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PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT Regular Agenda – Public Hearing Item |
PC Staff Report
6/27/07
ITEM NO. 14: AMENDMENT TO HORIZON 2020, CHAPTER 6 (DDW)
CPA-2007-01: Amendment to Horizon 2020 by creating Chapter 14-Specific Plans. Initiated by the Lawrence/Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission on 4/25/07 meeting.
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of this comprehensive plan amendment to Horizon 2020 by creating Chapter 14 (Specific Plans), for the City of Lawrence and unincorporated Douglas County and recommends forwarding this comprehensive plan amendment to the Lawrence City Commission and the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners with a recommendation for approval. |
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION: If appropriate, approve and sign Planning Commission Resolution 2007-03. |
CPA-2007-01: This comprehensive plan amendment (CPA-2007-01) is for the creation of Chapter 14, Specific Plans of Horizon 2020. The amendment was initiated by the Planning Commission at their April 25, 2007 meeting.
Long-range planning in an area specific manner is an important aspect of the overall community planning process. Specific plans provide the focused guidance necessary for proper decision making regarding an area’s future. Chapter 14 references adopted specific plans and provides guidance, through the Hierarchy of Plans, for completing the proper type of plan for an area.
STAFF REVIEW
Staff reviewed this amendment based upon the comprehensive plan amendment review criteria listed below [identified in Chapter 13 (Implementation) of Horizon 2020].
A. Does the proposed amendment result from changed circumstances or unforeseen conditions not understood or addressed at the time the Plan was adopted?
The proposed amendment provides additional guidance for long-range planning not found in the original language of the comprehensive plan.
B. Does the proposed amendment advance a clear public purpose and is it consistent with the long-range goals and policies of the plan?
The proposed amendment is an advancement of a clear public purpose and is consistent with the long-range planning goals and policies of the community.
C. Is the proposed amendment a result of a clear change in public policy?
As the City of Lawrence and unincorporated Douglas County continue to grow and expand, there is an ongoing need to develop long-range plans in an area specific manner. Specific plans provide the focused guidance necessary for proper decision making regarding an area’s future. Chapter 14 references adopted specific plans and provides guidance, through the Hierarchy of Plans, for completing the proper type of plan for an area.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF RECOMMENDATION