What is the role of the planning board in land use and development?

The planning board primarily serves as an oversight entity related to land use and development within a municipality. Its main role includes reviewing and approving land use plans, zoning applications, and development proposals to ensure that they align with community goals, regulations, and long-term planning objectives. This board is responsible for balancing the interests of various stakeholders, such as residents, developers, and local government, to facilitate responsible and sustainable growth.

The other options, while relevant to aspects of land development, do not accurately reflect the comprehensive role of the planning board. For example, a committee focused on financial access may be involved in funding aspects but is not inherently linked to land use planning. Similarly, the responsibility for issuing building permits typically falls under a different authority, often not the planning board itself, but rather a building department. Conducting environmental assessments can be part of the planning process, yet this task is often delegated to specialized agencies or consultants rather than being a core function of the planning board. This understanding is essential to appreciate the nuanced responsibilities within land use and development processes.