Town Government
Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Select Board and the School Committee, much of Sheffield’s governing happens on volunteer boards and commissions. They approve new development, hear zoning appeals, protect the wetlands along the Housatonic and the town’s farmland and open space, 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. The meetings are public, and seats open up regularly.
Key Boards & Commissions
- Planning Board reviews subdivisions, site plans, and major development, and meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays.
- Zoning Board of Appeals hears variances and special permits.
- Conservation Commission protects Sheffield’s wetlands, rivers, and open space, and meets on the second and fourth Mondays.
- Finance Committee reviews the budget and advises Town Meeting on spending.
- Board of Health oversees septic permits, inspections, and public health rules, and meets on the second Tuesday.
- Agricultural Commission and Historical Commission speak for the town’s working farms and its historic places, from the Ashley House to the Old Covered Bridge.
For the full roster, current members, vacancies, and schedules, see sheffieldma.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 Sheffield.