Planning

Mission

The mission of the Planning Department's is to guide growth and development of the Town in a thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable manner. We aim to protect the character and natural resources of the community, support a resilient economy, ensure equitable access to housing, and encourage a livability and prosperity for current and future generations.

About Us 

Our team is comprised of five members with each member coming from diverse backgrounds such as regional and city planning, community development, and environmental engineering. We strive to provide excellent customer service and delivery of services; actively and develop programs, plans, and regulations that are aligned with town-identified priorities. The Planning Department provides direct staff support to eight different boards, committees, commissions, and task forces.

Strategic Approach

The Bar Harbor 2035 Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the voters on June 10, 2025, acts as the foundation for our planning initiatives.

However, this is the community's plan and will be used to guide individuals and organizations in decision making to invest in the community and to enhance the quality of life for people in Bar Harbor. 

Aligning with the Bar Harbor 2035 Future Vision

Together, we build upon our diverse economic strengths and, through partnerships, we create solutions that meet year-round and seasonal needs. Our resilient and sustainable community includes sufficient equitable housing, robust infrastructure, and efficient transportation. We work through our differences to strengthen our collective sense of community. We take care of each other, and we take care of our place. — The Bar Harbor 2035 Comprehensive Plan Future VisionBar Harbor 2035 symbols- connected

The Bar Harbor 2035 Comprehensive Plan recognizes that the Planning Themes connect and interrelate (see the image to the right). The themed approach allows the Town to achieve their specific goals while balancing the variety of other community needs and desires. This strategic approach will facilitate systems thinking instead of working in silos, ensuring we meet the community's overall vision.

Each theme provides a summary of the known issues and opportunities and how other topics interrelate. Some sections even recommend how overlapping themes can be addressed jointly. These themes are interconnected, inform each other, and will be informed by two overarching planning frameworks to guide future planning efforts. The Planning Themes are intended to act as further guidance when implementing the Future Vision and Future Land Use Strategy.

To access the Bar Harbor 2035 Comprehensive Plan, click this link to visit our Comprehensive Plan page: https://www.barharbormaine.gov/501/Comprehensive-Plan

Bar Harbor 2035 Navigation Guide

When reviewing a big document like Bar Harbor 2035, it’s easy to focus only on sections of interest and lose sight of the big picture. However, the most important part of this Plan is how all the different puzzle pieces come together. This guide highlights the Plan’s big picture to help readers better understand how all the Plan’s details connect to each other.

Link to access the Navigation Guide: https://www.barharbormaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8041/Navigation-Guide-8x11_digital_January-27-2025-revisions

Bar Harbor 2035 Executive Summary

The Executive Summary is meant to provide a concise overview of the Bar Harbor 2035 Comprehensive Plan’s key points. It provides the highlights of the Comprehensive Plan and a general idea of what is included in the Plan. While the best way to understand the details of the Comprehensive Plan is to read it in its entirety, this executive summary should provide a working understanding of the plan’s key points.

Link to access the Executive Summary: 

https://www.barharbormaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8065/FINAL_Bar-Harbor-2035-Comprehensive-Plan---Executive-Summary-Real-Estate-Flyer

Projects by Planning Theme

Seeing and understanding the strength and effectiveness of the themed approach as an organizational structure, the Planning Department decided to organize its work accordingly.

All Planning Department projects can be found in the corresponding themed webpages which are linked below. 

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Other Strategic and Guiding Documents

Planning and Development Review

All planning and development applications are reviewed and approved by staff and the associated boards adhering to the rules and regulations within in the Town's Land Use Ordinance.

  • Land Use Ordinance (Click here to review Chapter 125 of the Town Code)
    • Article III Land Use Activities and Standards describes what uses, structures, and activities are allowed in each zoning district along with the associated permitting authority that would review and approve the project application. This section will inform you whether or not your project needs approval from the Code Enforcement Officer or Planning Board (Site Plan Review).
    • Zoning Map
  • Prospective Applicants: For applicants interested in submitting a project application, please visit the related Board's webpage listed below for blank application forms and associated fees.
    • Projects requiring site plan review, go to the Planning Board webpage.
    • Projects proposed in the Design Review Overlay District, go to the Design Review Board webpage.
  • General Public: For members of the public interested in learning about development projects under review, visit the review board's webpages. The Planning Board webpage also includes an archive for projects that have been approved within the past few years. 
  • Boards, Committees, & Taskforces