The Planning Board has a vacancy and we are looking for an interested resident to serve until the next Town Election in May 2027.
Please email planning@worthington-ma.us with a letter of interest if you’d like to serve.
The Planning Board will consider applicants at their next regular meeting on Nov. 19, 2026 and make a recommendation for appointment by the Selectboard.
Planning Board – Roles and Responsibilities
The role of the Planning Board is to oversee the Town’s land-use and development through the Zoning Bylaw and the Subdivision Control Law. The purpose is to ensure public safety and welfare of residents for matters within the Planning Board’s areas of responsibility as mandated by state statutes and local bylaws.
Another important function of the Planning Board is to consider and prepare amendments to the Zoning Bylaw. The Board conducts public hearings on amendments drafted by the Board and on amendments that are submitted by citizen petition.
The Planning Board issues certain special permits and site plan approval in accordance with the Zoning Bylaw:
· Wireless Communication Facility Special Permit
· Special Permit uses within the Water Supply Protection District
· Medical Use/Adult Marijuana facilities Special Permit
· Site Plan Review for by-right uses where no Special Permit is required:
o Religious and Educational Uses; Child Care Facilities
o Federal, State and Town uses;
o Hazardous Waste, Refuse Treatment and Disposal Facilities;
o Scientific Research Facilities;
o Agricultural Uses a) more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of impervious surface; b) coverage of fifty (50) percent of the lot area in impervious surface; or c) a structure with any part more than 35’ tall;
o Flexible Development subdivisions;
o Large Scale Ground Mounted Solar Voltaic Installations
The Planning Board also holds public hearings for proposals on designated scenic roads to remove public shade trees for construction purposes or to alter stone walls.
The Planning Board is a volunteer five-member board of elected community members with three-year terms. Meetings typically happen monthly, although may be more frequent when reviewing large and complex permits.
