The Planning Board's responsibility is to review all proposals affecting land use in the Town. This Board approves Plats, conducts and approves or disapproves site plan reviews, subdivisions and also reviews Building Permit Applications in the Historic District. This Board may be advisory. 

The Zoning Board's responsibility is to interpret the Town Code and review Applications for Special Use Permits and Variances (area and use) based upon the Code. This Board is not advisory. 

The Planning Board has ten members with 7-year terms. The Zoning Board has six members with 5-year terms. The Code Enforcement Officer issues work permits and enforces the code of the Town.

The public is welcome to attend the Planning Board meetings, which are held the fourth Thursday of each month at 2 First Street in Athens. The Zoning Board meets the first Tuesday of each month.