Commission Will Sponsor

Planning Workshop Series

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission will host three workshops offered by the Citizen Planner Training Collaborative to provide planning and zoning officials and members of the public with tools to make effective decisions regarding the community’s current and future land use.

The workshops will be at the commission at the Stone Building, New York avenue, Oak Bluffs.

On Oct. 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. is a workshop on planned production affordable housing plans. The discussion will describe the process and requirements for a plan that allows localities to take more control over the Chapter 40B process, outlining the relationship between the town boards and the state agencies involved.

On Oct. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. is a workshop on vested rights and nonconforming uses and structures. This will clarify the difference between a nonconforming structure, lot, and use; differentiate nonconforming and noncompliant structures; and make participants familiar with issues regarding alterations to nonconforming structures or uses.

On Nov. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. is a workshop on roles and responsibilities of planning boards and zoning boards of appeals. This will cover the functions of the boards and the main tools and terminology of planning and zoning, including information on public hearings, meetings and ethics. For details, call 508-693-3453 or 413-545-2188.