Department of Community Development
The Department of Community Development (DCD) is focused on helping businesses, developers, contractors and entrepreneurs doing business in Gorham.
Comprised of three divisions – Planning, Code Enforcement and Economic Development – our team is at the ready to pro-actively steward projects through the local approvals and permitting process. Whether you are an experienced business or a first-time small business owner, we work with you to better understand your needs and provide the right guidance to advance your project. Supporting business development starts with early engagement, and making sure each business has accurate and timely information to keep a project moving forward.
OUR APPROACH is centered on early engagement and clear communication on a project. A critical part of this approach involves bringing people together around the table to better understand the size and scope of a project. A business or developer is invited to present a future project at a weekly staff meeting, where representatives across departments (Planning, Code Enforcement, Fire Safety, Engineering, and Public Works) can weigh in and provide feedback based on local ordinances AND state regulations. Establishing this working relationship early reduces project delays and often yields better results down the road for the project and Gorham.
OUR SERVICES available to Gorham businesses include Site Selection Services, Technical Support, Local Grant Opportunities and various lending options available through our Revolving Loan Fund program. These services are available exclusively for Gorham businesses and designed to support both new and existing businesses looking to grow and expand.
CONTACT the Department of Community Development when you are ready to talk about your project. We are here to help you at every stage of a project, so there is no delay in you becoming part of the Gorham business community.
Resources
About the Economic Development Division
The Economic Development Division applies a pro-active and responsive approach to attracting and addressing the needs of Gorham’s business community across every industry. Local businesses and their workforce are fundamental assets to the Gorham community. We are committed to finding the answers to help advance projects and we work hard to make the right connections. That includes collaboration with Town departments, site selection services and introductions to local professional expertise (brokers, engineers, contractors, etc.). We also recognize the challenges faced by all businesses in a highly-competitive economy, and we have developed local lending and grant programs that are only available to Gorham businesses.
About the Planning Division
Located in the same office as Economic Development, the Planning Division provides professional and technical advice to those requiring assistance with the planning and development process. Tasked with review of both residential and commercial developments, the Planning Division can work with you to understand what is required for approval and steer you in the right direction. Close communication with Code Enforcement, Fire Safety and Public Works leads directly to a better experience on new commercial projects.
About the Planning Board
The Planning Board has the responsibility to review proposed development projects and make decisions on them in accordance with state statute and local bylaws and ordinances. If a project adheres to the state and local laws and ordinances, then it can be approved.
Planning Board members are appointed by the Town Council for a three (3) year term. The Board is comprised of up to seven (7) members. The Planning Board meets on the first Monday of every month in the Town Council Chambers. The Board may also hold a second meeting in the month if it is unable to hear all of the agenda items scheduled on the night of the first meeting.
The Planning Board meeting schedule and deadlines for submission can be found HERE. The deadline for the submission of new or revised applications and plans does not automatically guarantee that an application will be heard on the next Planning Board Agenda.
The Planning Division is responsible for finalizing all Planning Board meeting agendas and assembling all Department comments related to project submissions. In addition, Planning Division staff are available to help answer questions related to projects and submission requirements.
About the Code Enforcement Division
The Code Enforcement Division provides interpretation of the Gorham Land Use and Development Code and other state regulations. Code Enforcement issues Use Permits and other permits, as necessary, and Certificates of Occupancy to businesses after consideration of zoning regulations and compliance with applicable building codes and other laws. As part of the Department of Community Development, Code Enforcement staff meet regularly with Planning and Economic Development on projects. Code staff are a valuable resource available to answer your questions. Scheduling a preliminary walk-through with Code Enforcement can help identify any issues needing attention before permits and certificates of occupancy can be issued.
Contact Department of Community Development:
- Phone: (207) 222-1620
- Email: econdev@gorham.me.us
Additional Resources:
