Planning Department

Overview

The Rockland Planning Department is responsible for coordinating the Town's Planning activities with a focus on economic development, housing strategy, and open space. The Planning Department’s key focus areas include land use, the environment, and infrastructure as well as economic and community development. This mission is guided through attention to municipal planning, interdepartmental collaboration, and engagement with our border municipalities, state agencies and other stakeholders to promote a vibrant and sustainable today and tomorrow for Rockland.

Our Work

Town planning involves research and analysis, strategic thinking, public consultation, policy recommendations, and thoughtful consideration of land use in the public interest. Work of the Planning Department intersects with other Town of Rockland departments, Boards and Committees. We work to help developers navigate the planning process while adhering to established policies and laws of the Town, with an eye toward careful growth and protecting the town, its neighborhoods, and its residents.

Key Activities

• Research and analyze opportunities and achievable goals in line with the Rockland Masterplan 2030. 
• Collaborate on an updated Housing Production Plan for the Town of Rockland that supports the Town-wide goal of a minimum of 10% of the housing stock as qualifying toward the Subsidized Housing Inventory list (SHI).
• Strive to bring in the right kinds of projects that will have a beneficial impact on the Rockland tax base and residents' quality of life.
• Consult with various technical, professional, and legal personnel as needed to protect the interests of the Town in carrying out its land use statutory responsibilities.
• Participate in the development, implementation, coordination, and maintenance of Open Space Plans, Land Use Plans, the Master Plan, Economic Development Plans, and Department of Transportation Plans. Keep apprised of information disseminated by State agencies including the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities and the Executive Office of Economic Development. 
• Collaborate with stakeholders on addressing community blight through comprehensive planning too.