Welcome to the Department of Planning

About Us

The primary goals of the Planning Office are to provide quality, professional services to all people who may utilize its support; promote and implement the Town’s policies and programs; preserve the character of the community; and enhance the quality of life for our citizens through long-range planning, coordinating and guiding development, and providing research and technical assistance. Our primary functions include developing and updating the comprehensive plans, maintaining the land use ordinances, reviewing development proposals, supporting other departments with technical assistance, and providing land use information to members of the public.

The Planning staff provides assistance to the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Historic District Commission, Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee, Energy Committee on an as-needed basis.

The Planning staff is also responsible for maintaining development and planning records of the town.  All planning records are public information and available for review.  Some of the information available in the Planning Office include Village Master Plans; Trail Plans; Planning Board project files, meeting minutes and video tapes; Comprehensive Plans;  Historic Structures, District and Register List; Current Ordinances.

In addition, as a Passport Acceptance Office, we provide passport services to the residents of Topsham (see below for additional details and special hours).

Passport Services