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Planning 101

The planning process that Howland Township is embracing can be as exciting as you – as a resident and observer – can make it. 

However, for the planning process to be productive, it’s important to understand what the document that’s about to be created can and can’t do.  “What is a comprehensive plan” is also important to know.

I.  What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A comprehensive plan is an official document adopted by the local government as a broad body of public policies to guide decisions about the physical, economic, and social aspects of the community. The basic characteristics of a comprehensive plan are that it is general and far-reaching. Another defining characteristic is that the plan is long-range and provides a base from which to make decisions. The adoption of a comprehensive plan often becomes the driving force behind creation of a more targeted plan. One such example of a more targeted plan is a downtown revitalization plan, economic development or housing study, or even a plan for future bikepaths.

Significant fiscal and human capital is invested by both the public and private sectors to make the community function. The Comprehensive Plan will help focus those investments that are important to the Township and its citizens. Unifying strategies and clear action steps will help the vitality of the Township. Vitality means different things to different people, but some common characteristics are the ability to respond to (economic) change, diverse and healthy local economies and the distribution of resources.

The plan should be developed through an open, participatory process driven by four questions: 1. Where are we now? 2. Where are we going? 3. Where do we want to be? 4. How do we get there?

II.  The Comprehensive Plan CAN:

  1. Define what kind of development – single-family residential, commercial, multi-family residential, industrial, etc. – is considered desirable and appropriate. It also sets forth the future plans for transportation, community facilities, the environment, housing, historic resources, and economic development.
  2. Develop general guidelines, policies, and recommendations.
  3. Highlight various resources available to promote programs and policies.
    4.

III.  The Comprehensive Plan CANNOT:

  1. The Comprehensive Plan will not propose specific locations for land uses or facilities or address detailed regulations. A comprehensive plan is not a zoning resolution. The Comprehensive Plan is intended to provide the legal and rational framework for regulations, investments, and government action.
  2. Enforce specific development standards.  These can only be prescribed in the zoning resolution and through other enforceable methods enabled under Ohio Revised Code. 

 

  

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