Master Plan Review and Public Hearing

The Bristol Planning Board is in the beginning stages of reviewing and updating the Town’s Master Plan.  The process of updating each chapter will occur over the next few years.

Why should this matter to me?

The Master Plan is a planning document that serves to guide the overall future character, growth, and development of Bristol. It describes how, why, where, and at what pace our community desires to improve its built environment, economy, and quality of life. It provides guidance to local officials when they are making decisions on budgets, ordinances, capital improvements, zoning, and subdivision and site plan regulations. In simplest terms, a master plan functions much like a roadmap or a blueprint to the future of the community.

The plan does not define what can or cannot happen, but rather, it offers a vision of what could occur and includes steps leading to positive community outcomes.

What is the Next Step? 

Currently the Planning Board is working on updating the Vision Chapter of the Master Plan. They have approved a draft Vision Chapter, and will hold a public hearing on August 24th at 7:00pm at the Bristol Town Office Meeting Room to allow for input from residents and property owners on the proposed chapter. Action by the Board on the final Vision Chapter could occur at this meeting or a subsequent one.

A draft of the proposed vision chapter is available on the Town’s website, under Planning Board; select Master Plan – Revisions in Process, on the left.

The Planning Board strongly encourages interested parties to review the proposed draft well before the meeting and come prepared with your questions and comments so that we can keep the meeting moving along.

We thank you and encourage your participation in the future of Bristol.