15.2-4209 - Preparation and adoption of regional strategic plan.
§ 15.2-4209. Preparation and adoption of regional strategic plan.
A. Except in planning districts in which regional planning is conducted bymulti-state councils of government, each planning district commission shallprepare a regional strategic plan for the guidance of the district. The planshall concern those elements which are of importance in more than one of thelocalities within the district, as distinguished from matters of only localimportance. The plan shall include regional goals and objectives, strategiesto meet those goals and objectives and mechanisms for measuring progresstoward the goals and objectives. The strategic plan shall include thosesubjects necessary to promote the orderly and efficient development of thephysical, social and economic elements of the district such astransportation, housing, economic development and environmental management.The plan may be divided into parts or sections as the planning districtcommission deems desirable. In developing the regional strategic plan, theplanning district commission shall seek input from a wide range oforganizations in the region, including local governing bodies, the businesscommunity and citizen organizations.
B. Before the strategic plan is adopted, it shall be submitted to theDepartment of Housing and Community Development and to the governing body ofeach locality within the district for a period of not less than thirty daysprior to a hearing to be held by the planning district commission thereon,after notice as provided in § 15.2-2204. Each such local governing body shallmake recommendations to the planning district commission on or before thedate of the hearing with respect to the effect of the plan within itslocality. The Department of Housing and Community Development shall notifythe planning district commission prior to the hearing as to whether theproposed strategic plan conflicts with plans of adjacent planning districts.
C. Upon approval of the strategic plan by a planning district commissionafter a public hearing, it shall be submitted to the governing body of eachlocality (excluding towns of less than 3,500 population unless members of thecommission) within the district for review and possible adoption. The planshall become effective with respect to all action of a planning districtcommission upon approval by the planning district commission. The plan shallnot become effective with respect to the action of the governing body of anylocality within the district until adopted by the governing body of suchlocality.
D. The adopted strategic plan shall be submitted within thirty days ofadoption to the Department of Housing and Community Development forinformation and coordination purposes.
(1968, c. 224, § 15.1-1406; 1976, c. 760; 1981, c. 315; 1995, cc. 732, 796;1997, c. 587; 1998, cc. 668, 686.)