[Rev. Ords. 1989, § 2-116]
In accordance with G.L. 1956, § 45-22-1 et seq., there is hereby established a planning board for the town.
State law reference — Housing board of review, G.L. 1956, § 45-24.3-16.
State law reference — Planning board, G.L. 1956, § 45-22-1 et seq.
[Rev. Ords. 1989, § 2-117]
The planning board shall consist of not less than five nor more than seven members who are residents of the town. Appointments shall be made by the town council for terms of five years with not more than two terms expiring each year. A vacancy in the membership of the board shall be filled by the town council for the remainder of the unexpired term. Any planning board member may be removed by the town council for due cause following a public hearing. Failure to attend three consecutive meetings of the board for reasons other than illness or other similar reason shall constitute due cause.
State law reference — Membership, G.L. 1956, § 45-22-3.
[Rev. Ords. 1989, § 2-118]
Members of the planning board may receive such compensation as set by the town council within the limitations of funds appropriated for this purpose. The board members may be reimbursed within the limitations of funds appropriated for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
State law reference — Compensation, G.L. 1956, § 45-22-4.
[Rev. Ords. 1989, § 2-119]
The planning board shall organize annually by electing from its membership a chairman, a vice-chairman and a secretary. The planning board may adopt bylaws for the performance of the duties prescribed in this division.
State law reference — Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 45-22-5.
[Rev. Ords. 1989, § 2-120]
Within the limits of the funds appropriated for its use, the planning board may engage technical or clerical assistance to aid in the discharge of its duties. The planning board may, subject to confirmation of the town council and within the limits of the funds appropriated to it, enter into cooperative agreements with private, state, regional or federal agencies for technical assistance and studies deemed to be in the best interest of the community.
State law reference — Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 45-22-5.
[Rev. Ords. 1989, § 2-121]
(a) 
The planning board shall have the duties prescribed in G.L. 1956, § 45-25-6, and shall have prepared a comprehensive plan for the development of the town. Such plan, among other things, shows the general arrangement of and goals, objectives and standards for land use, transportation routes and facilities, public facilities and services, renewal or rehabilitation programs, housing programs, including cooperative housing programs not limited to but also involving limited equity cooperative housing designed for low and moderate income residents, conservation areas, historic preservation areas and environmental protection programs, together with a recommended program of actions and improvements deemed necessary to implement the features of the plan.
(b) 
The planning board may, at its discretion, hold public hearings on the comprehensive plan or any elements of the comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan and all elements thereof are in general conformity with the goals, objectives, policies and general arrangements contained in applicable state plan or element thereof.
(c) 
The planning board shall use the plan or elements thereof as a guide to its actions in areas relating to the adopted plan or elements. At intervals of no greater than five years, the board shall review the comprehensive plan or elements thereof and make any modifications, amendments or additions deemed necessary in the light of current and projected community development trends and needs.
(d) 
Following the adoption of the comprehensive plan or any element thereof by the planning board and upon recommendation of the board, the town council may, following a public hearing, adopt the comprehensive plan or element thereof as a statement of the town policy and a guide for community action in matters relating to community development.
(e) 
Any comprehensive plan or element thereof may be modified or amended by the town council following a public hearing. Any such proposed modification or amendment shall be referred to the planning board for its recommendation at least 30 days prior to the date of the public hearing by the town council. Failure of the planning board to forward a recommendation to the town council within the thirty-day period shall be deemed an approval of the proposed modification or amendment by the board. The affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the town council shall be required to adopt any modification or amendment to the comprehensive plan or element thereof where the planning board has rendered an adverse recommendation.
(f) 
Any comprehensive plan or element thereof which has been adopted by the town council prior to May 4, 1972, shall be considered adopted for the purposes of this section. Any adoption, modification or amendment of a comprehensive plan or element thereof subsequent to May 4, 1972, shall be made in accordance with the procedures and requirements set forth in this section.
State law reference — Duties of planning board, G.L. 1956, § 45-22-7.
[Rev. Ords. 1989, § 2-122]
(a) 
The planning board shall make studies of the resources and needs of the town with reference to its physical, economic and social growth and development as affecting the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the people. Such studies, plans and reports may concern the following:
(1) 
Land use and land use regulation.
(2) 
Transportation facilities.
(3) 
Public utilities.
(4) 
Public facilities and site locations, including recreation areas, schools, fire, police and other principal structures and developments.
(5) 
Blighted areas, including plans for redevelopment, renewal, rehabilitation or conservation.
(6) 
Problems of housing and the development of housing programs.
(7) 
Natural resource conservation.
(8) 
Environmental protection.
(9) 
Protection from disaster.
(10) 
Economic and sociological characteristics.
(11) 
Preservation of historic sites and buildings.
(12) 
Economic development.
(b) 
When directed by the town council, the planning board shall prepare an annual capital budget and a comprehensive six-year capital improvements program.
(c) 
The planning board shall submit an advisory opinion and recommendation on all zoning matters referred to it and any other matter referred to it by the town council.
(d) 
The planning board shall have the authority to call upon other departments, boards and committees of the town and upon regional, state and federal agencies for assistance in the performance of its designated functions and shall cooperate with such city or town, regional, state and federal agencies on matters of community, regional and state planning.
(e) 
The planning board shall carry out such other duties as may be assigned to the board from time to time by any act of the general assembly or by any ordinance, code, regulation, order or resolution of the town council.
State law reference — Duties of planning board, G.L. 1956, § 45-22-7.
[Rev. Ords. 1989, § 2-123]
The planning board shall submit an annual report to the town council summarizing the work of the preceding year and recommending programs, plans and actions for future development. A copy of the annual report shall be forwarded to the state department of community affairs. All studies, plans, and reports of the planning board shall be submitted to the town council and to any other designated agency or official, and thereafter, upon approval of the town council, may be published for general circulation.
State law reference — Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 45-22-8.