FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/20/2025
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
City of Framingham Seeking Applicants for Planning Board Seats
FRAMINGHAM - The City of Framingham is accepting applications for two seats on the five-member Planning Board, a key municipal body responsible for guiding growth and development throughout the community.
The Planning Board serves as the City’s primary land use planning and development review body. Its responsibilities include long-range planning, zoning review, subdivision regulation, and advising on land use policy to support responsible growth and development in Framingham.
In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.) c. 41, the Planning Board is responsible for, but not limited to:
• Preparing, adopting, amending, and implementing the City’s Master Plan (M.G.L. c. 41, §81D)
• Preparing and maintaining the official Zoning Map (M.G.L. c. 41, §81E)
• Drafting and submitting zoning amendments for consideration by the City Council (M.G.L. c. 40A, §5)
• Adopting and administering the Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land (M.G.L. c. 41, §81K)
• Acting as Special Permit Granting Authority, when applicable
• Conducting Site Plan Review, when applicable
• Administering the Public Way Access Ordinance, when applicable
• Recommending the designation of Scenic Roads and holding related public hearings
• Serving as an adviser on other municipal land use regulations
Planning Board members are expected to:
• Review Site Plan Review, Special Permit, Approval Not Required (ANR), Preliminary Subdivision, Definitive Subdivision, Scenic Roadway Modification, and Public Way Access Permit applications
• Maintain and update the Master Land Use Plan, Subdivision Rules and Regulations, and Zoning By-Laws
• Develop planning studies related to land use, transportation, housing, and economic development
• Work collaboratively to advance the City’s Plan–Build–Grow model of development
While no single background is required, applicants should demonstrate experience or familiarity with land use and planning, including:
• Basic knowledge of zoning by-laws and land use policies
• Working knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws
• Understanding of construction, engineering, architecture, zoning, permitting, and/or land use policies
Members should be committed to ensuring balanced growth, providing diverse housing options, collaborating with landowners and business owners, and preserving open space and recreational opportunities.
Applications must be submitted by Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
The positions on the Planning Board are unpaid.
In addition to filling out the application at this link Form Center • Boards, Committees, Commission, Officers Appli applicants must also submit a cover letter and résumé.
The Chair of the 5-member Planning Board is Ted Cosgrove.
The Mayor will review applications after the deadline, and nominate one individual to the Committee.
The City Council will then have 30 days to approve or reject the nominee. If no action is taken, the individual will automatically become a member of the Committee.
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