Cyberhunt
City/County/State Planning Boards
Any time additional building, (housing developments, business structures, streets and highways, etc.) takes place the members of the city, country and/or state planning boards get involved. They consider the requests, weight the options and help make the decisions concerning any new development in a given area.
The planning universe, as it might be called, includes laws, local governing bodies, citizens, planning commissions, planning staffs, zoning boards, other local boards, nearby communities, financial institutions, developers and builders, and the media.
A website that defines the jobs of each of these parts is called “The Planning Universe.”
http://www.plannersweb.com/index/universe/universe.html
Take a quick tour of the planning universe and find out what these different people do to make the process of development happen.
1. The planning commission can have 2 distinct functions. The first involves
___________and _________________ of the community’s local land use.
2. Citizens are ___ ______________ _______________ of the planning universe.
3. Other local boards: the decision to convert ____________________ land to
________________________ use will affect a community’s _________________
system, as well as local transportation, _____________, sewer, police, __________ and
emergency services.
Other sites and resources will give you more information on the planners and what they do.
Speaker : Kathy Winters
Mrs. Winter first explained how cities and towns must have a ten year plan for growth.She had an example of the La Vista plan that was a color coded map and a large note binder with written explanations of the plan. The map showed where housing, parks and business zones were located now and where the city would like to see them in the future. Unused land was also colored to show how the city would like it to be used in the future. Mrs. Winters said the plan helps control urban sprawl( uncontrolled grow inside a city).
She mentioned that cities first look at how a new development will effect water, sewers, police, fire protection and emergency services. Ms.. Winters also mentioned the other professionals the city planners work with: Lawyers, engineers, developers, county and state officals. Citizens of the city are the most important people they work with and for. City planners must also come up with ordinances to suggest to the city council to keep the city a neat and orderly place. Laws for lawn mowing, rules on pets, parking and how property must be kept neat and clean. Ms Winters felt a good planner was organized and willing to compromise for what is best for a city and its citizens
Findings:
Citizens are the first concern of the city planners.
City services like Water, Sewer, and Public Safety are also a primary concern.
Does a proposed development fit into the city's ten year plan