Despite tremendous growth since the 1970s, the Vineyard has largely preserved its unique character. We have avoided inappropriate development typical of the mainland: hillsides covered with suburban sprawl, farmland transformed into strip malls, beaches lined with motels. For the most part, the Vineyard's environment, quality of life, unique amenities, and sense of place have been preserved, and are the foundation of our economy.

Here is a quick overview of some of the Commission's main functions. 

Special District Designation

The ability for Island towns to create Districts of Critical Planning Concern (DCPCs) through the MVC has greatly benefited the Island. In short, a district may be nominated by a town board or public petition, with regulations then drafted by the town and adopted by the MVC, voted on by town residents, and finally codified in the town bylaws. A total of 21 DCPCs have been adopted on the Vineyard since 1974, including the initial Coastal, Island Roads, and Special Places districts, which still form the backbone of regional efforts to protect the Island's most sensitive areas.

Regional Development Review

Since 1974, hundreds of the most significant development projects on the Vineyard have been reviewed as Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs). Some were approved as presented and a few were denied, but the vast majority were significantly improved during the review process, thanks to the MVC's ability to manage development with powers beyond those of the towns. For example:

• Septic system design and placement have been improved to protect the Island's coastal ponds and freshwater supply.
• Site designs have been modified to maximize open space and minimize traffic impacts.
• Proposed buildings have been set back and screened from roads and shores to preserve the Island's rural character.

Chapter 831 charges the Commission to review DRIs in terms of their likely impacts on the environment, housing, municipal services, and other factors. In most cases, such projects are referred to the Commission by a town permitting agency, based on a checklist of development types that is updated every few years. 

Planning and Research

MVC staff provides technical assistance to the seven towns in Dukes County, in regard to master planning, open space, transportation, climate resilience, housing, water quality, harbor planning, and other areas. In addition, staff manages Islandwide planning efforts such as the 2022 Vineyard Climate Action Plan, FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plans, Long-Range Regional Transportation Plans, and much more.  

Staff has undertaken many large and small research projects over the years, often funded by grants from private and public agencies. Some recent examples include Islandwide housing needs assessments, coastal pond water quality monitoring and assessment, historic building inventories, data reports, and public service analyses. 

Facilitating Implementation

The MVC's planning work can identify implementation measures and help get them going. For example, the MVC played a lead role in establishing the Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority in the 1980s, helped facilitate the establishment of Arts Martha's Vineyard (a collaborative dedicated to fostering and promoting cultural tourism and the creative economy) in the early 2000s, and more recently has helped advance the testing and installation of alternative waste treatment technologies.