Subject:
Title
Joint Public Hearing with Planning Commission to consider approval of an update to the Town of Vienna Comprehensive Plan
Body
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
The Town of Vienna Comprehensive Plan provides a vision for the Town’s future growth and development. The Plan was last approved in 2010.
The Code of Virginia Title 15.2 Chapter 11, Article 4 Sec. 15.2-2223 requires every community to adopt a Comprehensive Plan for the territory within its jurisdiction and to review such plan for amendments at least once every five years. The Comprehensive Plan must guide “a coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the territory which will, in accordance with present and probable future needs and resources best promote the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of the inhabitants.”
The current draft of the Planning Commission-recommended Comprehensive Plan update reflects several years of work by subcommittees, the Planning Commission, and staff with input from citizens at both work sessions and a public hearing on May 11, 2016.
The draft Comprehensive Plan represents a significant update to the 2010 Plan, providing an enhanced Community Profile and newly added Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Environment and Sustainability, and Implementation chapters. Together with other updated chapters, the Plan answers the essential planning questions: Where are we? Where we are going? How do we plan to get there?
Attached is a summary presentation and color version of the Planning Commission-recommended Comprehensive Plan. Before the Town Council seeks public input at the public hearing, staff will first make a presentation and answer Council’s questions.
Departmental Recommendation:
On May 11, 2016 the Planning Commission held a public hearing and unanimously approved the 2015 Comprehensive Plan Update. Staff also recommends approval.
Finance Recommendation: N/A
Purchasing Recommendation: N/A
Town Attorney Recommendation: Town Code Section 18-247 permits Town Council and Planning Commission to conduct joint public hearings on zoning matters. Town Council and Planning Commission may conduct a joint public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan in their discretion. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission may make recommendations to Town Council regarding proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council close the Public Hearing and move to recommend the proposed amendments and 2015 update to the Town of Vienna Comprehensive Plan to the Town Council as presented.
Cost and Financing: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Decision Needed by This date: N/A
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
Planning Commission:
“I move to close the Public Hearing.”
Planning Commission:
“I move to recommend the proposed amendments and 2015 update of the Town of Vienna Comprehensive Plan to Town Council."
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Planning Commission.
Town Council:
“I move to close the Public Hearing.”
"I move to approve the 2015 update of the Town of Vienna Comprehensive Plan."
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.