Planning & Community Development

The Planning and Community Development Department staffs the following boards and committees:

  • Planning Board
  • Design Review Board
  • Zoning Board of Appeals
  • Sudbury Housing Trust
  • Community Preservation Committee
  • Sudbury Center Improvement Advisory Committee
Comprehensive Permit Applications Under Review by the Town
Several new applications recently received for development
(Posted: Wednesday, August 11, 2010) Load more...
Feasibility Study Underway for Proposed Bus Rapid Transit Corridor and Bike Trail
MBTA rail line investigated for dual purpose corridor
(Posted: Friday, June 11, 2010) Load more...
Planning Board lists goal/projects for coming year
Wastewater and revenue-generating ideas at top of list.
(Posted: Thursday, June 10, 2010) Load more...
Sudbury CPA Facts
Pocket guide to the Community Preservation Act in Sudbury.
(Posted: Friday, March 26, 2010) Load more...
FinCom Analysis of Article 40, Reduce CPA Surcharge
Analysis leads to FinCom vote against Article 40.
(Posted: Friday, March 26, 2010) Load more...
CPA Matching Fund Projections for 2010
State revenue up slightly, Sudbury expects 32-35%.
(Posted: Monday, March 15, 2010) Load more...
State Announces CPA Matching Funds for FY09
CPC reports match is larger than expected.
(Posted: Friday, October 9, 2009) Load more...

General Information

Residential Developments in Sudbury
List of residential developments as of May 2010
(Posted: Thursday, June 10, 2010) Load more...
New Town Center Plans to be Reviewed
Board of Selectmen will take public input on June 1st.
(Posted: Monday, May 17, 2010) Load more...
Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Four Season Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Complete
Study to be used to create concept designs
(Posted: Monday, November 23, 2009) Load more...
Planning Board and Conservation Commission jointly adopt new Stormwater Regulations
Joint hearing held on September 9, 2009
(Posted: Thursday, September 17, 2009) Load more...
Walkway Construction Projects
(Posted: Thursday, August 13, 2009) Load more...
2009-2013 Open Space and Recreation Plan Complete
Lists goals and priorities for next 5-10 years
(Posted: Thursday, July 2, 2009) Load more...
2009-2013 Open Space and Recreation Plan Complete
Lists goals and priorities for next 5-10 years
(Posted: Thursday, July 2, 2009) Load more...
Town Bylaw Preserves Stone Walls and Scenic Roads
Planning Board seeks to educate residents before removal of walls and trees.
(Posted: Tuesday, December 11, 2007)
Walkway Planning Initiative
Town Seeks Resident Assistance with Walkway Planning
(Posted: Tuesday, October 9, 2007) Load more...
Design Studio and Research Data of Melone Property Now Available
The final materials from the UMASS and ARC of Innovation project ‘Density by Design’ project are available
(Posted: Thursday, October 4, 2007) Load more...
40B Development Guidelines published
The Town has created 40B guidelines to assist in defining 40B development projects.
(Posted: Monday, June 4, 2007) Load more...
Sudbury Heritage Landscape Inventory Report 2007
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation has partnered with Freedom's Way Heritage Association to conduct a Heritage Landscape Inventory Program in Sudbury.
(Posted: Thursday, February 15, 2007) Load more...
Notice to Developers from the Planning Board
(Posted: Tuesday, July 12, 2005) Load more...
MAPC Build-Out Figures Available
Recently released figures from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council project significant growth potential for town.
(Posted: Friday, February 9, 2001) Load more...
Sudbury League of Women Voters Publishes Permitting Guide
Want to know how the town's permitting rules might affect you? Or what that development going up next door had to go through for approval? See the League of Women Voters' primer on the permitting process in Sudbury.
(Posted: Wednesday, September 29, 1999) Load more...

Brochure

Title Description Info
Sudbury Community Preservation Facts March 26, 2010
315.32 KB

Bylaws

Title Description Info
Accessory Dwelling Units July 8, 2009
37.00 KB
Scenic Roads Bylaw December 10, 2007
29.88 KB
Section 6500 Design Review Board February 25, 2010
8.56 KB
Sign Bylaw Sign Bylaw voted at 2004 Annual Town Meeting July 11, 2008
340.01 KB
Stormwater Management Bylaw July 8, 2009
50.50 KB
Sudbury Zoning Bylaws Article IX 2008 There was one ammendment to the 2008 Sudbury Zoning Bylaws at the 2008 Annual Town Meeting. These Bylaws are effective as of April 9, 2008. The Zoning Bylaws are Article IX of the Town Bylaws. August 11, 2008
2685.64 KB

Committees

Title Description Info
Land Acquisition Review Committee Mission Statement Mission statement of the LARC August 26, 2009
24.55 KB

Community Preservation Committee - Proposals

Title Description Info
2010 CSX Acquisition November 9, 2009
25.97 KB
2010 Historic Asset Assessment December 8, 2009
48.00 KB
2010 Hosmer Paintings Restoration December 8, 2009
45.50 KB
2010 Revolutionary War Cemetery Radar Survey February 10, 2010
37.15 KB
2010 Sudbury Housing Trust Allocation November 9, 2009
16.87 KB
2010 Tomb Door Restoration November 10, 2009
54.69 KB
2010 Town Clerk New Vault November 9, 2009
75.18 KB
2010 Town Clerk Vault Upgrade November 9, 2009
41.62 KB
2010 Town Clerk Vaults Supporting Documentation November 16, 2009
2889.18 KB
2010 Town Hall Design Study November 9, 2009
1312.23 KB
2010 Town Hall Lighting November 10, 2009
138.48 KB
2010 Town Hall Window Extension November 9, 2009
21.64 KB
2010 Woods Walk Sanctuary November 10, 2009
4054.70 KB

Conservation Commission

Title Description Info
Conservation Land Use Rules and Regulations The Conservation Commission has adopted the following set of Rules and Regulations to help protect the Conservation Parcels in town. Pleas Read. April 27, 2010
37.50 KB

Conservation Office

Title Description Info
Hop Brook's Natural History Read this minibook about Hop Brook's Natural History and learn something you may not have known about this natural resource you have in town! April 28, 2010
510.98 KB
Preserving Sudbury's Natural Heritage:Vernal Pools Please read to learn about vernal pools, you might not know just how important they are TO YOU April 28, 2010
255.72 KB
Rain Gardens and Compost Bins Have you ever wanted to build your own rain garden or compost bin? Do you know about the benefits to your town and yourself each involves? Have you ever wondered what a rain garden is? If you are interested in a easy to follow step by step process of the who, what, when, where, why and how for building your own sustainable rain garden or compost bin on your property, or are just curious about how each work, please click on these links provided through Massachusetts Greenscapes

http://www.greenscapes.org/Compost

http://www.greenscapes.org/Raingardens

November 6, 2009
0.07 KB
Report Rare Critters July 14, 2009
1195.61 KB
Think Green With Your Stormwater Habits September 17, 2009
3.36 KB

Development

Title Description Info
Current Developments in Sudbury, May 2010 May 20, 2010
25.00 KB
Mahoney Melone Descriptions November 2, 2007
107.81 KB
MAPC Build-Out Results Data results of Sudbury's growth potential September 5, 2001
55.50 KB
Selectmen Comments on Johnson Farm August 17, 2010
2553.73 KB
Selectmen Comments on Landham Crossing August 17, 2010
257.23 KB
Selectmen Comments on Pine Grove August 17, 2010
346.17 KB

Fees

Title Description Info
Application Filing Fees April 8, 2002
26.00 KB
Fee Schedule: Earth Removal Board August 12, 2010
17.42 KB
Fee Schedule: Zoning Board of Appeals August 12, 2010
17.60 KB
List of Fees for Planning Board Applications July 23, 2007
26.00 KB

Forms

Title Description Info
Application for Accessory Dwelling August 12, 2010
80.20 KB
Application Forms for all Planning Board Permits Approval Not Required (ANR Plan)
Preliminary Subdivision Plan Application
Definitive Subdivision Plan Application
Assessors Certified List of Abutters
List of Abutters for Special Permits (Planning Board)
Incentive Senior Development Application
Senior Residential Community Application
Scenic Roads Application
July 30, 2007
219.38 KB
Application Forms for Planning Board Permits Form A - Approval Not Required;
Form B - Preliminary Subdivision Plan Application;
Form C - Definitive Subdivision Plan Application;
Form D - Certified List of Abutters;
Form D2 - List of Abutters for Special Permit;
Incentive Senior Development;
July 20, 2007
198.11 KB
Employment Application October 15, 2007
132.00 KB
FY12 Project Submission Form August 17, 2010
32.38 KB
Volunteer Application February 25, 2010
8.36 KB
Volunteer Application September 1, 2009
8.41 KB
Volunteer Form August 13, 2009
24.00 KB

Goals

Title Description Info
FY2010 Goals of the Planning Board August 13, 2009
46.50 KB
FY2010 Planning Board Projects and Priorities August 13, 2009
46.50 KB
FY2011 Planning Board Projects and Priorities June 10, 2010
48.00 KB

Information

Title Description Info
Coolidge at Sudbury Application Materials August 11, 2010
3860.35 KB
Johnson Farm Application Materials May 24, 2010
4995.90 KB
Landham Crossing Application Materials May 12, 2010
1830.97 KB
Pine Groves Application Materials May 12, 2010
1647.13 KB

Maps

Title Description Info
2009-2013 Open Space and Recreation Plan Map May 7, 2009
3416.65 KB
2009-2013 Open Space and Recreation Plan Map May 7, 2009
3416.65 KB
Heritage Landscape Inventory Program: Open Space and Historical Resources February 12, 2007
963.47 KB
Maynard and Concord Developments January 17, 2007
96.98 KB

Minutes

Title Description Info
Environmental Summit - March 15, 2004 Minutes from the March 15, 2004 Environmental Summit March 16, 2004
42.50 KB

Permits

Title Description Info
League of Women Voters Permitting Process Guide An informal guide to permits required in the Town of Sudbury. August 10, 2009
753.59 KB

Planning

Title Description Info
40B Guidelines The Town has published 40B guidelines to assist in developing projects in Sudbury. These guidelines provide a solid framework for what the Town would like to see in 40B developments, and further describe the Town's process, architecture preferences, and overall goals. June 1, 2007
43.41 KB
Walkway Planning and Prioritization Initiative March 31, 2009
46.50 KB
Walkway Planning Priorities March 31, 2009
24.00 KB

Planning Board

Title Description Info
Wireless Sites List of all wireless sites in Sudbury November 2, 2009
45.00 KB

Plans

Title Description Info
Sudbury Center Alt 2 Design for Town Center Intersection, May 2010 May 17, 2010
1566.21 KB
Sudbury Center Alt 4 Design for Town Center Intersection, May 2010 May 17, 2010
1249.85 KB

Presentation

Title Description Info
Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee Public Forum - October 18, 2007 October 18, 2007 October 31, 2007
37.50 KB

Regulations

Title Description Info
Incentive Senior Development Regulations Regulations governing Incentive Senior Development Special Permits issued by the Planning Board June 21, 2005
128.50 KB
Mass Highway Dept. Speed Regulations July 15, 2009
20.33 KB
Planning Board, Town of Sudbury, Massachusetts, Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land October 9, 2002
143.50 KB
Rules and Regulations for Special Permits in the Water Resource Protection Districts May 7, 2002
152.62 KB
Senior Residential Community Regulations Regulations governing Senior Residential Community Special Permits issued by the Planning Board June 21, 2005
137.50 KB
Stormwater Management Bylaw Regulations Regulations to administer the Stormwater Management Bylaw adopted at the 2009 Annual Town Meeting September 17, 2009
213.00 KB

Reports

Title Description Info
2002 Space Needs Study May 11, 2010
4959.87 KB
2006 Annual Report of the Route 20 Sewer Assessment Technical Committee May 20, 2010
31.50 KB
2007 Annual Report of the Route 20 Sewer Assessment Technical Committee May 20, 2010
22.50 KB
2008 Annual Report of the Route 20 Sewer Assessment Technical Committee May 20, 2010
32.00 KB
2009 Annual Report of the Route 20 Sewer Assessment Technical Committee May 20, 2010
32.50 KB
2009-2013 Open Space and Recreation Plan August 2, 2010
1518.92 KB
2009-2013 Open Space and Recreation Plan August 2, 2010
1518.92 KB
Athletic Field Master Plan Park and Recreation Commission plan of playing fields June 26, 2008
2380.45 KB
Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Four Season Wildlife Habitat Evaluation November 23, 2009
4497.80 KB
Community Preservation Committee Report, October 2009 The updated report of the CPC detailing Town goals for community preservation, criteria for project assessment, and procedures for solcitiation of project proposals. March 4, 2010
251.56 KB
Density by Design - Community Opposition Report This is the first of the research reports conducted as part of the UMASS/ARC of Innovation studio design project. October 3, 2007
1315.63 KB
Density by Design - Melone Property Design This is the design summary and detailed information produced as part of the UMASS/ARC of Innovation studio design project. October 3, 2007
4639.26 KB
Density by Design - Precedents This is the third of the research reports conducted as part of the UMASS/ARC of Innovation studio design project. October 3, 2007
938.88 KB
Density by Design - Regulatory Barriers This is the second of the research reports conducted as part of the UMASS/ARC of Innovation studio design project. October 3, 2007
554.42 KB
Density by Design - Research Summary This is the executive summary of the research reports conducted as part of the UMASS/ARC of Innovation studio design project. October 3, 2007
251.29 KB
Heritage Landscape Inventory Report Results of public identification of properties, views and areas in Sudbury that define its special character. March 23, 2007
3047.10 KB
Open Space Plan 1998 - 2002 July 10, 2007
1929.13 KB
Route 20 Visioning Report Results of the August 8, 2001 Route 20 Visioning Session. August 30, 2001
43.50 KB
Substainable Sudbury Master Plan (Acrobat) Master Plan prepared by the Sudbury Planning Board dated 2001. Adobe Acrobat 4.0 Version. August 30, 2001
799.81 KB
Substainable Sudbury Master Plan (Word) Master Plan prepared by the Sudbury Planning Board dated 2001. Microsoft Word 6.0 version. August 30, 2001
1302.50 KB
Walkway Committee Report, Feb. 2000 The final report of the Walkway Committee, including a list of recommended walkways and a map. March 3, 2000
316.15 KB
Wireless Coverage Analysis, February 2010 March 3, 2010
3623.85 KB

Town Report

Title Description Info
2002 Community Preservation Committee Annual Report January 6, 2010
28.00 KB
2007 Community Preservation Committee Annual Report January 6, 2010
34.50 KB
2008 Community Preservation Committee Annual Report January 6, 2010
29.50 KB
2009 Community Preservation Committee Annual Report January 6, 2010
30.00 KB

Wireless

Title Description Info
Wireless Sites Listing of all Wireless Sites in Sudbury January 20, 2010
45.00 KB

Committees - Meetings

Question
How often does the Planning Board meet? Is it easy to get on an agenda?
The Planning Board meets every 2 weeks. We have recently changed our meeting night from Tuesdays to Wednesdays. Agendas are finalized on the Friday prior to the meeting, and it is usually possible to get time on a Planning Board agenda within 1- 2 meetings after submitting an application.

Conservation Office

Question
What are my options if a Beaver dam is causing a serious health hazard on or around my property?
Please see the documents available for download section of this website for MassWildlife's Beavers and the Law: A Citizen's Guide to Addressing Beaver Conflicts

Master Plan

Question
What will the Planning Board do with the Master Plan? Will it be another study that collects dust on the office shelves?
The Planning Board expects to hit the floor running upon completion of the Master Plan by bringing several initiatives to Town Meeting in the spring of 2000. The Board is currently working on the rewrite of the zoning bylaw, walkways, wastewater alternatives on Route 20, water conservation and senior housing initiatives. Some of these will require Town Meeting votes. Others will continue to be studied for future Town Meeting votes.

Rail Trail - (3) Development Process and Costs

Question
20 - What is the Massachusetts Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan?

This 25 year bicycle plan from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation, made in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, (the principle funding source for bike paths) has the "primary purpose to develop a prioritized plan of on-and off-road bicycling improvements in order to implement a statewide bicycling network."  The Plan encompasses 740 miles of primary and secondary bicycle routes which make up 7 Bay State Greenway Corridors.  The first 10 years of the plan are dedicated to bike plans either currently advertised or funded.

21 - Is the Bruce Freeman Rail trail mentioned in the Plan?

Yes, Phase 1 is listed as funded and advertised for construction. Additional phases are proposed.

22 - Is the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Sudbury section described as a Primary Route in the Plan?

No.  Appendix 6 of the Statewide Plan describes the Primary Routes of the 7 corridors in detail. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail through West Concord, Sudbury and Framingham is not described as either a Primary or Long Term Change to a Primary Route.† Only the section currently under construction through Chelmsford, Westford and Carlisle is denoted as a Primary Route that continues into Acton and then travels through Concord Center into Arlington with the eventual terminus being in Boston.

23 - Is the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Sudbury section described as a Secondary Route in the Plan?

No.  Appendix 7 of the Plan describes the Secondary Routes of the 7 Corridors. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail through West Concord, Sudbury and Framingham is not included as a Secondary Route.

Rail Trail Conversion Advisory Committee

Question
What is the Massachusetts Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan?

This 25 year bicycle plan from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation, made in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, (the principle funding source for bike paths) has the "primary purpose to develop a prioritized plan of on-and off-road bicycling improvements in order to implement a statewide bicycling network."† The Plan encompasses 740 miles of primary and secondary bicycle routes which make up 7 Bay State Greenway Corridors.† The first 10 years of the plan are dedicated to bike plans either currently advertised or funded.

Traffic Safety

Question
What department should I contact if a tree has fallen or if there are broken tree limbs on a street blocking passage?

 The Dept of Public Works would also be the department to notify in these circumstances.  They can be reached at 978-443-2209, ext. 1389.

 

Traffic Safety

Question
What department should I contact if there are any obstructed views at intersections due to overgrown vegetation?

 The Dept of Public Works oversees all Town roadways and walkways, including shoulder mowing, snow removal, paving and repairing.  They can be reached at 978-443-2209, ext. 1389.

Traffic Safety

Question
What is the procedure for requesting a change to the speed limit on a particular road?

Contact the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee in writing via e-mail, trafficsafety@sudbury.ma.us.  Be sure to include a description of any issues leading to the request (i.e. any dangerous curves, reoccurring accidents, unsafe pedestrian activity), specify the location along the road, and provide details about any support for the speed limit change from other Sudbury residents.

The State determines the process for changing local speed limits. The laws regarding speed limit changes can be found at Mass Highway Dept. Speed Regulations.  The Police Department will first measure speeds along the roadway using traffic counters to monitor speed and volume of traffic. From that data the assumed safe speed limit will be whatever 85% of cars travel. If your street shows that cars typically travel at the 85% speed or above, without excessive accidents, it is assumed that is a safe speed and the State will deny the speed limit change.

The Traffic Safety Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on resident requests.  If residents are not satisfied with the recommendations of the committee, they can request to discuss the issue directly with the Selectmen at a regularly scheduled meeting.

What is the procedure for requesting the installation of traffic lights, street signs and/or crosswalks in town?

Contact the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee in writing via e-mail, trafficsafety@sudbury.ma.us. Be sure to include a description of any issues leading to the request (i.e. any dangerous curves, reoccurring accidents, unsafe pedestrian activity), specify the location along the road, and provide details about any support for the request from other Sudbury residents.

The Traffic Safety Committee meets approximately every other month, and discusses the petitions received by their meeting date.  Residents are notified by email of the committee’s recommendations.

The Traffic Safety Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on resident requests.  If residents are not satisfied with the recommendations of the committee, they can request to discuss the issue directly with the Selectmen at a regularly scheduled meeting.

What is the procedure for requesting traffic enforcement in a particular area?

 Traffic enforcement is the jurisdiction of the Sudbury Police Department, and they should be called directly at 978-443-1042.

Who do I contact if I have concerns about traffic issues related to development projects, i.e. trucks blocking streets or parking in inappropriate areas; noisy vehicles causing congestion on smaller roads; or trucks traveling at high speeds?

Contact the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee in writing via e-mail, trafficsafety@sudbury.ma.us. Be sure to include a description of the problem and the location. The Director of Planning and Community Development will forward the request to the relevant department (if it is related to a specfici development), or the Traffic Safety Committee will address any general traffic issue and report back with their recommendation.

Walkways

Question
How does the town ensure that walkways are fully accessible for persons with disabilities?

The Department of Public Works routinely monitors the condition of the town’s walkways to ensure for safe passage. Please keep in mind that many of the Town’s walkways were built years ago, prior to laws regarding accessibility were enacted.  The Town does make an effort of rebuilding walkways in use by disabled residents to enable passage to the extent feasible. Residents who notice safety issues on walkways are encouraged to notify the Department of Public Works via e-mail, DPW@town.sudbury.ma.us, or by calling 978-443-2209. If calling after office hours, be sure to leave a detailed message as to where the maintenance issue is located.

My neighborhood wants a walkway installed on our street, but an easement will be necessary to accommodate a walkway on my property. What is an easement and what are my rights as a property owner?

An easement is basically the right to use property that the town does not own. Easements are typically needed for walkways where the road right of way is not wide enough to accommodate both a road and a walkway within its legal limits. When a walkway is built in that situation, the town must seek legal permission from the owner to use or improve a specific piece of the property. By granting permission, the owners let the public walk over the property on that walkway.

The easement process can only begin when the engineering of a walkway is complete and the amount of land needed is determined. Once an easement is granted, it will be registered as part of that property owner’s deed.

Typically there are questions from property owners when an easement is asked of them. The more typical questions include the issue of liability and if the property owner will be paid for the easement. The Town assumes liability for the construction and maintenance of the walkway and does not pay the owner for easements.

 

What is the procedure for having a new walkway constructed in my neighborhood?

Residents should first read the Town’s Walkway Planning Initiative to see the process that goes into walkway consideration. Much study about pedestrian safety, road width, environmental impact, and availability of funding goes into determining walkway feasibility and priorities. The Walkway Committee Report, Feb. 2000 can also provide information about building a case for a walkway plan in your neighborhood or potential obstacles that might make a walkway an impossible option on certain roads.

General questions about walkway projects can be directed to Jody Kablack, Director of Planning and Community Development at 978-639-3387, or to kablackj@sudbury.ma.us.</P>

Who should I contact if I notice a safety issue with an existing walkway in town (ex: overgrown vegetation, pot holes, cracks, low-hanging tree branches)?

If you notice any overgrown vegetation, pot holes, cracked asphalt, or low-hanging tree branches on or around walkways, contact the Department of Public Works via e-mail, DPW@sudbury.ma.us, or by calling 978-443-2209. If you call after office hours, be sure to leave a detailed message as to where the maintenance issue is located.