Town Government
Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Select Board and the School Committee, much of Dunstable’s governing happens on volunteer boards and commissions. They review new development, hear zoning appeals, protect the town’s wetlands, farmland and open space, decide how the Community Preservation Act money gets spent, weigh in on historic places, and guide services for residents. They are the rooms where an ordinary resident can have the most direct hand in a decision.
Most members are appointed by the Select Board and serve fixed terms; a few, like the Water Commissioners and the Board of Assessors, are elected. The meetings are public, and seats open up regularly.
Key Boards & Commissions
- Planning Board reviews subdivisions, site plans, and major development.
- Zoning Board of Appeals hears variances and special permits.
- Conservation Commission protects Dunstable’s wetlands, the Nashua River, and open space.
- Advisory Board reviews the budget and advises Town Meeting on spending.
- Community Preservation Committee recommends how the town’s CPA surcharge is spent on open space, historic preservation, recreation, and housing.
- Board of Health oversees inspections, permits, and public health rules.
For the full roster, current members, vacancies, and schedules, see dunstable-ma.gov.
How to Serve
- Find an opening on the town’s boards and committees page.
- Submit a letter of interest or application to the Select Board office.
- Interview if asked, and await appointment by the Select Board.
- Serve: attend the public meetings and help make decisions for your town.
Serving on a board is one of the most direct ways to shape Dunstable.