An important component of the Community Planning Program is providing towns and counties with the knowledge and resources required to develop and implement their land use plans and ordinances. DCA planners are experienced trainers who have worked to provide governing boards, planning boards, and boards of adjustments with the most current information on planning tools, laws, and trends. One goal of the Community Planning Program is to equip citizen boards with the knowledge necessary to efficiently and effectively carry out their citizen planner duties. Training topics often include board organization, meeting management, planning ethics, policies and procedures, roles and responsibilities, and board decision-making.
Outreach and Education on the 2005 North Carolina Planning Statutes: There is currently no statewide mandate to plan in North Carolina, with the exception of those local governments which fall under the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). However, in 2005 the General Assembly passed the most comprehensive package of changes to North Carolina Planning Statutes since the 1920’s. In passing new planning legislation, the state strengthened the link between land use plans and a local government’s corresponding development ordinances. The purpose of these changes is to strengthen the role of the land use plan and ensure consistency between land use policies and the actual regulations. All five regional offices have been proactive in working with cities and towns to provide them with information on the new planning statutes. In addition, DCA planners are helping local governments update their ordinances to ensure compliance with the North Carolina Planning Statutes.