Town Government
Southborough Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Select Board and the school committees, much of Southborough’s governing happens on volunteer boards and commissions. They review new development, hear zoning appeals, protect the town’s wetlands and open space, weigh in on historic places, and steer money set aside for parks, housing, and preservation. They are the rooms where an ordinary resident can have the most direct hand in a decision.
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 Southborough’s wetlands, floodplains, and open space.
- Advisory Committee reviews the budget and advises Town Meeting on spending.
- Board of Health oversees inspections, permits, and public health rules.
- Community Preservation Committee recommends how the town spends its Community Preservation funds on open space, housing, and historic resources.
- Historical Commission helps protect the town’s historic buildings and places.
For the full roster, current members, vacancies, and schedules, see southboroughma.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.
- 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 Southborough.