BRPC and 1Berkshire, with the support of a broad working group of housing practitioners from throughout Berkshire County, have launched A Housing Vision for the Berkshires, a regional strategy to lead more intentional efforts to address the current housing crisis.

The realm of land use planning and land development is constantly changing. Some of these changes are effectuated upon the passage of a new state or federal law. Other times change is precipitated by the shifting needs or preferences of people in a community or across the country. BRPC attempts to keep apprised of the latest trends in land development and offer guidance to communities. In this initiative, documents will be added to offer basic guidance. The depth of research into these topics will vary, although an attempt was made to discuss the main points of each. For more information on land use issues please contact Thomas Matuszko, Executive Director @ tmatuszko@berkshireplanning.org or (413) 442-1521 ext. 34.

On July 28, 2017 Governor Baker signed a compromise bill approved by lawmakers earlier that raises taxes on retail sales of marijuana, establishes stringent requirements for the packaging and labeling of marijuana products, and spells out procedures cities and towns must follow if they wish to ban or restrict pot shops from opening in their communities. There are various issues local governments will confront with the adoption of this law and significant questions about exactly what should and can be done, and when, at the local level.

The Shared Community Planner program allows each participating town to access services and assistance that fit their specific needs and budget. Participating towns have requested assistance with a wide range of land use and other community planning projects. All municipalities in Berkshire County are invited to contact BRPC to learn more about the Shared Planner program.

On December 28, 2018, Governor Baker signed H.4841, An Act Regulating and Insuring Short-term Rentals, into law, as Ch. 337 of the Acts of 2018. The regulation, insurance, and taxation of short-term rentals has become a topic of increasing concern and urgency in Berkshire County. As a tourism destination, Berkshire County has been affected by the rise of short-term rentals. As such, regional municipalities may require assistance navigating the new legal realities of short-term rentals.

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission has completed working with a regional Consortium of cross-sector partners to develop a regional sustainability plan for the Berkshires. The three-year project developed a regional vision and supporting goals, policies and strategies for conservation and recreation, economy, local food and agriculture, climate and energy, housing and neighborhoods, historic preservation, infrastructure and services, and land use. Broad and diverse public outreach mechanisms were employed throughout the process to garner strong public input. The Plan was adopted by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission on March 20, 2014.

This project involves the creation of a new Open Space and Recreation Plan for the Town of Adams.

The District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) program enables Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) staff to provide technical assistance to member municipalities. This assistance must focus on advancing municipal partnerships, planning for housing, planning for growth, supporting Community Compact, and supporting Housing Choice. It is intended to encourage and enable municipalities to work together to achieve and/or enhance cost-effective service delivery or to create and sustain ongoing collaboration and consultation on issues affecting the municipalities, such as land use and planning for new economic and housing growth. Projects and activities should result in a measurable change in the municipalities, whether in law, regulation, program management, or practice.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission will provide support for municipalities to advance housing options. This includes but is not limited to gathering data, researching regional housing models, supporting the development of bylaws, regulations, and the local use of best practices as well as expanding the availability of land use and housing planning assistance. Berkshire Housing Development Corporation will partner with BRPC to create a welcoming environment for well-planned quality housing and develop a network of housing development advocates.

This project involves the creation of a new Open Space and Recreation Plan for the Town of Lanesborough.

This project involves the development of Pittsfield's 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Action Plan, a requirement of the City's status as a CDBG entitlement community.

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is serving as the agent of the five Rest of River municipalities (Lenox, Lee, Stockbridge, Great Barrington, Sheffield), and shall retain legal counsel approved by the municipalities. BRPC communicates the position of the municipalities to Counsel regarding filing of legal arguments during the EPA permit and appeals process, during the federal appeals and in negotiations. If it is deemed necessary by the municipalities to pursue litigation related to the river cleanup BRPC will communicate the position of the municipalities to Counsel for the purposes of pursuing the Appeals. BRPC is responsible for all coordination between Counsel and the municipalities; BRPC acts as the agent and representative of the municipalities, subject to advice and approval from the municipalities, in assisting Counsel in these matters; and BRPC acts as the municipalities’ fiscal agent.

This project involves assisting the town with evaluating potential zoning amendments to increase housing options in town and developing an assessment of potential wastewater options for the town center outside of relying on traditional septic systems.

This project involves the development of a new regional comprehensive plan that builds off the 2014 Sustainable Berkshires Plan.

This project includes the development of a Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Action Plan for the Town of West Stockbridge Affordable Housing Trust.

The project includes direct assistance to the Woodlands Partnership in understanding the feasibility of a National Heritage Area Designation. Primary tasks for the project include data collection and mapping.

BRPC worked with the town of Adams to conduct an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The project included an analysis of all town-owned properties, policies...

BRPC worked with the Great Barrington Planning Board to conduct an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The project included an analysis of all town-owned properties,...

Lee obtained funding from the Massachusetts Office on Disability to conduct an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, which establishes a roadmap to increase the accessibility...

Monterey obtained funding from the Massachusetts Office on Disability to conduct an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, which establishes a roadmap to increase the accessibility...

BRPC worked with the City of North Adams’ Commission on Disabilities and Office of Community Development to conduct an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The...

BRPC worked with the City of Pittsfield's Parks and Recreation Department to create an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The Massachusetts Office on Disability graciously...

BRPC worked with the town of Williamstown to develop an ADA Self Evaluation and Transition Plan. The project included an analysis of all town-owned properties,...

To further its efforts to create a more inclusive government, Alford obtained funding from the Massachusetts Office on Disability to conduct an ADA Self-Evaluation and...

A simple resource book providing an overview of the major responsibilities given to municipal planning boards in the Massachusetts land use process.