(A) Applicability. As a condition of adopting and applying zoning regulations, the town shall adopt and reasonably maintain a comprehensive plan that sets forth goals, policies, and programs intended to guide the present and future physical, social, and economic development of the jurisdiction. The town’s comprehensive plan is intended to guide coordinated, efficient, and orderly development throughout the town’s corporate limits based on an analysis of present and future needs. Planning analysis may address inventories of existing conditions and assess future trends regarding demographics and economic, environmental, and cultural factors. The planning process shall include opportunities for citizen engagement in plan preparation and adoption. In addition to a comprehensive plan, the town may prepare and adopt such other plans as deemed appropriate. This may include, but is not limited to, land use plans, small area plans, neighborhood plans, hazard mitigation plans, transportation plans, housing plans, and recreation and open space plans. If adopted pursuant to the process set forth in this section, such plans shall be considered in review of proposed zoning amendments.
(B) Comprehensive plan contents. A comprehensive plan may, among other topics, address any of the following as determined by the town:
(1) Issues and opportunities facing the town, including consideration of trends, values expressed by citizens, community vision, and guiding principles for growth and development.
(2) The pattern of desired growth and development and civic design, including the location, distribution, and characteristics of future land uses, urban form, utilities, and transportation networks.
(3) Employment opportunities, economic development, and community development.
(4) Acceptable levels of public services and infrastructure to support development, including water, waste disposal, utilities, emergency services, transportation, education, recreation, community facilities, and other public services, including plans and policies for provision of and financing for public infrastructure.
(5) Housing with a range of types and affordability to accommodate persons and households of all types and income levels.
(6) Recreation and open spaces.
(7) Mitigation of natural hazards such as flooding, winds, wildfires, and unstable lands.
(8) Protection of the environment and natural resources, including agricultural resources, mineral resources, and water and air quality.
(9) Protection of significant architectural, scenic, cultural, historical, or archaeological resources.
(10) Analysis and evaluation of implementation measures, including regulations, public investments, and educational programs.
(C) (1) Adoption and effect of plans. Plans shall be adopted by the Board of Commissioners with the advice and consultation of the Planning Board. Adoption and amendment of the comprehensive plan is a legislative decision and shall follow the process mandated for zoning text amendments set by § 91.50. Plans adopted under G.S. Chapter 160D may be undertaken and adopted as part of or in conjunction with plans required under other statutes, including, but not limited to, the plans required by G.S. § 113A-110. Plans adopted under G.S. Chapter 160D do not expand, diminish, or alter the scope of authority for development regulations adopted under G.S. Chapter 160D. Plans adopted under G.S. Chapter 160D shall be considered by the Planning Board and Board of Commissioners when considering proposed amendments to zoning regulations as required by § 91.50(D) and (E).
(2) If a plan is deemed amended by § 91.50(E) by virtue of adoption of a zoning amendment that is inconsistent with the plan, that amendment shall be noted in the plan. However, if the plan is one that requires review and approval subject to G.S. 113A-110, the plan amendment shall not be effective until that review and approval is completed.
(Ord. 21-1, passed 9-17-2020)