Scenario

Scenarios

The following is a summary of the some of the key concepts in this chapter, followed by possible situations with which local officials, planning commissioners and others may be asked to deal.

What would you do? Imagine yourself in a real-life circumstance in which you are a part of the land use process. Once you have thought about what you would do, you can click on the "Response" section to see a possible response. Although the response should be accurate and help to reinforce chapter content it may not be the only appropriate response that could be provided.

Please refer to the full chapter for reference information and should you have any questions. Click here for a list of field representatives and Department of Land Conservation and Development staff.

Key Concepts

The Oregon Planning Program is a partnership between state and local government.
The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) sets broad policies in the form of statewide planning goals and administrative rules.
The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) is the state agency that provides administrative oversight and technical assistance related to the statewide planning program.
Cities and counties adopt comprehensive plans and implementing land use regulations consistent with statewide planning goals.
Comprehensive plans provide a framework that guides future development, streets, water and sewer service, parks and other services.
Citizen involvement is required for all phases of the planning process. Such involvement has the ability to significantly influence the process, within the framework of the jurisdictions adopted comprehensive plan polices and implementing code requirements.
Zoning, subdivision ordinances, transportation system plans, local budget decisions and capital improvement programs are sample tools communities use to implement their comprehensive plans.

Imagine that you are a Planning Commissioner in your community. You are asked by a high school civics class why planning and zoning is important. What would you say?

Possible Response...

The comprehensive plan is a framework that guides future development, such as where housing, streets, water and sewer service, business and industry, parks and schools should occur. Without such a plan, our community could become very mixed up, dangerous and inefficient. We would have no certainty that we would have adequate services in the places we need them to be. Without a plan, there would be no guarantee that there’d be parks, open spaces or even trees for future generations. The plan also takes into account natural resources, natural hazards and community aspirations.

The local Chamber of Commerce has asked you for background on Oregon’s planning program. How would you describe planning in a way that shows its relevance to your community?

Possible Response...

Oregon’s statewide planning program was created in the 1970’s after citizens across Oregon realized that uncontrolled growth would have an adverse effect on our quality of life. The program is a collaborate effort between the state and local governments. LCDC, the Land Conservation and Development Commission, sets broad policies with which communities are required to align. Although, our community’s comprehensive plan and zoning policies help implement these broad goals, it also is customized for our conditions and provides a roadmap for what we want our community to be. Once acknowledged by LCDC, these ordinances become the controlling land use documents in our community.