[RCAC] Fw: Comp Plan Amendment Cutoff Date

CAC Chairs, Update on the above subject. Paul paulbrant(a)mindspring.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Paul Brant To: Silver, Mitchell ; Bowers, Kenneth Cc: Meeker, Charles ; Odom, John ; West, James P. ; Crowder, Thomas ; McFarlane, Nancy ; Stephenson, Russ ; Baldwin, Mary-Ann ; Gaylord, Bonner ; Allen, Russell Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 11:30 AM Subject: Re: Comp Plan Amendment Cutoff Date Mitchell; I appreciate you clarifying the date issue and the information in the Comprehensive Plan. I assume the recent development of the Amendment form and process was in response to Action item IM 3.1 in Section N. However the initial 6 month review period and fee waiver still needs additional clarity and visibility. I trust that information will soon be part of your update to the web page covering the initial and ongoing Amendment process. Paul paulbrant(a)mindspring.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Silver, Mitchell To: 'Paul Brant' ; Bowers, Kenneth Cc: Meeker, Charles ; Odom, John ; West, James P. ; Crowder, Thomas ; McFarlane, Nancy ; Stephenson, Russ ; Baldwin, Mary-Ann ; Gaylord, Bonner ; Allen, Russell Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 5:11 PM Subject: RE: Comp Plan Amendment Cutoff Date Paul, The cut off is May 1. We suggested April 1 (six months after the date the Council adopted the plan), but later changed it to May 1 (six months after the plan became effective). In terms of posting to the web site. The City web site will be revamped and we are working with IT to understand how much information we can post on the new City website. Our goal is to post as much information as possible for the public. I inserted highlights regarding the annual updates, which is found in the Implementation Section on the plan. N.3 Comprehensive Plan Updates and Amendments This section addresses the process for monitoring, amending, and updating the Comprehensive Plan. It outlines the amendment process and recommended timeframe for amendment cycles as well as for the more extensive periodic update of the Comprehensive Plan every five years. The City should establish a yearly cycle for minor plan amendments to maintain its relevancy to the public and city government. The cycle should be timed to follow the annual progress assessment, so that lagging implementation items can be revisited. The yearly amendment process should provide an opportunity for individuals, groups, or city agencies to propose a minor amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to address changing social and market conditions or reflect new facility plans and work programs. Minor amendments may include changes to the text or maps of the Comprehensive Plan. Each proposed amendment will require the applicant to provide the burden of proof for the change or addition. Policy IM 3.1 Five-Year Updates Update the Comprehensive Plan every five years to remain current and relevant, with a particular focus on the Plan's policy actions. (3, 6) Policy IM 3.2 Annual Amendments Amend the Comprehensive Plan on a yearly basis so the Plan may address changes in demography, economic markets, and public priorities. (1, 3, 6) Action IM 1.2 Annual Review of Development Regulations Annually review and update the City's regulations to account for any adopted Comprehensive Plan amendments, emerging issues, and market or real estate trends. Mitchell Silver, PP, AICP Director, Department of City Planning & Urban Design Center One Exchange Plaza, PO Box 590 Raleigh, NC 27602-0590 919.516.2625 phone 919.516.2684 fax e-mail: mitchell.silver(a)ci.raleigh.nc.us Department: www.raleighnc.gov/planning Comprehensive Plan: www.planningraleigh2030.com Zoning Code: www.NewRaleighCode.com From: Paul Brant [mailto:paulbrant@mindspring.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 5:03 PM To: Silver, Mitchell; Bowers, Kenneth Cc: Meeker, Charles; Odom, John; West, James P.; Crowder, Thomas; McFarlane, Nancy; Stephenson, Russ; Baldwin, Mary-Ann; Gaylord, Bonner; Allen, Russell Subject: Comp Plan Amendment Cutoff Date Mitchell, At today's Council Meeting, during my Citizen Petition, you indicated April 1st was the cutoff date for submitting suggested amendments to the new Comp Plan based on the 6 month window established by the Planning Commission. This was to be from Nov 1, 2009, the date the Plan was effective. I suggested May 1, 2010 was my understanding and you corrected me by stating April 1, 2010 was the date which is really only 5 months from the effective date. I believe the correct cutoff date should be May 1, 2010 or at a minimum Friday April 30, 2010 since that is the last business day of the 6 month period.So there is no doubt as to what the date really is, I suggest you place the cutoff date and related Public Hearing date on the Planning Department's web site so the general public will clearly understand the window. Reading through the Comprehensive Plan web page there is no mention of the Amendment process or time frame; nor is there any mention of this form or process in the Comprehensive Plan itself. It seems to be a well intended plan of the Planning Commission to accommodate the public but not well communicated. I assume their intent is recorded in a set of minutes somewhere but I doubt that the average citizen is able to find that information or even knows where to look. I will ask the RCAC to make a formal request to the City to make this information, with a link to the new Amendment Form, available on the Comprehensive Plan web site so everyone can understand the opportunity not just a few closely connected and well informed professionals. Paul paulbrant(a)mindspring.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ â?oE-mail correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties by an authorized City or Law Enforcement official.â?