A TOUR OF THE 1997 Comprehensive Land Use Plan

1
A TOUR OF THE1997 Comprehensive Land Use Plan

• Commission Meeting
• December 8, 2004

2
Land Use Regulation Law

• LURC Statute requires plan adoption
• Not later than January 1, 1975 the commission
  shall adopt an official comprehensive land use
  plan for the unorganized and deorganized
  townships of the State.Such plan shall guide
  the commission in developing specific land use
  standards and delineating district boundaries and
  guiding development and generally fulfilling the
  purposes of this chapter.- 12 M.R.S.A. 685-C
• Division of Powers
• Plan must be approved by Governor (versus LURC
  rules must be approved by Legislature).

3
Framework for Regulations

• Land Use Regulation Law
• Comprehensive Land Use Plan
• Districts and Standards
• Land Use Guidance Maps

4
A Road Map of the Plan

• Background Information
• Ch 1 - About the Commission
• Ch 2 - The Jurisdiction and its Residents
• Ch 3 - Natural and Cultural Resources
• Ch 4 - Development Trends
• Appendices

and lays the groundwork
Adjacency Principle (122, 127)
Development Guidelines (C-4)
Lake Concept Plans (C-5)
Principal Values (114)

• Chapter 5 Goals and Policies
• Vision for the Jurisdiction
• Goals and Policies

• Chapter 6 Implementation

5
Creating a Shared Vision
Why are we here? What are we committed to?
What kind of agency do we want to be? What kind
of place do we want the jurisdiction to be?
6
Why is a Vision Important?

• A clarification of our values and commitments
• The foundation for all agency actions
• An image of the ideal future
• Provides a sense of meaning, direction and purpose

7
Key Elements of a Vision

• Inspirational and optimistic A vision gives us
  a sense of meaning and purpose, it feeds the
  soul.
• Ambitious A vision stretches us to imagine
  exciting possibilities and revolutionary change.
• Forward-looking A vision is characterized by a
  dissatisfaction of the status quo, and a belief
  that something better is attainable.
• Unique A vision communicates what makes us
  singular and unequaled, it makes us stand out in
  the crowd. Such uniqueness fosters pride.
• Simple A vision is a simple and to-the-point
  statement, but it paints a vivid picture that
  portrays its meaning.
• Shared A vision is inclusive of everyones
  aspirations, not just the leaderships view. It
  is a statement of shared values.

An ideal and unique image of the future for the
common good.
8
A Few Examples
Inspirational? Ambitious? Forward-looking?
Unique? Simple? Shared?

• My overall goal is nothing less than to preserve
  our natural legacy, to undo past damage and to
  build a truly sustainable Maine way of life
• Baldaccis Vision on the Environment.
• create and maintain a safe, efficient and
  economical transportation system that is cost
  effective, energy efficient, environmentally
  sound and responsive to the diverse needs and
  values of the people of Maine.
• - Maine DOT
• To be the worlds best in chemicals and
  electronic imaging.
• - Eastman KODAK
• The Bureau will be recognized as a leader in
  developing and generating innovative approaches
  to workplace health, safety and labor rights.
  Emphasizing quality and professionalism, the
  Bureau will be a catalyst in creating
  partnerships and networks that maximize existing
  resources and create avenues for change.
• - Bureau of Labor Standards

9
A Few Examples, continued
Inspirational? Ambitious? Forward-looking?
Unique? Simple? Shared?

• In carrying out our mission, we will work with
  absolute integrity and an unwavering commitment
  to excellence. We are committed to
• Identifying and satisfying the requirements of
  our customers and earning their respect by
  communicating openly, clearly, courteously, and
  promptly and by encouraging broad participation
  in our proceedings
• Being sensitive to the overall impact of our
  actions and protecting ratepayers who lack
  competitive alternatives
• Encouraging teamwork while acknowledging the
  importance of our individual talents and
  expertise, and celebrating our different roles
  and contributions
• Fostering a professionally challenging,
  creative, and healthful work environment that is
  in harmony with our needs as individuals and
  providing opportunities for professional and
  personal development
• Treating each other with respect and courtesy,
  encouraging open dialog and communication, and
  recognizing that the work of every employee is
  important to the success of the Commission
• Being considerate and taking into account the
  impact of our actions on each other and
• Continually evaluating the substance and process
  of our work in order to increase our
  effectiveness and efficiency and to improve the
  regulatory process.
• We believe the commitment of each and every
  employee is vital to achieving our vision.

• - Maine Public Utilities Commission

10
LURC Sources for Guidance

• Statutory Purpose and Scope Land Use Law
• Commissions Broad Goals 1997 CLUP
• Commissions Vision for the Future 1997 CLUP

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Our Statutory Purpose Scope
This is why LURC was created 12 M.R.S.A. 681

• Extend principles of sound planning, zoning and
  subdivision control to the jurisdiction
• Preserve public health, safety and general
  welfare
• Prevent inappropriate uses detrimental to the
  proper use or value of the jurisdiction
• Prevent the intermixing of incompatible
  activities
• Provide for appropriate residential,
  recreational, commercial and industrial uses
• Prevent the development of substandard structures
  or structures located unduly close to waters or
  roads
• Prevent the despoliation, pollution and
  inappropriate use of the waters of the
  jurisdiction
• Preserve ecological and natural values
• Encourage the well-planned and well-managed
  multiple use of land and resources
• Encourage the appropriate use of land by the
  residents of Maine and visitors in pursuit of
  outdoor recreation

12
Commissions Broad Goals
A reiteration of our statutory purpose and scope
statement CLUP, p.134

• Support and promote management of all resources,
  based on principles of sound planning and
  multiple use, to enhance the living and working
  conditions of the people of Maine, ton ensure
  separation of incompatible uses, and to ensure
  the continued availability of outstanding quality
  water, air, forest, wildlife and other natural
  resource values of the jurisdiction.
• Conserve, protect and enhance the natural
  resources of the jurisdiction primarily for fiber
  and food production, non-intensive outdoor
  recreation and fisheries and wildlife habitat.
• Maintain the natural character of certain areas
  within the jurisdiction having significant
  natural values and primitive recreation
  opportunities.

13
1997 CLUP Vision
Inspirational? Ambitious? Forward-looking?
Unique? Simple? Shared? CLUP, p. 133

• The jurisdiction should retain its extensive
  forests, undeveloped shorelines, remote woodland
  character, rural communities and unique
  collection of natural and cultural resources.
  Through wise management and protection, the
  jurisdiction should achieve a balance of uses
  that provide for a continuation of traditional
  ways of life, sustainable economic opportunities
  and outdoor recreation for the people of Maine
  and its visitors.
• The historical development pattern in which
  most new development occurs where principal
  values are least impacted should be reinforced
  New economic development should be facilitated by
  prospective zoning, and a streamlined review
  process should exist from projects identified in
  growth areas. Housing needs should be
  accommodated, but without compromising the
  jurisdictions principal values.
• The vision for the jurisdiction, however,
  should go beyond a simplistic treatment of all
  fringe areas as suitable for intensive
  development and all interior areas as
  inappropriate for any development. In fringe
  areas with high natural resource values, special
  effort should be made to balance development and
  conservation concerns
• Excerpts from the CLUP - Vision for the Future
  (p. 133-134)

14
Whats Next

• Gather a group to create a shared vision for the
  jurisdiction.
• Will involve continued discussions with
  Commissioners, staff, and our constituents
• Volunteers?
• Begin discussions on specific issues of
  significance
• Nature-based recreation and eco-tourism
• Current and future status of Maines working
  forest
• Role of LURC in a changing conservation landscape
• Request for Outside Assistance Net Effects
  update