CHAPTER 73
H.P. 211 - L.D. 286
Resolve, Directing a Review of Comprehensive Planning and Growth Management in Maine
Sec. 1. Study; purpose. Resolved: That the Executive Department, State Planning Office, referred to in this resolve as "the office," shall undertake a study of current state law, policy and procedures regarding land use planning, management and regulation. The purpose of the study is to review the efficacy of the growth management laws and to identify changes in state law, policy and procedures, if any are needed, to facilitate more efficient and effective land use planning; and be it further
Sec. 2. Advisory group. Resolved: That, in order to take advantage of various experiences and perspectives on the issue, the office shall seek input and advice from an advisory group composed of, but not limited to, representatives having municipal, regional, state, economic development, natural resources and professional and academic planning and policy perspectives; and be it further
Sec. 3. Issues to be considered. Resolved: That, in developing proposed and final recommendations, the advisory group created pursuant to section 2 and the office shall consider the following related issues:
1. Assessment of the procedures, policies and rules of the office for reviewing comprehensive plans and growth management programs and development of options for improvement;
2. Assessment of local efforts to implement the growth management laws and the State's efforts to support the laws, development of options for improvement, including but not limited to opportunities for greater recognition and reward for managing growth pursuant to the growth management laws, and clarification of the State's role in ensuring compliance with state land use law and policy; and
3. Development of options for improvement of comprehensive planning statewide, including but not limited to recommended changes to: the focus and contents of local comprehensive plans; local, regional and state procedures for development, review and coordination of comprehensive plans; and the growth management laws that would result in better land use planning; and be it further
Sec. 4. Cost assessment. Resolved: That the office shall assess the projected costs to the State and its political subdivisions of developing and implementing any changes in law or policy proposed pursuant to this resolve and the adequacy of existing resources to develop and implement those changes. The office shall clearly identify any recommendations the development or implementation of which would require additional governmental resources; and be it further
Sec. 5. Report. Resolved: That, by February 1, 2006, the office shall develop and submit to the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources and the Community Preservation Advisory Committee, established pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 30-A, section 4350, a final report, along with any proposed legislation, that summarizes the study undertaken pursuant to this resolve and outlines both short-term and long-term recommendations; and be it further
Sec. 6. Authority to report out legislation. Resolved: That the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources is authorized to report out legislation relating to the study undertaken pursuant to this resolve to the Second Regular Session of the 122nd Legislature.
Effective September 17, 2005.
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