Planning for a Vibrant Community

Introduction Planning is a process that involves: –Assessing current conditions; envisioning a desired future; charting a course towards that future Municipalities not required to adopt a plan; a plan is required prior to adopting any land use regulations Plan itself is final product, there is as much or more value in process of engaging stakeholders

Overview 1.This section reviews legal and practical elements of local land use planning –Steps in the process –Nature of the process –Public participation –State planning goals –Required elements of the plan –Regional planning process

Steps in the Process 1.Design the planning program –Design outreach strategy –Select consultant –Identify sources of technical assistance 2.Collect and analyze background information –Might include surveys or other information reflecting a community’s aspirations, problems, and opportunities

Steps in the Process 3.Establish goals and objectives –Housing, transportation, infrastructure 4.Outline recommended actions to achieve those goals and objectives 5.Create an implementation program –Both regulatory and non-regulatory options 6.Adopt the plan 7.Implement the plan 8.Evaluate the plan and planning program

Nature of the Process By design, planning requires a lot of participation by diverse stakeholders Land use issues evoke strong emotional responses about government, private property, and the public interest Planning can challenge patience of those involved, but offers unique opportunity Golden rule of planning: include public and interested parties at every possible step

Public Participation Planning commission is not only entity that plans; others must be involved in process Include general public, legislative body, citizen groups, local chamber, etc. Public participation has long been a hallmark of effective planning Can be difficult to do well

Public Participation Strategies Community Visioning Sessions –Brings large numbers of community members together –Most effective for determining values and broad goals Community Planning Survey –Offers higher degree of control over subject matter –Attracts different participants than visioning session –Weakness is inability to hear from others Technology –Virtual bulletin board or listserv

State Planning Goals Process Goals –Establish a coordinated, comprehensive planning process…to guide decisions by municipalities, regional planning commissions and state agencies –Encourage citizen participation at all levels –Consider the use of resources and consequences of growth –Encourage municipalities to work together to develop and implement plans

State Planning Content Goals 1.Maintain historic settlement pattern of compact village and urban centers 2.Provide strong and diverse economy 3.Broaden access to educational and vocational training 4.Provide safe, convenient, economic, and energy efficient transportation system 5.Identify and preserve important natural and historic features

State Planning Content Goals 6.Maintain and improve quality of air, water, wildlife, and land resources 7.Encourage efficient energy use and develop renewable energy resources 8.Maintain and enhance recreational opportunities 9.Encourage and strengthen agricultural and forest industries

State Planning Content Goals 10.Provide wise and efficient use of natural resources 11.Ensure availability of safe and affordable housing 12.Provide an efficient system of public facilities 13.Ensure availability of safe and affordable child care

State Goals Summary Process goals provide a vision of a process –coordinated across levels of government –involves citizens –considers the consequence of growth –encourages municipalities to work together Content Goals –help ensure that plans are coordinated. –reflect the Legislature's vision for how lands will be developed. –compliance with goals is required for approval by RPC

Required Elements 1.Statement of objectives, policies, & programs 2.Land use plan (map and statement) 3.Transportation plan (map and statement) 4.Utility and facility plan (map and statement) 5.Statement on preservation of rare and irreplaceable areas and historic resources

Required Elements 6.Educational facilities plan (map and statement) 7.Recommended implementation program 8.Statement of how plan relates to plans of neighboring communities and region 9.Energy plan 10.Housing element

Addressing Local Concerns State law provides a structure and certain elements that must be considered Municipalities have significant flexibility to determine scope and content of plan

Significant Diversity in Local Plans Randolph’s 2004 plan recommends new zoning districts to protect village and agriculture Essex’s 2006 plan recommends improving water quality in two impaired watersheds Mendon’s 2005 plan recommends encouraging growth of home businesses

Regional Planning Process Plans must also be updated every five years Address same process and content goals Similar required elements. Plans approved by board of commissioners One of RPC’s functions is to harmonize local plans with regional plans Approved plans allow municipalities to attain village or downtown designation and requires state agencies to consider local plan in their planning

Planning for a Vibrant Community Summary An engaging planning process is critical to creating a vibrant community Public participation is a fundamental component of that process State law provides both goals and required elements to guide the process Each plan should reflect local goals, objectives,and implementation strategies