The search is on for a new planning director as John Hansen announced he will resign from the post at the Planning Board’s June 25 meeting.

After 3.5 years, Hansen's last day on the job is Friday. In his role, he oversees everything from Planning Board meetings and what is discussed to making sure plans comply with town zoning bylaws and standards.

Over the years, Hansen has seen the growth of the town and provided insight to many bylaw reforms. This included the overhaul of the town's site plan review bylaw, which was passed in 2016. It had been debated for a decade prior to him taking over as the planning director.

However, there is one thing Hansen is sad he won’t be able to see come to light: the Harbor Master Plan, which is currently still in the works.

As for what he’ll miss most about Dartmouth, it will be the natural and scenic qualities of the town.

While a search is ongoing for Hansen’s replacement, the board will also seek an interim director. The reasoning was a need to have someone in the position to help smooth things along as deadlines for Fall Town Meeting approach.

Hansen will begin his new job as the Town Planner of Swansea in July. It was a move he decided to make because of the proximity to his home and family in Somerset.

“That improvement on my quality of life, not having the commute and being closer to my family was to hard to pass up,” Hansen said.