What is an Approval Not Required Plan (ANR)?

Also known as an "81-p plan" or "Form A plan", it is a type of land division which does not require a formal review process by the Planning Board. Generally, all lots shown on an ANR plan must have frontage on an existing public way, except in the case of land transfers between properties. The plan is then entitled to endorsement by the Planning Board as "Approval Not Required" without notification of abutters or a public hearing. The plan is then recorded at the Registry of Deeds.