On September 2, 2004 the Planning Board adopted the Ipswich Town Character Statement (TCS) ^{3.55MB Pdf} as a component of the Ipswich Community Development Plan.  The TCS, which describes the distinctive physical qualities and characteristics of Ipswich, is intended as a resource for developers, community members, and town officials.  Its recommendations and guidelines “encourage responsible development by promoting both aesthetic and functional ideas for design.”

The TCS was developed by the Town’s Department of Planning & Development, through the collective efforts of two British planners, a graduate student team from Tufts University, and planning staff.  Over eighty volunteers were involved in the initial photographic survey, which helped form the basis for the guidelines and recommendations found within the TCS.

The Ipswich TCS will be taken into consideration on all planning and development activities, to ensure that future development fits local surroundings and adds to the distinctive character of Ipswich.  Special permit granting authorities are also encouraged to use the guidelines described in the TCS to help determine whether or not a proposal meets the criterion “compatibility with neighborhood character.”  Thus, the more responsive a proposal is to the guidelines outlined in this report, the greater its chances of receiving favorable consideration from the Town’s permit granting authorities.

In addition to this on-line version, the TCS is available at the public library and for sale ($ 10 per copy) from the Town Clerk’s Office. 

Questions or comments about the TCS should be made to Planning Director .