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

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.

Maine DOT Releases a Sensible Transportation Handbook

The Sensible Transportation Handbook provides local planners with the information they need to prepare transportation plans – or transportation chapters of comprehensive plans – that are consistent with the State’s Sensible Transportation Policy Act and rule and the transportation element of the State’s Growth Management Program.

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.

Creating Traditional, Walkable Neighborhoods:
A Handbook for Maine Communities

This handbook will help municipal officials craft land use regulations that foster traditional neighborhood development. Released July 2009 (PDF 2.4MB)

Model Wind Energy Facility Ordinance is now complete

The Model Wind Energy Facility Ordinance offers a comprehensive wind energy facility review process and standards for voluntary adoption by Maine municipalities. (Microsoft Word 242KB, PDF 200KB)

Planning For Climate Change

The State Planning Office recognizes that climate change presents many challenges and opportunities at the local level. Fortunately, many Maine communities are taking action today to lessen the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future. Visit SPO's Planning For Climate Change website for a brief list of resources to support both initial and ongoing climate change planning in your community.

New Hampshire's Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques Handbook

The Land Use Planning Techniques Handbook offers additional guidance and technical assistance on Innovative Land Use Controls. The publication was produced by the NH Department of Environmental Services and its partners, the NH Association of Regional Planning Commissions, the NH Office of Energy and Planning, and the NH Local Government Center.

This Innovative Land Use handbook includes sections dealing with development density, environmental characteristics, and site level design. Each of the 23 chapters includes model ordinances and regulations for use by municipalities interested in implementing the innovative land use techniques.

Density Visualization Tool

The SPO Land Use Team  has created a brief PowerPoint presentation using Maine-based examples of different housing densities to help town planners, planning boards, and others understand what different densities look like on the ground. (PowerPoint 9.4MB, PDF 2.2MB)

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)