The following are the steps that an applicant must follow in order to apply to the Commission for approval of a DRI. These steps are explained in more detail in the document The DRI Application. Applicants may also request a pre-application meeting with staff to discuss the project and/or review process. 

Obtaining Documents

Before preparing your application, you should obtain or consult the following documents. Please confirm with the DRI Coordinator that you have the latest version of each document.

• The DRI Process
• The DRI Application
• DRI Application Form
• DRI Procedures (Regulations)
• MVC Act (Chapter 831) - The MVC's enabling legislation. Refer in particular to sections 14 and 15, which outline the criteria that the Commission uses in weighing the potential benefits and detriments of a proposal
• DRI Policies

Please also obtain the latest DRI Fee Schedule from the DRI Coordinator.

Pre-Application Meeting with Staff

Although not required, you may contact the DRI Coordinator to set up a pre-application meeting with MVC staff at which staff will review the submission requirements and answer the applicant's technical and procedural questions. You should bring any plans, studies, or information on the property and/or proposal to this meeting. Staff of the referring municipal agency (e.g. the administrator of a planning board) may be invited to attend to help clarify procedures.

Prepare Application

Begin to fill out the application form and prepare the other materials that constitute a complete application, including any material requested by staff. Detailed instructions are described in The DRI Application. 

Staff-Applicant Meeting

This is a meeting with MVC staff to discuss the project. Staff will identify any additional information that is needed to complete the application. This is also another chance for you to ask any questions about the process. Once staff determines that the application is ready, it will schedule an initial meeting of the Land Use Planning Committee (see below).

Draft Staff Report

Before the Land Use Planning Committee meeting, staff will prepare a draft report outlining the project history and proposal, administrative matters, planning concerns, and any other information that may be useful during the decision-making process. 

Initial Meeting of the Land Use Planning Committee

The Land Use Planning Committee (LUPC) is a sub-committee of the Commission and meets on Zoom. At this initial meeting you are given an opportunity to explain the proposal, discuss the project informally with commissioners and staff, and get feedback as to the issues and concerns that should be addressed during the public hearing. The LUPC will determine the scope of the required transportation study (or waive the study) and will indicate what additional studies or information are needed to complete the application.

Town officials, including members of the referring board, are strongly encouraged to participate in this meeting so that the LUPC can get a sense of their feelings about the proposal. While this meeting is open to the public, public comment is not generally allowed; occasionally, in the interest of clarification, a member of the public may be asked a question, or may be allowed to comment. No comments made by town officials or the public at this time are considered part of the public hearing record. There may be several meetings of the LUPC and the applicant.

Completion and Submission of the Application

The complete application is filed with the DRI coordinator. The application consists of the Application Form as well as all accompanying documents as outlined in the document The DRI Application. Note that meetings of the full Commission, including public hearings, will not be scheduled until staff and/or the LUPC determine that the application is complete. 

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