Current Projects

PLANNING BOARD SPECIAL PERMIT REGULATIONS
Revised and adopted at January 27, 2022 PLANNING BOARD MEETING: https://www.ipswichma.gov/331/Regulations-Applications

Potential Zoning Amendments for October 24, 2023 Special Town Meeting

On July 20, 2023, the Planning Board voted to initiate three zoning articles for potential inclusion on the warrant for the October 24, 2023 Special Town Meeting. On July 24, in accordance with Section V of Chapter 40A of the Mass General Laws, the Select Board formally referred the articles to the Planning Board for its review and consideration of each.

Copies of the draft language for each article can be found here, along with summaries of their content and purpose. For a timeline for the presentation and review of the zoning articles leading up to town meeting, click here.

As noted in the timeline, the Planning Board will be holding two public hearings on the proposed articles, the first on August 10^th, and the second on August 31^st. All interested parties may speak to the proposed amendments at the hearings, or submit comments at any time during that time period by sending an email here.

After hearing public input and giving further consideration to the proposed amendments, the Board will make its final recommendation to the Select Board on September 5^th as it relates to the number, language, and content of the zoning articles to be included in the special town meeting.

Questions about the proposed amendments may also be directed to the Planning Office at 978-356-6607, ext.1 or by emailing Brendan Conboy at brendanc@ipswichma.gov.

HOUSING PRODUCTION PLAN (HPP)

A Housing Production Plan (HPP) is a community's proactive strategy for planning and developing affordable housing. In February, 2020, the Town of Ipswich kicked off a process to develop a new five-year HPP, working with consultants JM Goldson, LLC. Please find more information here. An active HPP will enable the Town to meet its affordable housing needs in a manner consistent with the Chapter 40B statute and regulation. More information about the State's Housing Production Plans can be found here.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN (CDP), 2020-2035

A Community Development Plan is a report used to guide local decisions to shape future development, prepare for future challenges, and preserve community assets. This document provides a basis for local decision-making about land use planning and development, including housing policy, transportation investment, economic development, and capital improvement planning or public facilities and infrastructure, Under the direction of the Planning Board, Department of Planning and Community Development, and the Community Development Plan Steering Committee, the Town is updated its 2003 Community Development Plan. Please see our current CDP here.

SECTION 3A

The Town of Ipswich is working on Section 3A compliance and achieving related housing goals outlined in our Community Development Plan (CDP). For more information about this legislation and process, visit the Section 3A - MBTA Communities landing page linked here.

IPSWICH MILLS DAM REMOVAL

The Town of Ipswich has been working with the Ipswich River Watershed Association and other partners to explore the feasibility of removing the Ipswich Mills Dam located at the head of tide in downtown Ipswich. For more information about the project, visit the Ipswich Mills Dam website.

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CURRENT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS

The Planning Office updates this page as Applicants submit new materials. Please call Staff with any questions at 978-356-6607. If you wish to submit written comments to the Planning Board, please address your correspondence to the Board, provide your name and address, and email to brendanc@ipswichma.gov.