Environmental and Land-Use Planning Quiz

Study Notes

Environmental and Land-Use Planning
This comprehensive land use plan (CLUP) aims to shape future physical development by adopting goals, principles, and policies, rather than strict future requirements.
The plan includes steps like getting organized, identifying stakeholders, setting the vision, analyzing the situation, setting goals and objectives, establishing development, reviewing and approving the CLUP, implementing the CLUP, conducting public hearings on draft CLUP, drafting the zoning ordinance.
Scenic County Definition
A scenic county prioritizes the preservation and enhancement of natural, historic, and cultural beauty of the countryside.
It emphasizes sustainable agricultural and tourism economies that do not fully rely on traditional growth patterns.
Goals of the Plan
Preserve the county's overall viewshed, unspoiled natural setting, and special character.
Preserve and protect mountain ridges, emphasizing scenic viewpoints.
Preserve and enhance rural and open spaces.
Protect natural, scenic, and historic resources for high quality of life.
Encourage and maintain a rural agricultural and tourism-based economy, compatible with the county's scale and character.
Provide for economical delivery of necessary public services.
Acknowledge and maintain community sense, encouraging volunteerism.
Discourage land conversion from agriculture to limit local tax pressure.
Define future growth boundaries for villages and commercial areas to preserve community character and balance.
Principles of the Plan
Encourage agricultural operations, preserving productivity, availability, and use of agricultural lands.
Preserve natural, historic, recreational, and scenic values of forested lands, ensuring development is in conformance with environmental limitations (soil, water, air, viewsheds, etc.).
Protect natural resources (including soil, water, air, viewsheds, scenery, and fragile ecosystems).
Encourage residential development in designated growth areas.
Preserve historic character and features of the county.
Ensure capital improvements (schools, parks, roads, sewer, and water service) enhance the quality and character of rural areas.
Promote growth that maintains the existing balance (environmental quality, rural character), without adversely impacting active farms, forestry, residential areas, and tourist industry.
Protect the county's fiscal capabilities.
Encourage citizen involvement in the planning process.
Promote the idea that land is finite and that citizens must be responsible stewards for future generations.