2.2.6  Plan Development

After the goals and objectives have been established and alternative approaches to solving the community's issues have been explored, policies and programs are developed. Planning involves more than just coloring a map or filling up vacant areas with uses. Policies and programs need to be articulated that will be a meaningful guide to local decision making. Plans should therefore include written text and tables summarizing the reasons supporting those policies and programs. The plan document may also contain maps and other graphics which depict existing conditions and the future objectives of the community.

The plan document should relate to the land’s physical characteristics. For example, wetlands serve several important functions such as water storage, especially during times of flooding, and wildlife habitat. If wetlands are filled and built upon, structures could be damaged during flooding and/or flooding stage could be increased elsewhere. Groundwater recharge areas can be extremely vulnerable to development. If the groundwater becomes contaminated, the community can face serious and expensive water supply issues. The plan and implementing tools should therefore discourage certain development in these areas.

Other essential considerations in preparing the plan document include the public facility needs of future land uses and housing concerns. Indeed, local regulations can have a significant impact on the cost of housing in the community. Inadequate supplies of affordable housing can affect the community’s work force as well as the ability of the community to meet the life cycle needs of its residents.