About the Department (Planning and Community Development)

WELCOME!

The Department of Planning and Community Development is responsible for planning activities and projects that are focused on preserving and enhancing the quality of life of Brookline residents by protecting and improving neighborhoods; insuring quality development consistent with the Town’s by-laws; defining and promoting appropriate economic development; and safeguarding and advancing the amenities that make Brookline a desirable place in which to live, work and invest.

The Department provides professional and administrative staff support to a host of boards, commissions and committees and works closely with other municipal departments. Consistent with Town policy, the Planning Department is committed to engaging the public, informing and educating the private sector about planning projects, and performing its responsibilities in a transparent manner.

The Planning Department consists of four divisions: Community Planning, Economic Development and Long-Term Planning, Regulatory Planning, and Sustainability. On the left, you will find links to sub-pages for our four divisions containing detailed information on the functions and projects of each. If you need assistance and are unsure where to start, please refer to our Department Services FAQs or call us at 617-730-2130.

COMMUNITY PLANNING: Responsible for administration of CDBG and HOME funding, affordable housing opportunities, inclusionary zoning, housing policy and planning, housing affordability monitoring, bikeshare program

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND LONG TERM PLANNING: Responsible for commercial development, local business growth and support, signage review, long-term planning and policy initiatives

REGULATORY PLANNING: Responsible for special permit/variance relief, design review for Local Historic Districts and demolition cases, Major Impact Projects, 40B affordable housing projects, Zoning By-Law amendments

SUSTAINABILITY: Responsible for implementing the Climate Action Plan and related initiatives.