Planning

Development Plan Approval Process

The Planning Board handles Development Plan Review applications for businesses and subdivision applications. The Planning Board can also serve as an advisory Board as directed by the Town Council or in commercial matters that will also require Zoning relief. The Planning Board is responsible for administering the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations, and ensuring completion of the Town’s Comprehensive Community Plan. See the Planning Board webpage for documents and procedure information. The Planning Board typically meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month. 

The Planning Board also receives advisory recommendations from the Technical Review Committee (TRC), who is appointed by the Planning Board. The TRC completes reviews of detailed plans with the applicant, ensures compliance with use permissions and dimensional requirements.  The TRC meets only when applications require review and recommendation to the Planning Board – typically the 2^nd Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM. Visit the Technical Review Committee webpage for more information and schedule. 

Comprehensive Community Plan, 2015 Update

DOWNLOAD THE COMP PLAN (PDF)

• Supplemental Maps to the 2015 Comprehensive Community Plan Update (PDF)

The “Comp Plan” serves as the Town’s blueprint, documenting the value-based aspirations and strategic direction for capital improvements. The Comp Plan considers a 20-year time horizon of land use, facilities, services, and initiatives in Barrington.  It is updated every 10 years, with an implementation reporting requirement every five (5) years set by the RI Division of Statewide Planning.  

A Future Land Use Plan (FLUP) is a key deliverable with every update of the full Comp Plan, guiding changes to Zoning to ensure consistency of the Zoning Ordinance with the Comp Plan.  Amendments to the Plan can be vetted and adopted into the Plan at any time under the direction of the Planning Board.