Guidelines for Developers

This is a very preliminary draft prepared by Gail Fleming. Please post additions, corrections, deletions and feedback of all sorts in the Community Impact Statement conference. You can also call Gail at 221-1227 or e-mail her.

Overview

The following quotes from the Executive Summary of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Langley set forth some of the elements of the community's "Vision of Langley" that future developers must take into account:

"Even though the city of Langley is not growing rapidly, it is experiencing a moderate rate of growth that is bringing changes in the community. The challenge to the city is to identify the types of developments that meet the needs of the citizens, prioritize alternative uses of land and public resources, and identify in explicit terms the impacts proposed developments will have on the community. Recognition of the type of changes that are occurring and readiness to make decisions in light of such changes will allow the city to take advantage of positive opportunities and to address the effects on quality of life."

(Langley Comprehensive Plan, p. 2)

"Langley will continue to grow and change, but not lose its essential character and vitality as a small town set in a semi-rural setting with a well-defined center with commercial, cultural and residential components within walking distance for many residents and tourists alike. The city is further characterized by stunning views of Puget Sound and mountains, friendly, neighborly people and an appreciation of the surrounding environment."

"New residential areas (should) develop in a manner respectful of the characteristics of the land, view opportunities, the semi-rural and pedestrian-friendly character of the community."

(Vision of Langley, LCP, p. 6)

In order to implement "the residents' vision of a community in a rural setting that includes open spaces and natural amenities," the following are some of the "goals …deemed to be essential in maintaining a satisfactory quality of life in Langley:"

"The City of Langley should provide an effective stewardship of the environment, to protect critical areas and conserve land, air, water, and energy resources."

"The City of Langley should encourage changes that promote livability, pedestrian orientation and thoughtful design, and limit stress factors such as noise and air pollution and traffic congestion."

"The City of Langley should…recognize that as the economy changes, employment opportunities should be balanced with a range of housing opportunities."

(Vision of Langley, LCP, p. 7)

Guidelines

1. All proposed residential developments of 5 houses or more must demonstrate how the proposal furthers the Vision of Langley and addresses the above issues.
2. Is this project compatible with the unique character of the Langley community?
   Consider Langley's history and aspirations; future plans and developments; business profile and demographic profile.
3. How would this development benefit Langley?
• Community life:
  • Does it respect natural, historic and cultural resources?
  • Does is preserve open space and view opportunities?
  • Does it create a public gathering space?
  • Does it contribute to the walking/biking path network and preserve the pedestrian –friendly character of Langley?
• Aesthetically:
  • How does it contribute to the unique character of Langley?
  • How does it reflect and augment the character of its neighborhood?
• Demographically:
  • Does it include a variety of housing types and affordability
4. How would this development impact Langley in terms of:
• Natural resources and habitat: analysis of impact on wildlife, sensitive natural areas and those treasured by the community
• Population: number of people the project would add by age group

Public Review

After researching and preparing a proposal based on the above guidelines, a prospective developer will hold a public meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to present the proposal and receive feedback from the community, thereby guiding the creation of an application to be presented to the Planning Advisory Board.

References

Lawrence Township, New Jersey, "Community Impact Statement" in Eben Fordor's Better Not Bigger, 2001

Hightstown Borough Land Use Procedures, Section 26-7 "Community Impact Statement," 2000

Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Commission, "Community Impact Statement – Hunt Field," 2001

Siegel, Lenny, "The Community Impact Statement: An Exercise in Community Empowerment," 1999

Queensland Gaming Commission, "Guidelines – Community Impact Statement," 2001

Venice Community Coalition, "Envision Venice," 2004

Grassroots Venice Neighborhood Council, "Community Impact Statement," 2004