A. 
Residential Subdivisions. The Board recommends but does not require, a preliminary subdivision plan for residential subdivisions.
B. 
Nonresidential Subdivisions. As required by MGL c. 41, § 81S, preliminary subdivision plans for nonresidential subdivisions are required before submission of a definitive subdivision plan.
[Amended 10-22-2025]
When land which is the subject of a special residential development under § 135-6.9 of the Zoning Bylaw is also proposed to be subdivided, a sketch plan, as defined in the Board's Development Regulations, may be submitted in lieu of a preliminary plan.
[Amended 10-22-2025]
A. 
Number of Copies. The submitted application shall be in the Board's online application portal.
(1) 
One stand-alone document of the drainage and stormwater management plans;
(2) 
An electronic copy of the application material in both PDF and CAD format.
B. 
Information Required. Each sheet of the plan must have the following general information:
(1) 
The subdivision name, boundaries, North point, date, scale, legend, and title "Preliminary Plan";
(2) 
The names of the record owner and the applicant and the name of the designer, engineer or surveyor;
(3) 
The names of all abutters, as determined from the most recent local tax list;
(4) 
The existing and proposed lines of streets, ways, easements and any public areas within the subdivision in a general manner;
(5) 
The proposed system of drainage, including adjacent existing natural waterways, in a general manner;
(6) 
The approximate boundary lines of proposed lots, with approximate areas and dimensions;
(7) 
The names, approximate location and widths of adjacent streets;
(8) 
The topography of the land in a general manner; and
C. 
When applicable, a written list of all waivers, citing specific provisions of these Regulations, that are being requested with justification.
A. 
Scope of Decision. Within 45 days after the proper submittal to the Board and to the Board of Health of a preliminary subdivision plan, the Board must approve the preliminary subdivision plan, with or without waivers and conditions, or disapprove the plan, stating the reasons for the disapproval. The Board may include recommendations for features that should be included in a definitive subdivision plan.
B. 
Approval Criteria. The standards for approval of a definitive subdivision plan will be the basis for the decision on a preliminary subdivision plan to the extent permitted by the information submitted as part of a preliminary subdivision plan.
C. 
Relationship to Definitive Plan.
(1) 
Approval of a preliminary subdivision plan does not constitute approval of a subdivision or guarantee that the Board will approve a definitive subdivision plan. The Registry of Deeds is not permitted to record a preliminary subdivision plan.
(2) 
Disapproval of a preliminary subdivision plan does not prevent the submission of a definitive subdivision plan. If a definitive plan complies with the Subdivision Regulations, the Board must approve it.