Sharon Planning Commission

Peter Anderson, Chair, Paul Kristensen, Abby Armstrong, Sue Sellew, Catherine Hayes, Kent Gilman

The Planning Commission is a hard-working volunteer group appointed by the Selectboard that represents the community as we think ahead, envisioning what we all want our town to be like in the future and establishing the guidelines to make that happen.

In addition to drafting the Town Plan and assisting the Selectboard with bylaws such as the Floodplain Ordinance, the Planning Commission reviews site plans for subdivision applications. The Planning Commission can use this review to request certain conditions relative to the layout of roads and driveways, traffic flow, landscaping and screening and erosion control measures.

The Planning Commission may also study and make recommendations on land development, transportation, energy conservation, and many other related matters.

The Planning Commission makes a strong effort to contact town residents about meetings where citizens can provide input. Members of the community are always welcome to attend Planning Commission meetings, and the Planning Commission holds public hearings on action items such as the Municipal Plan, Ordinances and Sub-divisions.

The Commission is made up of seven members, appointed by the Selectboard for three year terms. The group always welcomes people who want to get involved, and encourages you to contact them with questions or comments. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Sharon Municipal Building. Agendas for upcoming meetings are posted at the Town Office, the Sharon Trading Post and at the Sharon Post Office

Land Use and Planning

Planning is the process of designing a community’s future. Zoning, which Sharon does not have, is the process of regulating proposed uses of property so as to fit with the plan that the town designed. In the absence of zoning, planning and the Sharon Town Plan are guidelines rather than regulations.

The Town Plan is developed by the volunteer Planning Commission, with input from citizens. After a public hearing the plan is referred to the Selectboard, which also holds a hearing. The Town Plan includes recommendations for both voluntary and regulatory actions. It is also used as a benchmark in certain Act 250 proceedings. The plan is updated and readopted every five years.

Our current Town Plan was adopted in February 2010. In Fall 2009 the Planning Commission began reviewing and revising the previous Sharon Town Plan with the help of the Two Rivers Ottaquechee Regional Commission. Download the current Town Plan, or stop by the Town Office for a copy.