Town Government
Shelburne Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Selectboard and the School Committee, much of Shelburne’s governing happens on volunteer boards and commissions. They approve new development, hear zoning appeals, protect the wetlands and the land along the Deerfield River, decide how the town spends its Community Preservation money, 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 Selectboard 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, meeting the first Tuesday of the month.
- Zoning Board of Appeals hears variances and special permits.
- Conservation Commission protects Shelburne’s wetlands, rivers, and open space.
- Finance Committee reviews the budget and advises Town Meeting on spending.
- Community Preservation Committee recommends how the town spends its Community Preservation money, which funded the 2026 purchase of the Wheel-View Farm development rights.
- Board of Health oversees inspections, permits, and public health rules.
For the full roster, current members, vacancies, and schedules, see townofshelburnema.gov.
How to Serve
- Find an opening on the town’s boards and committees page.
- Submit a letter of interest or application to the Selectboard office.
- Interview if asked, and await appointment by the Selectboard.
- 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 Shelburne.