Upon receipt of an application, the Planning Board shall set a date of the public hearing for the special permit application in compliance with MGL c. 40A, § 9, which shall be held within 65 days of the application filing date. Notice of the hearing shall be advertised as required by MGL c. 40A, § 11. In addition, copies of the notice shall be sent by postage prepaid mail at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing to all parties in interest. The required time limits for a public hearing of 90 days may be extended by written agreement between the applicant and the special permit granting authority. A copy of such agreement shall be filed in the office of the Town Clerk.
A.
Hearings will start at the time stated in the notice unless delayed because of prior hearings.
B.
At the hearing the Chairperson may administer oaths, summon witnesses, and call for the production of papers. The Planning Board may retain any record which has been introduced as evidence for reference in the consideration of the case.
C.
At the hearing, any person, whether entitled to notice thereof or not, may appear in person or by agent or attorney, and may be heard by the Planning Board.
D.
No person shall address a hearing of the Planning Board without permission of the Chairperson, and all persons shall, at the request of the Chairperson, be silent.
E.
The Chairperson will open the hearing by reading, or causing to be read, the notice as advertised.
F.
The petitioner or his representative will then present his case, stating fully the reasons why the petition or application should be granted.
G.
When the petitioner or his representative has concluded the presentation, the Chairperson shall read the comments and recommendations received from other Town boards, commissions, departments, and agents concerning the application.
H.
The Chairperson will then allow those in favor of the application to speak. Those who wish to speak will rise, address the Chairperson, give their name and address, then proceed.
I.
When all those in favor have spoken, the Chairperson will then allow those in opposition a similar opportunity to be heard.
J.
When all those in opposition have spoken, the Chairperson may then allow the petitioner or his representative an opportunity to present rebuttals and concluding remarks.
K.
Questions seeking information and deemed relevant by the Planning Board may be allowed at its discretion at any time.
L.
Members of the Planning Board who are hearing the case, or any of the Planning Board's agents, may direct appropriate questions during the hearing.
M.
When all presentations have been made, and speakers heard, the Chairperson will close the hearing.