What is the Planning Board?
The Planning Board has the responsibility to review proposed development projects and makes decisions on them in accordance with statute and local bylaws. The board holds its hearings in the evenings. Board members have a variety of backgrounds and volunteers to serve on the board. They are assisted by a professional staff that works in the Planning Department office during the day.
How often does the Planning Board meet?
The Planning Board meets on the second Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held in the Earle Mountain Meeting Room on the lower level of the Town Hall starting at 5:00 pm.
What is the Zoning Board of Appeals?
The Zoning Board of Appeals is appointed by the Selectmen and acts under the authority of Chapters 40A and 40B of the Massachusetts General Laws and the Zoning By-laws of the Town of Eastham. The Board consists of five sitting Board Members, with two (2) Alternate Members sitting from time to time.
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How often does the Zoning Board of Appeals meet?
The ZBA meets on the second Thursday of the month. Meetings are held in the Earle Mountain Meeting Room on the lower level of the Town Hall starting at 7:00 pm.
Where can I get a copy of the Zoning Bylaw and Zoning Map?
How can I contact the Town Planner, Planning Board or ZBA?
Sarah Raposa, Town Planner (508) 240-5900 x228
The Planning Department can be contacted Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at (508) 240-5900, fax (508) 240-5918. Contact Ms. Raposa at sraposa@eastham-ma.gov. Our mailing address is 2500 State Highway, Eastham, MA 02642.
By law, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals members cannot be contacted individually regarding pending business in front of the Board.
Correspondence to the Planning Board should be sent to the Planning Department addressed to:
Micheal Cole, Chairman of the Planning Board.
Stephen L. Wasby, Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Schedule of Fees – Effective April 1, 2009
Abutters Notices – Certified, Return Receipt Requested $8
Site Plan Review, Special Permits, Variances, Appeals $250
Approval Not Required (ANR) $200
Preliminary Subdivision $200
Definitive Subdivision $500 + $100/lot
Lot Release $50 per lot
Covenant/Bond Release $100
Road Name Change $100
Road Inspection Fee (Road Takings) $100
What are the minimum lot size and frontage requirements in the Residential District?
The minimum lot size in the Residential District is 40,000 sq ft with a minimum road frontage of 50 sq. ft. The front setback is 50 ft. and the, side and rear setbacks are 25', and the maximum building height is 30'.
Why did I receive a hearing notice?
You received a certified, return-receipt hearing notice because you are abutter (as defined by law) to proposed construction that will be reviewed by the Eastham Planning Board. The notice is required by statute to let you know that a public hearing is being held on the project.
How can I find out more about what is proposed?
An application, plans and supporting materials are in file at the Planning Board office. You are welcome to review this information and may pay for copies of any information you would like to keep. Copies cost 25 cents/page for 8.5” x 11” and 50 cents/page for 11” x 17”. Our office is open on weekdays from 8:00-4:00. Staff is happy to prepare copies for you, given enough notice, please note that there is a $12 Research Request fee for large requests.
What should I expect at the public hearing?
The notice you received in the mail tells you when the public hearing is scheduled. It is also published in the legal notice section of The Cape Codder. At the first hearing, the applicant will present plans and explain what is proposed for the Board. The Board will ask questions, generally where clarification is needed. There will be an opportunity for those in the audience to ask questions or offer opinions. Comments may also be submitted in writing. Since the Board often hears several projects in an evening, hearings last a specified period of time. At the end of this time, the hearing may be either closed or continued.
Occasionally, for simple projects, hearings can be completed in one night and are closed; meaning that no further testimony is taken. More often, hearings will be continued with direction given by the Board to the application on revisions to the plans or information that is needed. Continued hearings may be several weeks or months in the future depending on how long it takes the applicant to gather the required information and the Board's workload.
Occasionally, the hearing process is delayed due to weather, the absence of a Board member or at the applicant's request. To verify that a hearing is being held on a scheduled date, you can call the Planning Board office.
How can I make my concerns known if I cannot attend?
Comments can be submitted in writing prior to the close of Public hearing. As with all testimony, it is most helpful to raise concerns early in the process. Please note that letters in support or opposition will be included in the board member's packets if they are reveived at the Planning Department one (1) week prior to the hearing date.
Correspondence to the Planning Board should be sent to the Planning Department addressed to:
Micheal Cole, Chairman of the Planning Board, 2500 State Highway, Eastham, MA 02642
Correspondence to the Zoning Board of Appeals should be sent to the Planning Department addressed to:
John Lennox, Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, 2500 State Highway, Eastham, MA 02642
What happens after the hearing?
After the hearing and the record are closed, no new information can be submitted. The Board deliberates and writes a decision at a posted Board meeting. The Board generally either approves a plan with conditions or denies it if it does not meet town standards. Interested individuals are welcome to attend and listen, but may not make further comments. The board makes its decisions on subdivisions waiver requests at this time. The decision is voted on and filed with the Town Clerk by the decision deadline.
What issues does the Board consider?
The scope of issues that the Board can consider in reviewing projects is defined by state law and town bylaws and regulations. In presenting testimony (oral or written) it is most helpful to focus on these issues.
Will I be notified of the decision?
Copies of subdivision decisions are not sent to abutters. Copies of special permit decisions are required by law to be sent to all abutters. You may request a copy of any decision from the Planning Department or Town Clerk's office.
10 suggestions for presenting testimony at public hearings
1. You should stand and state your name & address for the record each time you speak;
2. Feel free to use the proposed plan to point out concerns you may have and try to stand so that the Board can see the area which you are referring;
3. Try to state all of your questions or concerns at once and then allow the next person to speak;
4. Be polite and respectful of differing opinions;
5. While you may have questions for the applicant, you should address them to the Board. The Board may direct the applicant to keep a record of questions asked and answer them all at once;
6. Avoid personal attacks-stick to issues relating to the project and within the scope of the Board's review;
7. Don't ask to speak again until all have an opportunity to be heard;
8. It is fine to just say " I agree with Mr. Smith about traffic" rather than restating the same concerns;
9. Comments made at a hearing need not be repeated at subsequent ones unless they have not been addressed;
10. Remember that you will not be notified by mail of continued hearings-if you are interested you should attend all hearings, future hearing dates are set at the public hearing or call the Planning Office.
Recommended Links
US Census Data
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
Office of Geographic and Environmental Information (MassGIS)
Community Preservation Act
Community Development Plans
Executive Order 418
Chapter 91
Cape Cod Commission
The Department of Conservation and Recreation
Chapter 40B Affordable Housing
American Planning Association
Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association
Massachusetts Municipal Association
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