Planning Commission

Mailing Address:
Townshend Planning Commission
PO Box 223
Townshend, VT 05353

Physical Address:
2006 Route 30, Townshend, VT 05353

Phone: (802) 365-7300
Fax: (802) 365-7309
plan@ townshendvt.gov

Members and Terms

  • Chair
    Doug Ballentine
    Term expires 2028
  • Member
    Elizabeth Martin
    Term expires 2027
  • Clerk
    Andrew Snelling
    Term expires 2026
  • Member
    Rick Matschke
    Term expires 2030

plan@ townshendvt.net

Meeting Schedule

The Planning Commission meets, in the Town Hall, in the Listers’ office, on the second and fourth Wednesdays of a given month at 5:30 PM. Additional meetings may be held, if necessary.

Upcoming Meetings

January 14, 2026

  1. TEST Planning Commission 1/14/2026

    5:30 PM – Open End

November 24, 2024

  1. TEST Planning Commission 11/24/2024

    5:30 PM – Open End

November 24, 2025

  1. TEST Planning Commission 11/24/2025

    5:30 PM – Open End

Meetings Before February 1, 2025

Purpose & Statutory Authority

Vermont established local Planning Commissions to ensure that towns could grow and develop thoughtfully, protecting the natural, scenic, and cultural character that defines Vermont. The statutory language that authorizes municipal Planning Commissions can be found here (link to statute when ready).

A Planning Commission’s central role is the creation and maintenance of the Town Plan, a document that guides future growth within town boundaries. Though the work involves more than planning, the Town Plan is a fundamental  tool for shaping the community’s long-term vision.

Town Plan

Town Plans are revised periodically.

Townshend’s most recent Town Plan was adopted in 2017, and a copy is available under the Documents section of the website.

Town Map

Town Maps are revised periodically.

  • Town Map

    Town Map

    File size: 8 MB
    File Extension: .pdf

Role in Development & Act 250

In a town like Townshend, the Planning Commission’s recommendations often have significant influence in Act 250 land-use hearings.

Description of Act 250

Act 250 requires that most commercial projects exceeding one acre receive approval from the State of Vermont based on 10 statutory criteria. One of those criteria evaluates whether the project conforms to the local Town Plan.

Therefore:

  • No Town Plan → no Act 250 approval
  • The Planning Commission becomes an automatic party to Act 250 hearings
  • The Commission reviews the project as it develops
  • Public hearings are often required
  • The Commission speaks on behalf of the Town on development-related matters

This involvement ensures development aligns with community goals and environmental standards.

Regional Coordination

Townshend also appoints representatives to the Windham Regional Planning Commission (WRPC) — the county-wide planning agency that coordinates land-use, transportation, and regional development strategies across Windham County.

Windham Regional Planning Commission website

The Planning Commission works closely with the WRPC to ensure Townshend’s goals align with broader regional  planning efforts. 

General Notes of Interest

  • Planning Commissioners are appointed by the Selectboard.
  • Terms are five years, and vacancies are filled by Selectboard appointment.
  • An appointed Planning Commission member may be removed only by a unanimous vote of the Selectboard.
  • Those who are interested in serving are strongly encouraged to reach out.