FAQs • Yarmouth • CivicEngage

Is my property in a floodplain?: Planning staff will help you determine whether your property lies in a floodplain, as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Planning office and the Engineering office have FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for the entire town, which can be used to estimate where your property is and whether it is located within a floodplain.

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Planning

1. How is land developed?: With the help of Planning staff, the Planning Board regulates the creation of all residential and commercial subdivisions. Plans are submitted to the Board for their review, approval, and endorsement. The Board maintains a set of written standards for the design and construction of new roads and the placement of services that developers must follow.

2. What is the difference between a subdivision and an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan?: A subdivision involves the division of land into two or more lots and generally, involves the creation of a private road. An ANR plan is the division of land into lots with frontage on existing roads, whether those roads are public or private. Since the latter type of development does not create new roads, endorsement of an ANR plan by the Planning Board is a certification that Approval under the subdivision control law is Not Required.

3. Is my property in a floodplain?: Planning staff will help you determine whether your property lies in a floodplain, as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Planning office and the Engineering office have FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for the entire town, which can be used to estimate where your property is and whether it is located within a floodplain.

4. What uses are allowed on my property?: Planning staff will review the zoning map and the Zoning Bylaw's Use Code with you to give you some idea of the possibilities. There is also a zoning map located on the wall outside the Planning office and on this website (see the link, above). Printed copies of the bylaw and map are available for purchase at the Permits counter. While we will to review applicable codes with you, please note that the Building Commissioner, as the Zoning Enforcement Officer, is the definitive zoning authority.

5. Is my lot buildable?: Only the Building Commissioner, who is also the Zoning Enforcement Officer, can make that determination. Forms to request a determination of buildability are available at the Building Division office.

6. Is my lot grandfathered?: This can be a complex question, and often requires a great deal of research to answer. Since the question deals with the buildability of a lot, Only the Zoning Enforcement Officer can answer the question with authority.

7. Can I subdivide my lot to create another lot?: Lot frontage and size are the primary factors in making this determination. Come to the office with this information for a more definitive answer.

8. How much will it cost to ....?: Please see our Fee Schedule for the particular action you wish the Planning Board to take.

9. Where can I get a copy of the Planning Board's Rules & Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land , the Zoning Bylaw, or the Zoning Map?: All are available at the Permits counter on the lower level of Town Hall. The Zoning Bylaw, Zoning Map, and Subdivision Rules & Regulations are also available on this website.

10. Do you have a plot plan for my property?: We do not. Certified plot plans, which are required when submitting applications to the Board of Appeals or when applying for certain building permits, must be prepared by a Registered Professional Land Surveyor.

11. Can you recommend a lawyer/surveyor?: Sorry, but no, we cannot. You might ask friends for their recommendations or look in the telephone directory for a list of names.

12. When does the Planning Board meet?: The Board holds a business meeting on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

13. How do I get an appointment to meet with the Planning Board to discuss a planning issue?: It's best to make your request in writing, but you might also call or drop by the Planning office with your verbal request. We try to put all requests to meet with the Board on the next available agenda. The deadline for getting on the next agenda is at 11:30 a.m. on the Friday before the meeting.