Town Government
Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Select Board and the School Committee, much of Falmouth’s governing happens on volunteer boards and commissions. They approve new development, hear zoning appeals, protect wetlands and ponds, guide services for older residents, and steer how the town spends its Community Preservation money. With Falmouth holding miles of coast and thousands of acres of open space, these boards carry real weight. They are also 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. 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 Falmouth’s wetlands, ponds, and coastal resources.
- Board of Health oversees inspections, clinics, and public health rules.
- Community Preservation Committee recommends how the town spends its Community Preservation Act funds on open space, housing, and historic preservation.
- Commission on Disabilities works on access and the rights of residents with disabilities.
- Historical Commission helps protect the town’s historic buildings and districts.
For the full roster, current members, vacancies, and schedules, see falmouthma.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 Falmouth.