The purpose of the general development plan is to establish a coordinated approach to land use and development and to promote the general health, safety, convenience, welfare, economy, and efficiency of the city. However, the plan must be implemented so that the benefits of the planning process can be realized. The plan will be most successful if it is continually used in the decision-making process of the city.
Zoning Ordinance
The primary means for implementing the goals and objectives expressed in the general development plan is through a zoning ordinance. The plan itself has no legal basis to restrict or encourage development. Rather, the plan serves as the basis for the rational development and administration of a zoning ordinance that is specifically designed to accomplish the goals and objectives expressed in the plan.
The planning commission does not have final authority regarding requests for development in the city. Rather, this authority rests with the city council. The planning commission's responsibility is to make informed recommendations to the council based on the policies of the general development plan and the needs of the community.
Subdivision Controls
Where zoning regulates the use of land, subdivision regulations control the subdivision of land. These regulations are designed to ensure that the development is compatible with the community, that adequate public facilities are provided, and that all applicable regulations are met. Subdivision regulations typically consider such elements as streets, drainage, public services, natural amenities, street lighting, and off-street parking.
The planning commission plays an instrumental role in the subdivision review process. It has been given the authority and responsibility to meet with the developer throughout the review process, to provide an adequate public hearing, and to present its recommendations of either approval or disapproval to the city council.
Capital Improvement Programming
A third means of implementing the Plan is through a capital improvement program (CIP). the CIP is a 6-year capital improvement budget for the city enabling it to plan for needed improvements on an orderly basis within its capabilities. For example, the city may determine a need for improvements in certain areas (public infrastructure, such as sewer, water, and roads) or can encourage various types of development through the expenditure of public funds.
The advantage of a CIP is that attention can be focused on the community's needs and objectives and the methods of implementing them. In addition, the administration of the city can be improved, thereby, optimizing its tax revenues. This process is so important, in fact, that no street, park, open space, or public building can be constructed or authorized within the city without review and approval of the planning commission.
Public Cooperation
Reed City residents have the opportunity, as well as the responsibility, to provide comments and discussion regarding development in the city. As representatives of its citizens, the city council and planning commission welcome input from the public. Prior to making any major land use changes and prior to making modifications to this plan, a public hearing will be held to allow all interested and affected citizens to express their opinions and have their interests considered by the decision-making body.
the city should work and cooperate with surrounding townships to help ensure compatible, neighboring land uses for the betterment of the entire community. The city should also provide copies of this plan to interested parties and welcome input concerning its implementation.
The general development plan will be most successful if city residents are involved in the drafting of the plan and support its goals and recommendations. this involvement must also be encouraged during the implementation of the plan. An informed and supportive public may be the crucial link to the successful implementation of this plan.
MAINTAINING THE PLAN
It is important that the plan be used in the daily decision-making process of the city. In order to be a functional, decision-making tool, the plan must remain current. By recording land use activities on a regular basis, the plan can be continually updated to reflect current conditions. This will also help identify development trends that are not in accordance with the objectives of the plan and may identify concepts that should incorporated into the plan. In order to keep the plan current, the following information should be recorded every 6 months:
- Locations of new buildings.
- Parcel splits.
- Zoning requests.
- A description of any development that would be noteworthy in assessing the growth of the city.
Once a year, a short narrative should be prepared summarizing the annual activity in the city. A review should then be made of the year's activity to assess its compliance with the development plan. If necessary, modification should be made to the plan.
Every 5 years, the plan should be reviewed in its entirety to compare the development that has occurred with the policies of the plan. If necessary, the plan should be modified to reflect the current character of the community. The goals and objectives of the city should also be reassessed in light of any changed conditions.
Provided by the Reed City Downtown Development Authority.
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