Development Services has a mandate to help the Greater Miramichi Region communities set an overall vision and policy for the development of land, conservation, cultural resources, facilities, infrastructure, services, transportation and future growth. Planning is a process under the Community Planning Act that relies on citizen involvement and is done to promote the public interest. Plans are ultimately adopted under the authority of an elected council or the Minister of Local Government and Local Governance Reform.

The development of municipal and rural plans, along with Zoning, Building, and Subdivision by-laws, are the main tools that a community has to see its vision for development become a reality. GMSC Development Services supports communities by providing planning advice and administering these by-laws that help guide and direct new development in accordance with their plans.