How To Prepare a Land Use Ordinance; A Manual for Local Officials

This manual is for local officials, planning committees and others in small to mid-size communities who are interested in preparing a local ordinance. It contains the basic information needed to draft a land use ordinance, which legally regulates how people can use their land. This manual also contains practical suggestions for encouraging future growth in growth areas, and discouraging incompatible development in rural areas.(Microsoft Word 1.2MB, PDF 1MB)

Changes coming to Shoreland zoning

According to DEP's Summer 2011 newsletter "municipalities that have not adopted the 2006 (shoreland zoning) amendments will not be required to do so, and the Department will suspend plans to embark on the State-Imposed process." Also "a full revision to the Guidelines will also be occurring over the next 8 to 12 months". "The aim is not to remove the substance of shoreland zoning, but rather to make it more user friendly." Visit Maine DEP's shoreland zoning page for more information.

2011 Growth Management Program Evaluation

The State Planning Office has delivered its Four-year Growth Management Program Evaluation to the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources in accordance with 30-A MRSA §4331. The report summarizes the history of the program, the status of the recommendations made in the 2007 report and a thorough evaluation of the programs current status. View the full report.

Promising Practices in Adaptation Resilience: A Resource Guide for Local Leaders.

The Resource Guide, a work in progress, highlights case studies of promising practices in climate adaptation and resilience. It was developed by the Institute for Sustainable Communities to help local officials meet the challenges of designing, implementing and communicating programs that advance climate adaptation. The guide includes resource lists by topic that direct practitioners toward topic-specific sources of information -- studies, reports, articles, and website's -- to help them improve, expand and accelerate their adaptation and resilience efforts. Read More

EPA Report offers Strategies for Smart Growth in Rural Communities.

“Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural Communities,” focuses on how to adapt smart growth strategies to rural communities. Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Sustainable Communities, the report focuses on smart growth strategies that can help guide growth in rural areas while protecting natural and working lands and preserving the rural character of existing communities. 
  
The report uses case studies from around the country to illustrate how local governments, states, and non-profits have successfully implemented smart growth strategies to support rural lands, revitalize existing communities, and create great new places for residents and visitors.

Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities

This recently released planning guide was prepared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the International City/County Management Association, and Rhode Island Sea Grant. "Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities" builds on the Smart Growth network's ten smart growth principles to create coastal and waterfront-specific strategies for development. The guide includes an overview of the unique development challenges and opportunities along the water and provides specific approaches to development that include a description of the issues, tools and techniques, and case studies. "Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities" is intended for planners, local government officials, developers, residents, and other stakeholders.

Many comprehensive plan finding of consistencies are due to expire in 2012

A Finding of Consistency is valid for twelve years from the date of issue. A Finding of consistency issued prior to December 31, 2000 is valid until December 31, 2012. An expired Finding of consistency does not automatically make a plan inconsistent. See our 2012 frequently asked questions handout.

Wind Energy Technical Assistance and Model Wind Energy Facility Ordinance

Is your town considering local regulations for wind energy facilities?  If so, the Maine State Planning Office, in partnership with the state’s regional planning organizations, is offering technical assistance on this topic at no cost to municipalities.

A Report to the Business, Research, and Economic Development Committee to encourage the preservation of dark skies

SPO prepared this report in response to 2009 Resolves, chapter 22, with recommendations for reducing light pollution. The report reviews outdoor lighting standards and policy options to promote these standards for commercial development. The report recommends that lighting standards be added to the uniform building code which will be adopted later this year.

Brochure on why municipalities create comprehensive plans

This new brochure points out a few of the many reasons why communities take on the planning process of creating a comprehensive plan. Learn about some of the key benefits your community may see with a comprehensive plan that is consistent with Maine's Growth Management Act. View the brochure (PDF 535KB)