Permits & Plan Review
Official Zoning Map
Technical Standards & Specifications Manual
Process & Forms
Codes & Standards
Spencer Development Ordinance
Zoning Permit Applications
Dumpster Permit Application
Demolition Permit Application
Subdivision Permit Application
Planning and Code Compliance staff collaborate to ensure properties in town are developed and maintained according to Town ordinances and other standards.
Planning staff can assist you with a variety of processes ranging from permits, certificates, rezoning requests, variances and appeals, ordinance amendment requests, and more.
In most cases, a completed application must be submitted 21 days in advance of a board or commission meeting.
Official Zoning Map
Technical Standards & Specifications Manual
Process & Forms
Codes & Standards
Spencer Development Ordinance
Zoning Permit Applications
Dumpster Permit Application
Demolition Permit Application
Subdivision Permit Application
Process & Forms
Special Use Permit
Some uses may not be automatically permitted in a particular zoning district, but are permitted if certain specific conditions are met. The Zoning Board of Adjustment decides whether or not to grant conditional use permits at evidentiary hearings based upon the findings of facts.
Variances
A mechanism to allow landowners to seek relief from the strict application of the ordinance. Variances are granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment if special criteria are met following an evidentiary hearing.
Administrative Appeals
This is a process which allows for those who disagree with a staff determination on how the ordinance is interpreted or applied to make an administrative appeal of that determination to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month.
Ordinance Amendments
This process allows for an applicant to petition the town for a change in its ordinances. The Planning Board / Board of Adjustment must hold a courtesy hearing (this board meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month). and the Board of Aldermen holds a public hearing
Rezoning Requests
The Planning Board / Board of Adjustment must hold a courtesy hearing (this board meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month). and the Board of Aldermen holds a public hearing.
Certificates of Appropriateness
The Historic Preservation Commission grants certificates of appropriateness for exterior changes based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Meetings are held the third Monday of each month.
Codes & Standards
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding Town Codes and Standards. Our staff is available to discuss potential violations. We encourage all the community to be a good neighbor and consider the following tips:
- Become friends with your neighbors and try to work out any differences you may have.
- Keep yards maintained and lawns mowed, ensuring all clippings are off streets and sidewalks.
- Empty excess water collecting in pots, buckets, and containers that can attract and breed mosquitoes.
- Keep all trash bagged in your roll-out cart and take advantage of weekly bulky item collection. Store excess trash and debris around your home.
- Clean up after your pets, and please do not allow your dog to bark excessively at night.
- Don’t park inoperable or unregistered vehicles on your property, or any vehicles on the front lawn.
- Avoid playing loud music, particularly after 11 p.m.
- Only rain goes down storm drains! Be sure to keep fertilizer,trash, leaves, and other hazardous contaminants from entering drains (which go straight to natural bodies of water without treatment).
Spencer Development Ordinance (SDO)
SDO Table of Contents
SDO Article 1: Purpose & Authority, Official Zoning Map
SDO Article 2: General Standards & Specifications
SDO Article 3: Definitions, Abbreviations, & Symbols
SDO Article 4: Planning Board & Board of Adjustment
SDO Article 5: Amendments to Development Ordinance & Zoning Map
SDO Article 6: Variances & Administrative Appeals
SDO Article 7: Permits & Procedures
SDO Article 7 Addendum: Certifications for Subdivision Plats
SDO Article 8: Districts
SDO Article 8: Table 8.1 – Table of Uses – Section 1 – General Uses
SDO Article 8: Table 8.1 – Table of Uses – Section 2 – Manufacturing & Industry
SDO Article 8: Table 8.1 – Table of Uses – Section 3 – Wholesale
SDO Article 9: Building & Lot Type Standards & Specifications
SDO Article 10: Uses with Additional Standards & Special Uses
SDO Article 11: Landscape Requirements & Tree Protection
SDO Article 12: Off-Street Parking, Stacking, and Loading Areas
SDO Article 13: Streets
SDO Article 14: Flexible Development Standards
SDO Article 15: Special Events & Temporary Structures
SDO Article 16: Subdivisions
SDO Article 17: Sign Regulations
SDO Article 18: Flood Damage Prevention
SDO Article 19: Stormwater Protection
SDO Article 20: Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control
SDO Article 21: Open Space
SDO Article 22: Nonconformities
SDO Article 23: Administration & Enforcement
Zoning Permit Applications
Demolition Permit Application
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding the Demolition Permit Application.