(a) Assumptions. The growth management process is based on the following assumptions:
(1) the General Development Plan, the Water and Sewer Master Plan, and Article 18 of this Code define land use and the distribution and pace of development;
(2) the County has a responsibility to fund and construct adequate public facilities in a timely and coordinated manner;
(3) a growth management process results in more predictable residential and commercial development; and
(4) a commitment from government and the community to the growth management process is fundamental to achieving adequate public facilities.
(b) Elements. There are various interconnected elements that constitute the growth management process. Each element plays a role in providing the predictability required for planning and implementing adequate public facilities.
(1) The General Development Plan, the Water and Sewer Master Plan, Article 18 of this Code, and the provisions of this title constitute the policy base for the growth management process. This common base is the platform from which data is generated and planning documents written.
(2) A Capital Improvement Program defines the necessary public fire, road, school, sewerage, storm drain, and water infrastructure that supports the land use and growth policies established in the General Development Plan. The Program contains, at a minimum, planning assumptions, standards of service, descriptions of additions and improvements, justification and priorities for additions and improvements, and budget projections for each of the next six years. The plans are reviewed and approved annually.
(3) Limited resources require coordinated allocation of funds for roads, schools, and other infrastructure facilities. The County Executive, the County Council, and all participating agencies and departments work together to review priorities and budget projections included in the Capital Improvement Program. The County Council, through adoption of the Program, approves the distribution of funds across capital improvement master plans.
(4) The General Development Plan guides where and when growth should occur. The adequate public facilities process manages growth so that facilities can be constructed in a timely manner.
(Bill No. 3-05)