There are no special prerequisites to serving in this position, not even residency. Ideally, the administrator is a person who understands how to administer a code, who has a good sense of diplomacy, and who has the courage to stand firm when the rules require it. The administrator is charged with the responsibility of interpreting and enforcing the zoning bylaws literally. If the bylaws set a fifty-foot setback in one zone, the administrator has no choice but to insist on it or deny the application. The administrator can only issue a permit if the proposals fits snugly within the confines of the bylaws.
Enforcement is another responsibility of the administrator.
If a citizen builds in spite of what the bylaws say, the administrator may take the offender to court and seek a fine or a court order to remove the violation. The planning commission is appointed by the board of selectmen. It writes and reviews the plan, map, and bylaws in most cases, although voters equal to five percent of the checklist can petition the commission to review their other proposals. Bylaws may also grant the commission the power to conduct a site plan review in cases of developments other than single residences. In his duty, the commission is limited to a review of the adequacy of traffic access, circulation and parking, landscaping and screening, and protecting the utilization of renewable energy resources.