Planning & Development

Planning Department Modified Hours

Due to the extremely high volume of building permits and other workload changes from January 1, 2023 to present, the Code Office & Planning Office will be open Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for customers and phone calls starting May 1, 2023 until further notice.  The 1st and 3rd  Tuesday of each month we will be open until 6:00 p.m. coinciding with the Board of Selectmen meetings.  

Supportive Services

The Wells Planning & Development Office provides staff support for the Wells Planning Board, Staff Review Committee and Comprehensive Plan Update Committee. 

Department Responsibilities

The Planning & Development Office is responsible for the review and notification of all site plan and subdivision applications. The Planning Office also provides support for site plan and subdivision plan inspections and violations, ordinance amendment research and implementation, GIS mapping support, in-house and third party engineering review services, and can help answer your questions if you are looking to develop property in the Town of Wells.

How can we help you?

  • Who will review your Site Plan Application? 

 The Reviewing Authority Chart (PDF) tells us.

  • What zone is your property located in? 

The WebGIS site will show you which zoning district your property is in.  Just search for your property in the search bar. Then select the ’Layer’ tab and check the boxes within the Zoning Map layer. 

  • Wish to comment on a project?

This form can be used to submit a comment.

Ordinance Change Proposals

When the Board of Selectmen decide to pursue changes to the the Land Use, Subdivision, Streets & Sidewalks and other applicable ordinances the Planning & Development Office is often tasked with the job to research and draft the text or zoning map changes. The Planning Office works with the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen to finalize ordinance change proposals for consideration at the June or November Town Meetings. 

View current and past proposed Ordinance changes here.

Zoning Maps