Community Master Plans

Rochester Master Plan

Welcome to the Rochester Master Plan Project Page! This web page is your home base for all things related to the Master Plan. Please explore all the background information, data, maps, drawings, and other content - and be sure to check back regularly for new information and online and in-person events.

Master Plan Now Live! Click Below.

Welcome to the Rochester Master Plan Project Page!

Rochester's Master Plan Committee worked closely with Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) to develop this new master plan and now the Rochester Master Plan will help guide the future of the town for the next 10 years.

What is a Master Plan?

A Comprehensive Plan - also known as a "Master Plan" in Massachusetts General Law - can be many things. It is a narrative that tells the story of Rochester’s history and the experience of living in town today. It is a technical document that considers population, market, and land use changes in order to understand where we are now - and to chart a course for tomorrow. It is a policy document that lays out a consensus vision for Rochester and articulates the strategies and actions that will help the town meet its goals. In short, it is a long-range plan that helps guide the town, that builds trust by making transparent decisions, and that bases those decisions on accurate information and public input.  For more detail, please see "Elements of a Master Plan" (below) or these examples from nearby towns.

Photos and Videos

We want to see your pictures of your favorite places in town! Send photos of your favorite parks, farms, and views to enviro@srpedd.org to have them featured on the site and in master plan promotional materials.

Interactive Maps

Elements of a Master Plan

According to Massachusetts General Law, a Master Plan has nine required "elements" (or "chapters"). We post drafts of each element here as they are created, and welcome comments on any section.

  1. The Statement of Goals and Policies sets out Lakeville's vision for the future. It presents community values, goals, and the land use objectives that will meet these goals.
  2. The Land Use Element describes Lakeville’s current and future land use patterns, including proposed locations for various types of activity, such as residences, businesses, and recreation, and the preferred relative intensity of development across the town’s diverse built landscapes.
  3. The Housing Element creates a plan to meet the town's housing needs, which are identified using demographic and market information.
  4. The Economic Development Element identifies strategies for growing the town's economy by building upon local strengths and bringing new and compatible opportunities to Lakeville.
  5. The Natural and Cultural Resources Element is an opportunity for Lakeville to highlight and take stock of its natural, cultural, and historic resources.
  6. The Open Space and Recreation Element describes existing open space and recreational facilities in town and aligns plans for future recreation and open space with project population needs.
  7. The Services and Facilities Element identifies existing and anticipated needs for public infrastructure and services.
  8. The Circulation and Transportation Element provides an inventory of existing and proposed transportation infrastructure and services across all modes including private cars, public transit, and bicycle and pedestrian routes.
  9. The Implementation section provides a blueprint and schedule for making the master plan a reality.