Planning Board

• Reviewing Conditional Use permits (the town’s Zoning Ordinance outlines allowed and permitted uses by zone in Stow). Conditional Use permits are required for landowners to build or expand certain structures, to harvest timber in certain areas, and for other uses outlined in the Zoning Ordinance. The Code Enforcement Officer can advise landowners if a proposed use may require a Conditional Use application review by the Planning Board.​

• Reviewing new or amended subdivision applications in the Town of Stow

• Developing new ordinances and updating existing ordinances for the Town (example: the Board created a Food Sovereignty Ordinance which was adopted by the people of Stow in 2025)

Board members are elected annually at the Stow Town Meeting held in March. Before beginning Board service, newly-elected members swear an oath to uphold the law. The Planning Board has 5 members (4-year terms) and 2 alternate members (1-year terms).

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Planning Board meetings are typically held every second Monday of the month at 6:00 PM at the Town Office. The Board occasionally holds additional meetings or workshops as needed, so it’s a good idea to check the calendar on the town website.

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All are welcome to attend the meetings; however, if you wish to be on the agenda, you must send a request to the Planning Board Chair ahead of time. Contact information for the Planning Board Chair and Secretary are below.