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1. What does the Planning Board do?

The Planning Board is responsible for reviewing all subdivision applications and larger development proposals requiring site plan review. See the Land Use Ordinance (Chapter 145 of Town Code) and Subdivision Ordinance (Chapter 202 of the Town Code) for more information on requirements and processes.

See the Planning Department page for information and application forms. The Planning Board also participates in overall planning for the town and is involved in all proposed changes to the Land Use and Subdivision Ordinances.

2. When does the Planning Board meet?

The Planning Board meets 2 times per month, usually on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month in the Littlefield Meeting Room located in Town Hall. Meetings typically begin at 7 p.m. All meetings are open to the public, however, not all meetings include public hearings.

If you wish to attend a meeting and / or speak at a meeting it is recommended you call the Planning Office to confirm meeting dates and times and to confirm that the project you wish to speak about is scheduled for a public hearing. Meetings are typically televised on the town public access channel. Review our meeting calendar for additional details.

3. Who attends scheduled site walks?

When the Planning Board receives an application they must consider scheduling a site walk of the property. The Planning Board typically schedules site walks for Saturday mornings, but it is always recommended that interested parties contact the Planning Office to confirm a date and time for a project of interest.

Site walks are open to the public and are held with a few Planning Board members, the applicant, the applicant's engineers, and concerned abutters in attendance. This is an opportunity for all attendants to better grasp the proposal, determine areas of concern or needed attention, and ask some general questions about the proposal. The results of the site walk will be formally reported at the next available Planning Board meeting.

Attendees of all site walks participate at their own risk and should keep in mind weather conditions, terrain, and be properly dressed and equipped. 

4. How does one become a member of the Planning Board?

To be considered for a position on the Planning Board one must be a year-round resident of the Town of Wells. All members and alternate members are volunteers who are able to devote 2 Monday evenings per month and an occasional Saturday morning for Planning Board meetings and scheduled site walks.

If you are interested in volunteering for a position on the Planning Board please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to fill out an application. As positions on the Planning Board become available, volunteer applications will be presented to the Board of Selectmen and a volunteer will be selected and appointed.

5. I have received an abutter notice. What should I do now?

If you have received an abutter notice for a subdivision or site plan application, this means a development is proposed on a lot that neighbors or is across the street from your own lot. It is recommended you call or visit the town Planning Office to review the proposal to better understand what is proposed.

Any comments or concerns you have should be made in writing and submitted to the Planning Office. Your comments will then be given to the applicant and the Planning Board members for review.

6. Are site walks held in bad weather?

The Planning Board does not schedule site walks during the months of January, February and March. The Planning Board also does not typically hold a scheduled site walk if the ground is covered with snow or during a storm. When possible the Planning Board will reschedule a site walk that was cancelled at the next available Planning Board meeting; or will have to wait until April to hold a site walk. If there is a concern about weather, it is recommended attendants call the Planning Office to confirm if a site walk will be held or not.