Amherst Planning/Zoning Is Now The 'Community Development Office'

The planning and zoning department has changed its structure and name in response to technology upgrades and budget cuts.

The Amherst planning and zoning office is now called the “Community Development Office,” according to department director Sarah Marchant.

She said the rebranding represents a new direction and organization of her department, which now includes planning, zoning, building, health and economic development. This model is seen in many other departments across the state, including her former position in Milford.

Her department is rolling out new software that will streamline the functions of her department, allowing complete access to information on a given parcel of land faster. It will handle all permits, planning and zoning information and other data once all the information is gathered, which will take a few years.

This same information is being used by other departments as well, such as the fire and public works, according to Marchant.

The community development office will no longer support engineering functions, and has cut two assistant positions while merging others. For example, the building inspector is taking over code enforcement and septic inspection in a full-time capacity. 

“We are trying to coordinate our departments more closely,” said Marchant. “I am hoping that by bridging these things and working as a team, we can really work together to help things work more smoothly.”