COM 0045.030 2002-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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beneficial to the social, economic, and governmental conditions and trends and shall be designed to assure the coordinated development of the County and to promote the general welfare and prosperity of its people. (a) The Council shall enact zoning, subdivision, and other such ordinances, which shall contain the necessary provisions to carry out the purpose of the General Plan. (b) No public improvement, project, subdivision, or zoning ordinances, shall be initiated or adopted unless the same conforms to and implements the General Plan. (c) Amendments to the General Plan may be initiated by the Council or the Planning Director." (emphasis added) GENERAL QUESTIONS What is the purpose of having a plan? (see Bill No. 163, Draft 2, SECTION 1 -Purpose and GP -Chapter II, Part 1) The General Plan assumes growth—growth in population and growth in the economy. In doing so, itug ides growth based on long-term objectives in a manner that promotes the efficient use of land and its resources. By planning for growth, public and private monies for infrastructure can be invested wisely and effectively. Higher density development, infill development and redevelopment result in efficient use of existing infrastructure. New growth areas would be planned as part of the comprehensive plan and capital strategies. The General Plan seeks a balance between growth and, at times, competing values such as natural resource conservation, cultural preservation and other values. The General Plan provides the framework for medium -range regional, community, and functional planning. These medium -range plans should support the broader needs of the municipality, while articulating the priorities, visions and values important to the community in the planning area. The General Plan establishes the context for short-range regulatory tools, which implement the General Plan and medium -range plans. The Zoning and Subdivision Codes, an impact fee ordinance, or the establishment of improvement districts are examples of implementation tools. Does the General Plan regulate land use or infrastructure? (see GP -Chapter II, Part 1 ) No. The General Planug ides future development and the provision for infrastructure. This is consistent with the enabling statute -Chapter 46-4, HRS. By focusing on objectives, policies, standards, and vision statements, the General Plan should evolve into a policy guidance document. Draft 2 underscores the role of the General Plan as a policy guide to focus planning efforts on execution. The General Plan has gradually evolved into another layer of regulation, rather than a long-range planning policy document. Arguably, there are those who support a rigid 4