Plans of Conservation and Development & Master Plans

Table of Contents

Introduction
Why Bother?
Planning Process Overview
CT Statutory Requirements
MA Statutory Requirements
QSHC Examples
Helpful Links
Other Resources

 

Planning Process Overview

1. Community Inventory – An inventory provides a snapshot of your community that is a solid base to plan from.  It is only through analyzing your community’s inventory that you will know what your community’s strengths and weaknesses are and be able to move forward to plan for your future.  Your inventory should include:

a. Natural and Cultural Resources b. Socio-Economic Data i. Demographics – population & trends, etc ii. Housing iii. Economy c. Community Facilities i. Infrastructure ii. Schools iii. Transportation iv. Recreation v. Other municipal facilities

2. Public Participation – It is very important to involve the residents of your community in the planning process.  If the public is educated about the strategies of the plan and they are involved in decision-making, they will be more likely to support implementation efforts.  Options for involving the public include:

a. Steering committees
b. Surveys
c. Focus groups
d. Interviews with community leaders
e. Public meetings
f. Visual preference surveys

3. Community Vision – Developing an overarching community vision – one statement that can easily be referred to for direction throughout the planning process – is another key activity.  Involve the public in developing your vision.  The next step should be the development of more specific goals and policies to further guide your community and future plan implementation.

4. Build-out Analysis – This optional tool can help your community visualize its future and understand future growth potential.

5. Fiscal Impact Analysis – Another optional tool, Cost of Community Service Studies, provide an analysis of your community’s costs and revenues on a land use basis to help your community better understand implications of land use decision making.  (See Economics of Land Use)

6. Community Analysis – Once you have gathered the above information - the inventory, public input and other planning tools – it is time to determine what your community’s opportunities and constraints are.  Consider what growth and conservation strategies make the most sense for your community based on this analysis and develop a series of recommendations.

Remember – Your community’s plan should be a guide.  It should provide a good mix and balance of land uses and opportunities for all residents.

7. Land Use Plan – A land use plan map is a very useful tool to communicate the goals and strategies of your POCD or Master Plan.  It is often easier to convey a message to a large audience through graphics.  Plan maps can be posted on the wall in your town hall, library and even mailed to residents.  A land use plan map is also useful as a reference when pursuing implementation measures.  Your land use plan should identify:

a. Conservation Areas

i. Natural resources
ii. Agricultural resources
iii. Important views
iv. Historic resources

b. Growth Centers

i. Existing village centers – infill & potential expansion
ii. Other areas where infrastructure is readily available
iii. New centers with higher density and a mix of uses

c. Transition Areas

i. Lower densities with conservation subdivision options to protect open space ii. through the development process.

d. Other Use-Specific Areas

i. Industrial
ii. Business center
iii. Neighborhood, commercial
iv. University, etc.

8. Implementation Strategy – This element is critical to making sure your plan is carried out.  Giving specific guidance here will increase the likelihood of your plan becoming reality.

a. Be specific
b. Identify who, when and how
c. Update land use regulations
d. Pursue:

i. Open space and agricultural protection opportunities
ii. Appropriate economic development
iii. Expansion or replacement of public facilities
iv. Other community priorities