Flintstone-Oldtown Planning Region Comprehensive Plan Kick-Off Meeting June 23, 2010 Insert pictures

What is Land Use Planning?  An orderly, open approach to determining local needs, setting goals and priorities, and developing a guide for action.  A concentrated effort by a community to reach a balance between the natural environment and residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural activities.  A guide for public officials to use in making informed decisions that will affect their community.

land use housing economic development/mineral resources water resources sensitive resources infrastructure transportation agriculture & forest lands What is a Land Use Plan? Multi-disciplinary approach to land use policy-making plan

Why Plan? To ensure effective and efficient allocation of resources. To achieve balanced land use planning goals and objectives. To incorporate residents’ vision for the future. To comply with Article 66B requirements.

Article 66B: MD’s Land Use Enabling Law What are 66B’s requirements? Update comprehensive plan every 6 years Public input and review Consistency with 1992 Planning Act Consistency with House Bill 1141 Local Planning Commission Approval Local Elected Official Adoption State Review

Timeline of the Comprehensive Plan 20 month timeline 10 months – production of 1 st draft ≈ 12 months – 1 st public review 14 months – Planning Commission Acceptance 18 months – Planning Commission Approval 20 months – Planning Commission Review and Adoption

How does the Planning Region Relate to the County?

Two Primary Components Of the Comprehensive Plan Development Philosophy/Vision (example) “Plan for new development in a manner that accommodates projected demand while conserving the natural assets of Planning Region” The Comprehensive Land Use Plan Leads to Comprehensive Zoning Plan Forms basis for all Land Use Decisions

Elements of the Comprehensive Plan Background Studies Summary of existing conditions and future vision Demographics Population (age, race, etc.) Employment data Age

The Elements continued  Housing Composition Median Value Age and condition Affordable housing Senior housing Owner/renter occupied Vacancies Insert pictures

The Elements continued Land Use Composition Development patterns New development Land use changes Future land use E.g., zoning implementation, code changes, etc. Insert pictures

The Elements continued  Public Facilities (Infrastructure) Water and Sewer Solid Waste Police, Fire, EMS Schools Libraries Medical Insert pictures

The Elements continued Water Resources Water supply demand & limitations Sewer service supply & limitations Septic system loads Stormwater run-off & management needs Impervious cover Water quality considerations

The Elements continued Recreational Resources Inventory Improvements Needs Recommendations Insert pictures

The Elements continued Economic Development Inventory Employment scenarios Future vision/alternative futures Recommendations Insert pictures

The Elements continued Transportation Examines the local & regional transportation network Assesses transportation needs Insert pictures

The Elements continued Mineral Resources Addresses sub-surface excavation activities Examines other extraction uses

The Elements continued Agricultural Lands, Forestland and Natural Resources Prime forestland Prime agricultural lands Soils productivity Land conservation programs State Lands

The Elements continued Sensitive Areas Protection Streams, floodplains and wetlands Rare, threatened and endangered species Forest Interior Dwelling Species Habitat Area Topography, slopes and soil Viewshed protection Wellhead Protection Programs

The Elements continued Implementation Explains infrastructure, environmental and other constraints to new development Discusses the County’s opportunities to balance new development with environmental constraints Provides recommendations for potential opportunities to address limitations

Public Participation - Survey

Public Participation – Your Input Breakout Sessions Development philosophy New housing development Mineral resources and other mining opportunities Environmental considerations Public services (fire, emergency, roads, schools, etc.) Existing conditions and concerns

Questions?