Planning, zoning, conservation, oh my!
October 27 2025
By David Biondolillo
You've probably heard of them before. Planning Board. Town Conservation Commission. Zoning Board of Appeals.
Few words have more power to throw cold water on your home building plans than these. The truth is, while a large number of building projects do require approval from one or more of these regulatory bodies, that fact SHOULD NOT scare you away from undertaking your project. There are many steps necessary to satisfy the requirements of these entities, however the most important and FIRST STEP you should take is to consult with a contractor that has experience in dealing with them.
What is a Conservation Commission?: "...A volunteer committee that protects a town's natural resources and oversees conservation efforts through public hearings and policy decisions."
What is a Planning Board?: "A Planning Board focuses on minimizing and regulating the impacts the Town faces relating to land use and development."
The fact is that these municipal bodies do fulfill important services within their respective communities, such as protecting the public water supply, preventing overdevelopment of neighborhoods, etc.
While hurdles to undertaking your project can be numerous, enlisting the aid of a licensed and experienced construction pro can be the difference between receiving approval to build your new home, or getting your application denied.
Should I hire an Architect or a General Contractor?
This is an important question, as hiring the right pro for your project is key. While there isn't a one size fits all answer, the main factors to consider are:
- Does my project require detailed, comprehensive design plans beyond what a traditional Builder can offer?
- Do I plan on receiving many different quotes from Builders with the intent of finding the dirt cheapest option?
- Do I want to work with a competent Builder/Contractor who I can trust to steward my project to a successful conclusion?
If you answered yes to 1 and 2, consider hiring an architect.
If the trust and good working relationship of option 3 is what you're after, then you want to hire an experienced, qualified Builder for your project.
At Advance Guard Builders we have the experience and proven track record of successfully navigating these preconstruction hurdles, as well as the professional acumen necessary to execute your build with honesty, clarity and efficiency. If you'd like to learn more about what our team of Builders can offer your project, call us at (617) 297-7167 or email us at info@advanceguardbuilders.com
And most of all, good luck with the build of your dreams!
