Planning

Update and revise the comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, and subdivision ordinance as needed; policy analyses, committee activities, zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance.

Maintain information resources - maps, model ordinances, and current ordinances.

Review all commercial and subdivision projects (site plan and subdivision review)

Coordinate with other departments on new developments and activities.

Write requests for qualifications and proposals and administer selection process for consultants for Town projects

Our department staff also work on the following: prepares agendas and staff reports; administers the project review process; maintains complete, accessible files of past and present projects; coordinate expert review, construction inspection and bonding processes; monitors construction projects and minor revisions; and, assists in grant applications and administration.

Board Information - Planning Board

Per the Town of Freeport Administrative Code, the Duties and Responsibilities of the Planning Board are as follows:  

602.2 Duties and Responsibilities

The Planning Board shall have the duty and responsibility to:

1 Prepare, and revise and maintain, subject to the approval of the Town Council, a Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Freeport in accordance with the provisions of 30 M.R.S.A. Subsection 4961. The Planning Board shall constitute the “local planning committee” under 30-A M.R.S.A. section 4324(2).

2 Give the public ample opportunity to be heard concerning the development of the Comprehensive Plan.

3 Advise the Town Council on proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance. For purposes of conducting public hearings on proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance, the Planning Board shall constitute the “municipal review authority” under 30 -A M.R.S.A. section 4352, subsections 8, 9 and 10.

4 Advise the Town Council on proposed changes to the Subdivision Ordinance.

5 Advise the Town Council on proposed changes to the Design Review Ordinance. Amended 06/01/2021

6 Investigate and report on any problems referred to it by the Town Council or by the Town Manager.

7 Undertake studies as it may deem necessary.

8 Make recommendations to the Town Council concerning any projected Capital Improvement Programs.

9 Perform such duties and services necessary to its proper function within the limits of the appropriation made for the purpose." 

Board Information - Project Review Board

Per the Town of Freeport Administrative Code, the Duties and Responsibilities of the Project Review Board are as follows:

613.2 Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Review Board shall have the duty and responsibility to: 

2.1 Review and issue its order with respect to all proposed subdivisions including the approval of road names within a proposed subdivision. The Project Review Board shall constitute the “municipal reviewing authority” for subdivisions under 30 -A M.R.S.A section 4403.

2.2 Review and issue its order with respect to all reviews as required by the Freeport Zoning Ordinance.

2.3 Review and issue its order with respect to all reviews as required by the Freeport Design Review Ordinance. In reviewing such applications, the Board shall be concerned with those elements of development, redevelopment, rehabilitation and/or historic preservation that affect the visual quality of the Design Review District. The Board shall not consider use or interior arrangements. The Board may make any requirement consistent with the specific intent of the Design Review Ordinance as set forth in Section IB and Sec. VIII of the Design Review Guidelines thereof. 

Development Review Process (brief overview)

Most development, other than construction or addition to a single family home, will require some type of review to ensure that the project meets the requirements of the Comprehensive Plan and town ordinances. If formal review is required, the applicant should contact the Town Planner and schedule a meeting to discuss preparation of the application. Upon reviewing the project, the Town Planner will determine which Board needs to review the project.

There are three Boards: Staff Review Board, Project Review Board, and the Planning Board.

Each Board serves different functions. The Staff Review Board and Project Review Board review applications for subdivision review, site plan review and Design Review Certificates.  The process, submission requirements and review standards are contained in each of those applicable ordinances (please refer to the Ordinance and Codes pages of the Town's website for a listing of Ordinances).

The Planning Board reviews requests for amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map, or Comprehensive Plan, and works on long-range planning.

The Project Review Board and Planning Board are volunteer Boards; each with seven members whom are appointed by the Town Council.  Their official duties are outline in the Town of Freeport Administrative Code (please refer to the Ordinance and Codes pages of the Town's website for a listing of Ordinances).

Each Board typically meets once per month at the Town Hall. Public notices are sent as required with applicable Ordinances and/or State law and in the case of the Planning Board, notices are also sent in accordance with their Rules of Order and Procedure. Agendas are also posted at Town Hall, the Freeport Community Library, and on the Town's website.  

All Boards encourage and appreciate public comment. Written comments may be sent to the Town Planner, prior to the meeting, where they will be distributed to all Board members and added to the public record. Members of the public may address the Board during a scheduled Public Hearing.

Board Information - Meeting Schedules and Submission Deadlines

The Planning Board typically meets the first Wednesday of each month.  The tentative 2024 schedule can be found here. 

The Project Review Board typically meets the third Wednesday of each month.  The tentative 2024 schedule can be found here.

The Staff Review Board meets on an as needed basis.

Please check the municipal meeting calendar to very meeting dates, times and locations.