Community Development & Planning

About Us:

The Department of Community Development and Planning (DCDP) was created by a vote of the Town Council in August 1982 providing a formal interrelationship with staff members.

Mission:

The Department of Community Development and Planning performs short and long range planning for the community by using current methods to identify and implement community goals. The Department coordinates various boards and commissions to streamline processes to accomplish these goals. The Department utilizes the technical skills of department staff to exercise regulatory control and implementation of policies, program initiatives and services around the community’s growth and development. The Department also manages the Commander’s Mansion as a historic asset and event facility.

DCDP Divisions / Offices:

• Commander’s Mansion
• Energy and Sustainability
• Inspectional Services: Building, Plumbing, Gas, Wiring/Electrical
• Planning and Zoning: Current and Long Range Planning
• Code Enforcement

DCDP Boards & Commissions:

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee
• Conservation Commission
• Historical Commission
• Historic District Commission
• Planning Board
• Watertown Housing Partnership
• Zoning Board of Appeals
• WE3C (Energy Committee)

Recent Projects and Studies:

• Public Arts Master Plan 
• Bicycle Pedestrian Plan 2020
• Arsenal Park Design Update
• Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Current - Petitions/Cases for Zoning Relief
• Filippello Park Draft Preliminary Design (PDF) - September 2015
• Recent Zoning Amendments (PDF)
• Reasonable Accommodation
• Design Guidelines and Standards - Adopted June 30, 2015
• Comprehensive Plan (PDF) - Adopted June 23, 2015
• Open Space and Recreation Plan (PDF) - Adopted April 20, 2015
• Watertown Housing Production Plan (PDF) - Adopted January 2014
• Community Path
• Coolidge Square Project (PDF)
• Economic Development Study - 2011
• Pleasant Street Corridor Study (PDF) - 2008
• Riverfront Project
  
• Roadway Improvements (PDF)
• Short Term Rental Community Meeting: PowerPoint (PDF)