The overall mission of the Department of
Planning is to facilitate change within the vision of the community; to
assist the community in developing its vision; and to insure the protection
and balance of personal rights and quality of life.
The Department of Planning and Development is
the Town's primary center for long and short range planning. The
Department provides staff support to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of
Review, Historic District Commission, Community Development Program Advisory
Committee, and Conservation Commission in the form of agendas, staff reports,
advice on and processing of applications , record keeping and minutes.
In addition, the Department provides planning and technical assistance to
other Town boards such as the Harbor Management Commission. During
Fiscal Year 1999, the Department provided technical staff to the Wickford
Village Committee as well. The listing of each of these commission's
membership is available on the Town Clerk's web page.
The Department prepares the annual Capital
Improvement Program report for the Asset Management Commission and is
assisting the Planning Commission with the 5-year update to the Comprehensive
Plan. The Town Council and the Town Manager are also provided with
direct staff assistance on selected matters. The Planning and
Development Department has an important role in providing information to the
public about land use, zoning and other Town regulations, flood hazard areas,
demographics, and open space.
