Deadline:
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Position Objectives
The following positions are available:
- Regular Seat, 3-year unexpired term ending on June 30, 2027.
- Regular Seat, 3-year term ending on June 30, 2028.
- Alternate Seat, 3-year unexpired term ending June 30, 2027.
The alternate can attend all hearings, but may only vote when a regular member is absent or recuses.
Meeting Information
Meetings begin at 7:00 PM on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, and typically last 2-2.5 hours, but occasionally run as long as 3.5 hours.
Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe DRB consists of a 7-member Board and 1 alternate, all are appointed by the Selectboard for staggered three-year terms. The DRB applies the Unified Development Bylaw (WDB) to proposed projects, with recommendations from the two advisory boards: Conservation Commission (WCC) and Historic and Design Advisory Commission (HDAC), as applicable. This includes site plan and subdivision review. The Board also reviews Certificates of Appropriateness in the Village Zoning District, and appeals of Zoning Administrator decisions.
DRB Process Information
- For each application, the DRB receives a staff report that assesses it for compliance with the bylaw. The report includes a draft decision with findings of fact, conclusions of law, and conditions of approval.
- On the Thursday before a hearing, staff reports are posted online and complete packets containing the report and all application materials (including 11 x 17 civil plans) are made available for pick-up. Night/weekend pick-up is available. It is essential that members thoroughly review materials before each meeting.
- DRB meetings include a public hearing for each application. A hearing is a quasi-judicial proceeding (i.e. like court). The DRB first hears the staff report , then takes testimony from the applicant and members of the public. If more information is needed (infrequent), the hearing may be continued to a date certain.
- Once the hearing is closed, the DRB enters a closed deliberative session (just DRB and staff; recused members exit the room) to discuss the testimony and, if necessary, modify the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and/or conditions of approval.
- Following deliberative session, the DRB reenters public session and takes a vote.
- Application denials are very rare. Planning staff meet with prospective applicants ahead of time to review bylaw requirements and identify any proposals that are clearly non‑compliant or in need of substantial revisions prior to submission.
Minimum Requirements
Williston residents are eligible, and non-Williston residents are also eligible for up to 3 of the 7 seats.
Desirable Training and ExperienceStrongly preferred, but not required:
- Ability to read land surveys, topographic maps, aerial photographs, construction drawings, land development plans, and maps
- Experience in architecture, engineering, land surveying, construction, wildlife or wetlands ecology, legal professions, or other related field
- Experience with the interpretation and administration of duly-adopted regulatory documents, similar or comparable to the Unified Development Bylaw
