_Funch_letter_to_PB_3-11-2021.pdf
    3. Nitsch_-_Shepley_Hill_Traffic_Peer_Review_Letter_12-15-2020.pdf
    4. Nitsch_-_Shepley_Hill_Definitive_Plan_Peer_Review_Third_Letter_3-11-2021.pdf
    5. Nitsch_-_Shepley_Hill_Definitive_Plan_Peer_Review_Second_Letter_2-11-2021.pdf
    6. Nitsch_-_Shepley_Hill_Definitive_Plan_Peer_Review_Letter_rev12-17-2020.pdf
    7. Nitsch_-_Shepley_Hill_-_Revised_DefPlan_email_comments_1-14-2021.pdf
    8. Liz_Alexander_comments_3-9-2021.pdf
    9. GCT_letter_to_Conservation_Commission_1-12-2021.docx
    10. Darcy_Donald_comments_3-10-2021.pdf
    11. Bob_Pine_comments_3-3-2021.docx
    12. Bob_Pine_comments_3-11-21.docx
    13. Bob_Pine_comments_2-8-2021.docx
    14. Bob_Pine_comments_12-14-2020.docx
    15. Bob_Lotz_comments_3-11-2021.pdf
    16. Board_of_Health_Memo_to_PB_12-17-2020.pdf
    17. Anna_Eliot_letter_to_PB_and_GCC_1-25-2021.docx
    18. Anna_Eliot_comments_2-10-2021.pdf
    19. Abutters_Response_to_GCT_3-11-2021.pdf
    1. Updated_Zoning_Bylaw_5-1-2021_ATM.pdf
  1. Groton_Water_Resources_2013-01.pdf
  2. Groton_Center_Design_Guidelines_2014-09.pdf
  3. Flyer_for_Community_Forum_06-20-2024.pdf
  4. Accessory_Dwelling_Units_Zoning_Amendment_Article_DRAFT_8-22-2024.pdf
  5. 2019_Zoning_Map-Amendment.pdf