Best Practices Model for Streamlined Local Permitting

The Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (MARPA)  published a Best Practices Model to Streamlined Local Permitting. To create this guide, MARPA conducted a statewide municipal survey, hosted 14 permitting focus groups, conducted extensive research, and utilized the expertise of the Regional Planning Agencies throughout Massachusetts. The Best Practices are designed to make permitting more predictable, equitable, cost effective, and efficient while reinforcing local jurisdiction, encouraging community-supported projects, preserving local resources, and maintaining the standard of review.  The following documents are in PDF Format.

A Best Practices Model for Streamlined Local Permitting

Appendices:

·                       Appendix F: References & Links

·                       MARPA Literature Review

·                       Automated Permit Tracking Software Systems: A Guide for   Mass. Municipalities

·                       Summary of the Local Permitting Survey

·                       Summary of the Focus Groups

·                       Special Permit Checklist

·                       Special Permit Flow Chart

·                       Conservation Commission Order of Conditions Timeline

·                       Variance Flow Chart

·                       Preliminary and Definitive Residential Subdivision Flow Chart

·                       Definitive Residential Subdivision Flow Chart

·                       Wetlands Protection List of Forms

·                       Town of Sharon Developers Agreement for Sharon Commons

·                       Matrix of Statewide Permitting Guides by Municipality

·                       Sample Permitting Guidebook

·                       Town of Canton Development Handbook

For more information, please contact Old Colony Planning Council at (508) 583-1833 or by email at Info@ocpcrpa.org.