Frequently Asked Questions
What is an RPOCD?
The RPOCD is a visionary policy document. This means that it is not binding on municipalities and commissions in the region. Rather, it is an aspirational document, identifying preferred land uses, development patterns and types, and desirable areas for conservation over the next 10 years, based on existing and emerging regional trends and challenges. For more information, see the What is the Plan page.
How does the RPOCD impact my property?
The RPOCD, as a non-binding policy document, and will not directly determine future land use of any individual property. All land use powers reside with municipal commissions. The policies, goals, and Future Land Use Map which will form the bulk of the RPOCD, will identify where growth and development should occur over the next 10 years and what areas should be set aside for conservation. However, the RPOCD is not a parcel by parcel analysis. It is a visioning tool, meant to be conceptual. Individual municipalities in the region will be responsible for making parcel level decisions, consistent with the vision in the plan.
Does the RPOCD impact zoning on my property?
As a non-binding policy document, the RPOCD does not make any changes to municipal zoning regulations. The Future Land Use Map will identify where growth and development should occur over the next 10 years and what areas should be set aside for conservation. However, the RPOCD is not a parcel by parcel analysis. It is a visioning tool, meant to be conceptual. Individual municipalities in the region will be responsible for making parcel level decisions, consistent with the vision in the plan.
Where municipal zoning differs from the recommendations in the plan, it is possible that the municipality will amend the zoning to be consistent with the plan. However, any such change will be subject to the municipality’s standard zoning amendment process and should involve a more detailed parcel level analysis.
Will the RPOCD change what I can do with my property?
As a non-binding policy document, the RPOCD does not make any changes to municipal regulations. The Future Land Use Map will identify where growth and development should occur over the next 10 years and what areas should be set aside for conservation. However, the RPOCD is not a parcel by parcel analysis. It is a visioning tool, meant to be conceptual. Individual municipalities in the region will be responsible for making parcel level decisions, consistent with the vision in the plan.
Whether or not the use on a particular parcel aligns with the vision of the plan is to be determined by the individual municipalities. It will also be up to individual municipalities to decide whether changes to their regulations should occur to make individual parcels align with the vision of the plan. Any such change will be subject to the municipality’s standard process and should involve parcel level analysis.
Will the RPOCD alter taxes on my property?
The RPOCD is a non-binding policy document. As such, it does not directly alter tax rates. However, it is possible that over the next ten years, development or conservation that occurs consistent with the recommendations of the RPOCD could impact tax rates on individual properties.
Will the RPOCD impact my property value?
As a non-binding policy document, the RPOCD does not have any direct impact on property values. However, the development or conservation that occurs over the next 10 years consistent with the recommendations of the RPOCD would generally support property values.
The RPOCD looks beyond city and town boundaries to create a cohesive regional vision. It focuses on coordinating land use across municipal boundaries and identifying opportunities for intermunicipal cooperation. It can also consolidate municipal goals and objectives and apply them at a regional scale. This should result in overall greater value throughout the region.
Will the RPOCD influence development in my town or city?
As a non-binding policy document, the RPOCD does not directly cause or halt development. The Future Land Use Map will identify where growth and development should occur over the next 10 years and what areas should be set aside for conservation. However, the RPOCD is not a parcel by parcel analysis. It is a visioning tool, meant to be conceptual. Individual municipalities in the region will be responsible for making parcel level decisions, consistent with the vision in the plan.
It is possible that development and conservation will occur at the municipal level over the next 10 years as a result of the recommendations in this plan.
My town or city already has a POCD, why do we need a regional one?
Because of its regional perspective, the RPOCD is able to look beyond city and town boundaries to create a cohesive regional vision. This regional vision is not intended to supersede the unique identities of each municipality, but rather, to knit them together as part of an overarching identity. An RPOCD also makes recommendations on how to achieve the regional vision. It can serve as a foundation for future municipal work and can save municipalities time and resources.
While each municipality is unique in character, their proximity means that certain issues and opportunities will necessarily be shared. An RPOCD can coordinate land use across municipal boundaries and identify opportunities for intermunicipal cooperation. It can also consolidate municipal goals and objectives and apply them at a regional scale. This allows municipalities to maximize benefits and minimize costs for local land use decisions.
The RPOCD also impacts decision making at the regional level. This includes guiding the review of land use proposals, establishing funding priorities, and identifying projects of regional significance.
Finally, the RPOCD can serve as a major resource to municipalities. It is based on the collection and analysis of large amount of data that can be useful in local decision making.