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Draft Growth Management Element
The Draft Growth Management Element February 2006 The Comprehensive Plan for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan "ReVi ion" Policy Element Growth Management Element Functional Element Cultural Reritage HousingElemCJ1t Regioni». OpCll Tourism Element Transportation Water Resources Element Space Element Element Element Reserved for Resolution Prepared by Lancaster County Planning Commission Lancaster County Growth Management Update Task Force Consultants Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC McCormick, Taylor & Associates, Inc. American Farmland Trust David Elesh, Ph.D. Lancaster County Board of Commissioners Dick Shellenberger, Chairman Howard "Pete" Shaub Molly Henderson Donald R. Elliott, Chief Administrative Officer Lancaster County Planning Commission Charles E. Douts, Jr., Chairperson Virginia Brady, Vice Chairperson Nancy Halliwell, Secretary Raymond D'Agostino, Jr. Julianne Dickson Dennis Groff James Miller, Jr. Jonathan L. Price Matthew Young James R. Cowhey, AICP Executive Director Growth Management Update Task Force Steering Committee Ronald K. Beam Co-Chair, Growth Management Update Task Force Lois K. Herr Co-Chair, Growth Management Update Task Force James Miller Jr., Chair, Buildabfe Lands (Urban Strategy) Subcommittee Richard L. Jackson Chair, Consultant Subcommittee J511hntt' --'Jhc Growth Management Element Daniel Zimmerman Chair, Plan Review Subcommittee Carolyn French Chair, Public Involvement Subcommittee Steven Sylvester Co-Chair, Rural Strategy Subcommittee Rich Doenges Co-Chair, Rural Strategy Subcommittee Caroline Hoffer Chair, Smart Growth Tool Box Subcommittee Growth Management Update Task Force Members Ronald K. Beam RETTEW Associates, Inc. Lois K Herr Lancaster County Planning Commission John Ahlfeld Lancaster Inter-Municipal Committee Eugene L. Aleci Community Heritage Partners Rev. Edward M. Bailey Bethel Harambee Historical Services, Inc. Thomas Baldrige Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry Virginia Brady Lancaster County Planning Commission, Region 3 Rita Byrne Historic Preservation Trust Phyllis L. Campbell Urban League of Lancaster County, Inc. Frank A. Christoffel, III Lancaster County Association of Realtors• Frank Christoffel, IV Lancaster County Association of Realtors• Thomas E. Despard Commercial Prime Properties Julianne Dickson Lancaster County Planning Commission, Region I Richard Doenges Lancaster County Agricultural Preserve Board Charles E. Douts, Jr. Lancaster County Planning Commission, Region 2 Susan Eckert United W'lly of Lancaster County John Fiorill Southern Region Police Department Noelle Fortna East Cocalico Township II Carolyn French Fulton Bank Randy Gockley Lancaster County Emergency Management Agency Ralph Goodno Lancaster County Conservancy Allan Granger Lancaster County Housing Steering Committee Dennis Groff Lancaster County Planning Commission, Region 6 Nancy Halliwell Lancaster County Planning Commission, Region 4 Caroline Hoffer Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen Rich Hurst Hurst Brothers Development Company Stephen Iovino, Ph.D. Warwick School District Richard L. Jackson ELA Group, Inc. G. Curtis Jones Lancaster County Association ofT owns hip Supervisors Terry Kauffman Borough of Mount Joy Karen Koncle East Cocalico Township Michael A. Kyle Lancaster Area Sewer Authority Arthur Mann, Sr. Donsco, Inc. Karen Martynick Lancaster Farmland Trust Donald R. McNutt Lancaster County Conservation District James Miller, Jr. Miller-Warner Construction Co., Inc. Katina E. Musser 4-H Youth Development/Penn State Coopemtive FxtensWn Logan Myers Warwick Township Board of Supervisors Wendy Nagle PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau Lilia Nice Citizen David K. Nikoloff Economic Development Company of Lancaster County Jay Parrish Pennsylvania Bureau of Topographic & Geologic Survey Randy S. Patterson LanctJSter County Housing & Redevelopment Authorities Patrice Polite-Dixon School District of Lancaster Donald L. Ranck Verdant View Farm/Lancaster County Farm Bureau Leon Ressler Penn State Cooperative Extension Steve Sawyer Lancaster County Planning Commission, Region 5/Ephrata Township Barry Smith Manor Township Thomas D. Smithgall High Real Estate Group Antonio Suarez McDonald's Corporation, City of Lancaster Steven Sylvester F&M CoUege, Department of Earth and Environment Diane Tannehill Lancaster Community Indicators Project Allen Taylor Taylor and TaJlor, P.C. I Community Business Association of Lancaster Betty Tompos Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology J. Scott Ulrich Ulrich Appraisal LLC Karen Weibel Lititz Borough Planning Commission and Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership Peter J. Whipple Elizabethtown Borough Daniel L. Zimmerman Lancaster County Transportation Authority! War- wick Township Growth Management Update Task Force Additional Subcommittee Phoebe Bailey Bethel Harambee Historical Services, Inc. Joan Brodhead Community First Fund Luke Brubaker PA Milk Marketing Board I Lancaster Farmland Trust David Clouser Lancaster Township .BahlU:t! -TI1e Growth iV1anagcmcnr Elcmrnr James R.Cowhey, AICP Lancaster County Planning Commission Raymond D'Agostino, Jr. West Lampeter Township Rebecca S. Denlinger Lancaster County Planning Commission, Economic Planning Division Suzy Friedman Environmental Defense/Lancaster Farms Initiative Mary Gattis-Schell Lancaster County Planning Commission, Economic Planning Division Keith Harner Lancaster County Engineer's Office Michael Hess Future Farmers of America Frank Howe Leacock Township Chester Hughes Penn State Cooperative Extension Paula Jackson City of Lancaster Neil Kinsey Governor's Center for Local Government Services Deidre Lehman Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Craig Lenhard City of Lancaster Jennifer Luciani Borough of Mount Joy Glenn L. Mohler, AICP Lancaster County Geographic Information Systems Stephen Mohr Pennsylvania Game Commission /Conoy Township Andi Murphy Schejfey Advertising Christopher R. Neumann Lancaster County Planning Commission, Director of Transportation Planning Division Roger Rohrer Fulton Bank, Agricultural Services David F. Royer Lancaster County Planning Commission, Transpor- tation Planning Division Dean S. Severson Lancaster County Planning Commission, Commu- nity Planning Division Cynthia Shaffer Coalition for Smart Growth Elizabeth M. Smith Lancaster County Planning Commission, Long Range Planning Division .Bahht~ -ll1c Growth 1vfana~cmcnr Elcmcnr Scott W Standish Lancaster County Planning Commission, Director of Heritage Planning Division Danny Whittle Lancaster County Planning Commission, Community Planning Division Gary Willier Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry Matthew Young Lancaster County Planning Commission I Red Knob Farms I Lancaster County Agriculture Preserve Board PROJECT TEAM Nancy J. Williams Lancaster County Planning Commission, Director, Long Range Planning Division Mary L. Frey, AICP Lancaster County Planning Commission, Project Manager, Long Range Planning Division Glenn L. Mohler, AICP, GIS Specialist Lancaster County Geographic Information Systems Serena London, GIS Technician Lancaster County Geographic Information Systems Lynn M. Stiles, Graphics Arts Technician Lancaster County Planning Commission Barbara Minnick, Administrative Secretary Lancaster County Planning Commission Mari Rich, Administrative Secretary (Former) Lancaster County Planning Commission Consultants David Rouse, ASIA, AJCP, Project Manager Wallace, Roberts & Todd, LLC David Hamme Wallace, Roberts & Todd, LLC Nancy Templeton, AJCP Wallace, Roberts & Todd, LLC Joseph Bucavetsky, AJCP, Project Manager McCormick, Taylor & Associates, Inc. Matthew Bennett, AICP McCormick, Taylor & Associates, Inc. Christopher Salvatico McCormick, Taylor & Associates, Inc. Kevin Schmidt, Project Manager American Farmland Trust Julia Freedgood American Farmland Trust Andy Andrews American Farmland Trust II Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii Introduction 1.1 Overview and Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 1.2 Planning and Community Participation Process ........................................ 1-3 1.2. l Community Participation .................................................... 1-4 1.3 Key Issue Areas ................................................................. 1-6 Lancaster County Today 2.1 Location ...................................................................... 2-1 Map 2-1: Location Map .......................................................... 2-2 Map 2-2: Lancaster County Municipalities ........................................... 2-3 2.2 Treasured Resources ............................................................. 2-4 2.2. l Natural Resources .......................................................... 2-4 Map 2-3: Agricultural Soils ....................................................... 2-5 Map 2-4: Natural Habitat Areas .................................................... 2-6 Map 2-5: Steep Slopes ........................................................... 2-7 2.2.2 Architectural, Cultural, and Historic Resources .................................... 2-8 Map 2-6: Hydrology ............................................................ 2-9 Map 2-7: Agricultural Land Cover 2002 ............................................ 2-10 Map 2-8: Land Preservation ...................................................... 2-11 2.3 Agriculture ................................................................... 2-12 2.4 Economy ..................................................................... 2-14 Map 2-9: Roadway Functional Classification ......................................... 2-15 Map 2-10: Rails, Trails, Air & Public Transportation Systems ............................ 2-16 2. 5 Infrastructure Systems ........................................................... 2-17 2.5.1 Transportation ........................................................... 2-17 2.5.2 Water Supply ............................................................ 2-17 Map 2-11: Water Supply Service Areas & Well Locations ............................... 2-18 Map 2-12: Sewer Service Areas ................................................... 2-19 2.5.3 Wastewater Disposal ...................................................... 2-20 Map 2-13: Existing Developed Areas ............................................... 2-21 2.6 Current Land Use Ordinances ..................................................... 2-22 2.7 Development Trends and Projections ............................................... 2-22 2.7.1 Recent Development Patterns ................................................ 2-22 2.7.2 Probable Future .......................................................... 2-23 Map 2-14: Probable Future Trend (2030) ........................................... 2-24 2.7.3 Implications for Lancaster County's Future ...................................... 2-26 2.7.4 Conclusion .............................................................. 2-27 Growth Management Framework 3.1 Growth Management Policy Framework .............................................. 3-1 3.2 Growth Management Framework Map ............................................... 3-3 Map 3-1: Growth Management Framework .......................................... 3-4 3.2.1 Urban Growth Area Categories ................................................ 3-5 3.2.2 Designated Rural Area Categories .............................................. 3-6 3.2.3 Designated Rural Areas: ..................................................... 3-6 3.3 Countywide Growth Management Strategies .......................................... 3-8 3.3.1 Education and Outreach ..................................................... 3-8 3.3.2 Designated Growth Areas/Designated Rural Areas ................................. 3-8 3.3.3 Consistency of Plans and Programs with the Growth Management Element ............. 3-10 3.3.4 Multi-Municipal Planning and Zoning ......................................... 3-10 3.4 Conclusion ................................................................... 3-11 Urban Growth Area Strategy 4.1 Overview ..................................................................... 4-1 4.2 Urban Growth Areas ............................................................. 4-3 4.2.1 New Targets .............................................................. 4-4 4.2.2 New Communities ......................................................... 4-8 4.2.3 Reinvestment Areas ......................................................... 4-9 .J5111Aht,g ·--·n1e Crowrh Manaf.<:mcm Ekmcnr II 4.3 Development Patterns ........................................................... 4-10 4.3.1 Mixed-Use Centers ........................................................ 4-10 4.4 Overarching Issue Areas ......................................................... 4-11 4.4.1 Economy ............................................................... 4-11 4.4.2 Infrastructure ............................................................ 4-13 4.4.3. Housing ................................................................ 4-16 4.4.4 Treasured Resources ....................................................... 4-17 4.5 Conclusion ................................................................... 4-18 4.5.1 Coordinated Planning ...................................................... 4-18 4.5.2 Growth Monitoring System ................................................. 4-18 4.5.3 Urban Growth Area Development Capacity ..................................... 4-18 Rural Strategy 5 .1 Overview ..................................................................... 5-1 5.2 Designated Rural Areas ........................................................... 5-3 5.2.1 Designated Agricultural Area ................................................. 5-4 5.2.2 Designated Agricultural with Natural Area ....................................... 5-4 5.2.3 Designated Natural Area ..................................................... 5-5 5.2.4 Designated Rural Centers .................................................... 5-6 5.3 Rural Development .............................................................. 5-6 5.3.1 Village Growth Areas ....................................................... 5-8 5.3.2 Crossroads Communities .................................................... 5-9 5.3.3 Rural Business Areas ....................................................... 5-1 0 5.3.4 Rural Neighborhoods ...................................................... 5-10 5.3.5 Development in Resource-Based Designated Rural Areas ........................... 5-12 5.4 Overarching Issue Areas ......................................................... 5-12 5.4.1 Rural Economy ........................................................... 5-13 5.4.2 Infrastructure ............................................................ 5-16 5.4.3 Housing ................................................................ 5-2 1 5.4.4 Treas ured Resources ....................................................... 5-22 5.5 Conclusion ................................................................... 5-22 Implementation 6.1 County Actions ................................................................. 6-1 6.3 Smart Growth Toolbox .......................................................... 6-11 6.4 Monitoring ................................................................... 6-1 2 6.4 .1 Growth Tracking System .................................................... 6-13 6.4.2 Population Targets ........................................................ 6-14 6.4.3 Growth Management Indicators .............................................. 6-14 6.5 Conclusion ................................................................... 6-17 Appendices Appendix A - Glossary of Key Terms .................................................... A-1 Appendix B -Smart Growth Tool Box ................................................... B-1 Key Message • It reaffirms the Urban Growth Area (UGA) concept while setting new targets for in- creased density and intensity and policies for improved character and form of develop- ment within UGAs. This Update to the Growth Management Ele- ment of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan is designed to help achieve and sustain Lancastrians' Vision of a balanced community where urban centers prosper, natural land-• It proposes designation of Rural Areas scapes flourish, and farming is strengthened as an integral component of our diverse economy and cultural heritage. Lancaster County stands at a critical crossroads in its history. The decisions that are made over the next 25 years regarding new development, rein- vestment, and preservation of treasured resources will shape the quality oflife and character of the County for generations to come. The Growth Management Element establishes the overall direc- tion, tools, and an agenda for action by munici- palities and the County to work together to realize the future to which Lancastrians aspire. The Growth Management Element is one of three major components of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan. The other two components are the Policy Element (Re Vi- sions) -adopted in 1999 -and six Functional Elements: • Cultural Heritage • Housing • Regional Open Space • Strategic Tourism Development • Transportation • Water Resources This Update also recommends the development of an Economic Development Element as a seventh Functional Element. The goals and objectives of the Growth Man- agement Element establish direction for and are supported by the recommendations for specific topics contained in the Functional Elements of the Comprehensive Plan. The 2005 Growth Management Element Update builds on the two previous plans (1993 and 1997) while setting some significant new directions for the management of growth in Lan- caster County over the next 25 years: J5,11An~ -------1l1c Crowth Mana{!cmcnr Elcrncnr -equivalent in importance to the Urban Growth Areas -within which significant agricultural, natural, historic, architectural, and scenic resources are to be protected. • It includes targets to reduce growth in rural Lancaster County while designating Rural Centers (villages and other existing developed areas) to which development that would otherwise occur as scattered sprawl in Designated Rural Areas is to be directed. • It provides a comprehensive action strat- egy, including a Smart Growth Toolbox comprised of policy, regulatory, and invest- ment tools that can be applied by munici- palities, with support from the County, to implement the Growth Management Ele- ment Update. The Growth Management Element establishes a framework for future land use and develop- ment in the County and its municipalities consistent with the Vision and Key Focus Areas set forth in Re Visions. Looking 25 years into the future, it identifies • Areas that are appropriate for urban growth and reinvestment • Areas that should be maintained in agricul- ture, natural resources, and similar uses • Strategies and tools that municipalities and the County can use to shape growth to achieve the desired patterns of development and preservation Why a Second Update to the Growth Man- agement Element? Lancaster County has been able to achieve con- siderable success through the implementation of the previous Growth Management Element, while at the same rime enjoying rhe benefits of a growing community and economy. However, now is not the time for complacency, but rather the time to redouble our efforts to man- age growth and change in Lancaster County. The Lancaster County Planning Commis- sion (LCPC) Growth Tracking Report, 1993- 2003 indicates that a significant amount of development continues to occur outside of Growth Areas. This growth is impacting the rural resources which define the character of Lancaster County while our historic urban centers are in need of revitalization and rein- vestment. Current development trends show a need to strengthen the Growth Management Element. During 1994-2002, 76% of new residential dwellings were constructed inside UGAs vs. the target of 80%. Rural Areas accounted for the remaining 24%. However, this 24% of new dwellings accounted for 67% of the land con- verted for residential development in Lancaster County. Also, residential development density is not reaching the target of 5.5 gross (6.9 net) units per acre, but is at 4.0 gross (5.0 net) units per acre for 1994-2002. This Update can provide added support for Growth Areas and help further protect farm- land and open space. Preparation of the Growth Management Element Update was led by a Task Force of 60 people appointed by the Lancaster County Planning Commission (LCPC) in December 2003 to rep- resent a broad range of interests, organizations, and regions throughout Lancaster County. The Task Force was charged with development of an Update to the Growth Management Element to guide growth through 2030. To ensure that the completed Growth Manage- ment Element Update truly reflects the values and aspirations of Lancastrians, the planning process included numerous opportunities for community participation. The Task Force solic- ited Pubic Input through: • A Public Meeting Series held in Winter/ Spring 2005 • Media Coverage • Surveys • LCPC Website and LCPC Newsletter (FYI) • Special forums with municipalities and mu- nicipal associations • Other special events/meetings Major areas of public consensus include: • Preserve farmland and the rural character of the County • Guide new development to where services are located • Enhance the livability and sustainability of the City, Boroughs and Urbanized areas of townships • Increase housing choice and affordability, i.e., mixture of single family homes, con- dos and town homes (rental and owner- ship) at various price ranges • Balance is important The Update consists of three main compo- nents: • Urban Growth Area Strategy • Rural Strategy • Implementation Plan The Urban Growth Area Strategy and Rural Strategy are designed to work together to focus and improve the quality of development in Ur- ban Growth Areas while maintaining the integ- rity of the rural economy, lands, and resources. The Implementation Plan includes a County Action Program, Smart Growth Funding Pro- gram, and a Smart Growth Toolbox for use by municipalities and the County. Ir also includes a Monitoring Program that establishes an ongo- ing process to be used by the County to measure progress in implementing the Update. .Bah11Ct!! ········· 111c Crowrh ;\fanagcmcnr Element Key Policies and Targets in Update include • On a county-wide basis, existing Urban Growth Areas contain sufficient land to accommodate new growth through 2030, ifthisplan isfully implemented. • Housing Projection: 2005-2030 = 53,259 units needed over 25 years • New Growth Targets • Direct 85% of new growth (dwelling units) to Urban Growth Areas • Limit new growth (dwelling units) in Rural Areas to 15% of Countywide total • New Residential Density Targets • Net average of7.5 dwelling units per acre in Urban Growth Areas • Net average of 2.5 dwelling units per acre in Village Growth Areas • An enhanced Urban Growth Areas Strat- egy, including a Redevelopment Strategy • A Rural Strategy to reduce sprawl, main- tain and enhance agriculture, and protect natural, cultural, historic, and architectural resources Urban Growth Area Strategy • The Urban Growth Area Strategy builds on Lancaster County's present growth manage- ment program, which has resulted in adoption of thirteen Urban Growth Areas involving 43 municipalities within the County. Building on existing policy that endeavors to maintain two times the amount of buildable land within Urban Growth Areas and that keeps growth where services exist, the Urban Growth Strat- egy establishes the following key objectives: 1. Increase the proportion, density, and intensity of development in Urban Growth Areas by achieving the following countywide targets for development by the year 2030: • Residential Dwellings: Accommodate 85% of the total increase in dwelling units in Urban Growth Areas. • Residential Density: Achieve an aver- age density of 7.5 dwelling units/net acre on Buildabl e Lands withfri Urban Growth Areas. I JS11iahte ······-'lhc Grcrivth Managrn1em Ekmcnr • Employment: Accommodate 66% of the total increase in employment acreage in Urban Growth Areas.1 2. Place a new emphasis on compatible reinvestment, infill, and redevelopment in Lancaster City, the Boroughs, and urbanized areas ofTownships. • Reinvestment: Accommodate 12% of new residential growth (dwelling units) and 55% of new employment (jobs) in Reinvestment Areas (Lancaster City, the Boroughs, and Developed Lands within Townships' UGAs). 3. Improve the character and form of new de- velopment in Urban Growth Areas in order to enhance the quality of life for current and new residents a. Mixed-Use Centers2: Focus new development in Mixed-Use Centers (Housing-, Retail-and Commercial- Mixed Use Centers) • Provide compact, pedestrian-friendly environments; open space, natural, and historic resources integrated into land use and development patterns; and opportunities for walking, biking, and transit use 4. Increase housing choice and affordability to improve the well being of all citizens • Provide a greater diversity in housing type, tenure, and price within Urban Growth Areas, consistent with the Goals, Objectives, and Strategies of the 2005 Housing Element Update of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan 5. Increase employment opportunities • Ensure the availability of sufficient lands in suitable locations (e.g., Mixed-Use 1 This is a preliminary carget pending confirmation through the Economic Development Element, recommended by the Growth Management Element Update as an additional element to be developed as part of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan. 2 A Mixed-Use Center is a concentrated area of development within an Urban Growth Area that has a designated primary use (housing, employment, or retail) indicating the purpose of the center while permitting and encouraging a range of other complementary uses. Centers) within Urban Growth Areas to accommodate future employment needs • Prepare an Economic Development Element of the Lancaster County Com- prehensive Plan Rural Strategy Consistent with citizen input received through- out the planning process, the Growth Manage- ment Element Update defines a new, compre- hensive Rural Strategy designed to maintain for future generations the resources and traditional ties to the land that define Lancaster County's rural character. Key objectives include: 1. Establish Designated Rural Areas within which rural resources, rural character, and a rural way-of-life are to be sustained and development that is incompatible with these uses is to be precluded. Four types of Rural Area designations are proposed: Agricultural Areas, Agricultural with Natural Areas, Natural Areas and Rural Centers: • Designated Agricultural Areas contain the greatest intensity of agricultural resources and uses, and should be man- aged to preserve productive farmland, promote a healthy agricultural industry, and maintain scenic and historic rural landscapes. • Designated Agricultural with Natural Areas contain agricultural resources and uses mixed with a significant proportion of environmentally sensitive resources, and should be managed to preserve pro- ductive farmland and sensitive natural features. • Designated Natural Areas are areas with high scenic, recreational, and natural resource value, and should be managed to protect natural resources. • Rural Centers are the fourth type of Designated Rural Area. Rural Centers are areas of existing development to which development not directly related to the rural economy is to be guided. Taking this approach proactively ad- dresses development that otherwise would occur as scattered sprawl in resource-based Designated Rural Areas. Four types of Rural Centers are pro- posed: Village Growth Areas as pres- ently designated through municipal and multi-municipal planning processes and three additional types to be identified on a case-by-case basis by municipal officials. The additional types are Cross- roads Communities, Rural Bwiness Areas, and Rural Neighborhoods. 2. Reduce non-rural development outside of Urban Growth Areas and direct it to areas of existing development (Rural Centers) so as to maintain the integrity of Designated Rural Areas and the character of traditional, small-scale settlements. Rural Centers in- clude • Village Growth Areas (50 or more dwelling units) as presently designated by municipalities and three new types of centers to be designated on a case-by- case basis through municipal and multi- municipal planning processes. • Crossroads Communities (existing communities of 20-50 dwelling units) • Rural Business Areas (existing devel- oped areas with undeveloped lots) • Rural Neighborhoods (areas of existing residential development) 3. Maintain the viability of the rural economy, including agriculture and other economic activities that depend on rural resources. Building on the work of the Lancaster Coun- ty Board of Commissioners' Blue Ribbon Commission on Agriculture, implement a comprehensive strategy to sustain a viable agricultural industry and preserve farmland. Address the needs of the rural economy in an Economic Development Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan. The Vision of Lancaster County is at risk if the current trend of scattered, low-density development in rural areas continues over the next 25 years. The Implementation Plan contains resources and tools to carry the Vi- sion forward . .Bahl~t! ·······--111e Growth ;\fanagcmcnr Element Implementation Plan The Implementation Plan is designed to provide municipalities and the County with the tools and directions needed to effectively implement the Urban Growth Area and Rural Strategies. The Implementation Plan is organized into four main components: 1. A County Action Program, including collab- oration with and assistance to municipalities, community groups, and non-profit organiza- tions for implementation of the Update A Smart Growth Funding Program that provides targeted funding for implementa- tion, including expansion of existing capital programs (Community Parks Initiative and Municipal Transportation Grants Programs) and the Lancaster County Purchase of Development Rights Program, new funding programs (Smart Growth Grant Program and Lancaster County Legal Fund), as well as information on and assistance with other funding sources (state, federal, and nonprofit programs) The County Board of Commissioners should support funding for these programs and tie eligibility for all other County resources for planning and community development to an applicant's ability to show consistency with the goals, objectives, and strategies of the Growth Management Element Update. 2. A Smart Growth Toolbox that describes the most innovative and effective policy, regula- tory, and capital investment tools available to municipalities and the County. 3. A Monitoring Program that establishes an ongoing process for measuring progress in implementing the Update, as well as ongoing development of the Smart Growth Toolbox. Several ideas are critical to the success of the Implementation Plan: 1. Municipalities, the County, and provid- ers of public infrastructure and services must coordinate policies, regulations, and capital investment decisions to achieve the Urban Growth Area and Rural Strategies. J511/aht~ -lhc Growth Managcmcnr Elcmenr The Smart Growth Toolbox contains a wide variety of policies, regulations, and investment strategies that can be applied by municipalities and the County to implement the Update. 2. The County must provide on-going as- sistance and support to municipalities and others involved in implementation. The Update establishes a County Action Program comprised of 1) early actions to be pursued during the early stages of implementa- tion and 2) longer-range or ongoing programs. County Action Program Key Early Actions include: • Develop a schedule of county actions to be taken during the initial three to five years of implementation, including timeframes, responsibilities, and costs • Initiate a cross-acceptance process for the Update with municipal officials • Develop the Smart Growth Toolbox as a web-based resource Longer-range/ongoing programs include: • Ongoing education and outreach to mu- nicipalities and citizens • Technical assistance to municipalities • Update the Open Space Element, Water Resources Element, and prepare a new Economic Development Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan • Modify the present LCPC Growth Track- ing System to address the new directions established by the Growth Management Element Update • Implement a review process to ensure the consistency of all elements of the Compre- hensive Plan, and related projects, with the Update • Monitor legislative issues that are relative to implementation of the Update GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan GROWTH MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK Legend c-·a Draft •JGA -Cora Reinvestmerd Are~s I --j U•ban Growtll Araa (UGA) Gen<?ral Reirwmment Are~ c::::J 'vii Iago Gl'QWth Area (VGA) Cor>:erll~f.'d Su1kj~g Areaw [ ..... 1 Moocipal Bourr.laries • Vltlilges (Non-VGA) Qern;rai Building Areas fl : ; ; ;j Do!,;,gneted Agn¢ultural Arlll'J& ~ Designated Nat~ral Areu "" r::::zJ Designated Agricultural wtth Natural An?as ~ C•ossrcads CcmITTJn.11e~ August, 2005 N A 0 6 •--==--=i• Miles 3 The Growth Management Framework Map provides a generalized representation of the Countywlde Vision as expressed In the Urban Growth Area Strategy and the Rural Strategy. This map Is Intended for use as a guide for more detailed planning and implementation efforts. Further analysis of local conditions through municipal and multi-municipal planning efforts is needed to define how and where the categories shown on the map and the associated recommendations and tools contained in the Growth Management Element apply at the local level. For color map, visit www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/growthmanagement. 3. Funding commitments at multiple levels, including county and local as well as out- side sources, will be needed to implement the Update. • A new Lancaster County Smart Growth Grant Program for local projects that are consistent with the Growth Manage- ment Element and the Comprehensive Plan • Expansion of existing Lancaster County funding programs and targeting of them to support Smart Growth • Leverage other available funding sources (state, federal, private/nonprofit) 4. Ongoing review, monitoring of progress, and updating of the Growth Management Element will be required for successful implementation. The Update includes a Monitoring Program to be used by the County to measure progress in plan implementation. This program in- cludes expanding and enhancing the present Growth Tracking System to monitor success in achieving the new targets set by the Update and the availability ofland within Urban Growth Areas to meet projected demand. It also includes a set of Growth Management Indicators that can be used to measure prog- ress in implementing the Growth Manage- ment Element Update and provide informa- tion that may be used to determine changes that need to be made to improve the County's growth management program. J511fahu ··-· lhc Growth !vfana~.::mcnr Elcmenr Conclusion The long-term Vision of Lancaster County is at risk if the current trend of scattered development in rural areas and low-density development pat- terns in Urban Growth Areas continue over the next 25 years. Full implementation of this Up- date is necessary if we are to preserve Lancaster County's treasured resources and enhance our quality of life while at the same time accommo- dating projected growth and growing the local economy. The Growth Management Element Update lays out a comprehensive strategy and tools that can be used by Lancaster County, its municipalities, and citizens to achieve reinvestment in Lancaster City and the boroughs, quality new develop- ment, a sustainable economy and agricultural industry, and preservation of treasured natural, cultural, and historic resources. The Growth Management Element Update is not a static document but provides flexibility. The strategies of the Growth Management Element Update are designed to preserve options for the future, even beyond the 25-year planning horizon of this Update, regarding growth and preservation The strongest asset available to the County to support the desired pattern of land use and de- velopment lies in the civic values ofLancastrians and their attachment to the land. These values have been expressed over and over again in public meetings for the Growth Management Element Update and other planning initiatives. The choice for Lancaster County's future is dear. 1he time for action is now. Color versions of all maps in this draft are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/ growthmanagement. 1.1 Overview and Purpose The Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan is comprised of three major components: the Policy Element (Re Visions), the Growth Management Element, and six Functional Elements addressing the following topics: • Cultural Heritage • Housing • Regional Open Space • Strategic Tourism Development • Transportation • Water Resources The Growth Management Element establishes a framework for future land use and develop- ment in the County and its municipalities consistent with the Vision and Key Focus Areas set forth in ReVisions. Looking 25 years into the future, it identifies • Areas that are appropriate for urban growth and reinvestment • Areas that should be maintained in agri- culture, natural resources, and similar uses • Strategies and tools that municipalities and the County can use to shape growth to achieve the desired patterns of devel- opment and preservation The goals and objectives of the Growth Man- agement Element establish direction for and are supported by the recommendations for specific topics contained in the Functional Ele- ments of the Comprehensive Plan. The Growth Management Element provides comprehensive policy guidance and direction for municipal officials to follow in effectively manag- ing and influencing the location, pattern, inten- sity, and form of growth in Lancaster County. Because local municipalities have the primary au- thority and responsibility for land development, subdivisions, and zoning, they have a critical role to play in growth management. Therefore, imple- mentation will largely occur through planning, regulatory, and other initiatives at the municipal and multi-municipal levels with the technical assistance and support of Lancaster County. In addition to providing guidance to municipalities, .311/;,h~ ·--111c Growth !Vfana{?.cmcm El.:menr the Growth Management Element defines how the County can most effectively assist munici- palities in these efforts. Of key importance is a public outreach and education program to com- municate to citizens the importance of the policy directions, strategies, and tools contained in the Element for Lancaster County's future. The Growth Management Element provides guidance for municipal officials to follow in managing and influencing the location, pattern, and form of growth in Lancaster County. The Growth Management Element was first adopted in 1993 and updated in 1997 as part of the County's Comprehensive Plan. It identified the critical threat to Lancaster County's character and quality oflife posed by scattered develop- ment and focused on Urban and Village Growth Areas as the primary tools for managing growth and promoting agricultural and open space preservation. The Element has had considerable success, as demonstrated by the following: • The County has partnered with local municipalities to implement Growth Areas as the primary strategy to manage new development. As a result, Lancaster County is nationally recognized as a leader in growth management. Thirteen Urban Growth Areas and 31 Village Growth Areas have been adopted through cooperative efforts between the County and municipalities. • Eleven multi-municipal plans cur- rently exist or are underway in Lancaster County and all incorporate a growth area or areas as part of their planning strategy. In total, 41 of the County's 60 municipalities are involved in multi-mu- nicipal planning/growth management efforts. • New growth management tools, includ- ing several enabled through the 2000 "smart growth" amendments to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, are being developed and imple- mented by municipalities. Examples in- clude Traditional Neighborhood Devel- II • opment, Specific Plans, and planning for Developments of Regional Significa nce and Impact. Agricultural preservation has broad community support, and Lancaster County has become a national leader in agricultural preservation through a broad- based strategy that includes purchase of development rights, effective agricul- tural zoning at the municipal level, and coordination of public infrastructure with Growth Areas. The acreage of farmland preserved through permanent easements by the Lancaster County Agricultural Pre- serve Board and Lancaster Farmland Trust has increased from approximately 12,000 acres in 1993 to 62,000 acres in 2005. The Growth Management Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan was first adopted in 1993 and updated in 1997. The foundation of the Growth Management Element is Growth Areas. Since 1993, 13 Urban and 31 Village Growth Areas have been established in Lancaster County During this time, Lancaster County, both as a community and an economy, continued to grow and expand. This growth has enabled us to continue to have a higher employment rate and standard of living than that of most counties in Pennsylvania. Our population has grown and diversified, our transportation sys tem has been upgraded, and our institutions of higher education have expanded. We enjoy an increasing arts pres- ence, expanded restaurant and shopping choices, and an improved communications infrastructure. We have been able to achieve considerable suc- cess through the implementation of the previous Growth Management Element, while at the same rime enjoying the benefits of a growing co m- munity and economy. However, now is not the time fo r complacency, but rather the time to re- double our efforcs to manage growth and change in Lancaster County. The Lancaster County Planning Commission (LCPC) Growth Tracking Report , 1993-2003 indicates that a significant amount of development continues Lancaster County Farmland: 62,000 acres have b-n permanently preserved as of 2005. Gazebo on Square, Manheim Borough: A crHlcal issue identified by citizens is the revitalization of Boroughs such as Manheim. Maytown Village Square, East Donegal Township: This Update promotes healthy and sustainable patterns of growth and preservation that respect historic villages and communities. .Eah/IC& -····· 'lhe Growth J\·1anafictncnr Elcmcnr to occur outside of Growth Areas. This growth is impacting the rural resources which define the character of Lancaster County while our historic urban centers are in need of revitalization and reinvestment. In order to address these issues, several aspects of the 1997 Growth Management Element could be improved. For example: • A more comprehensive strategy is need- ed to promote the quality of life and s~stainability of rural areas. This strategy should address the viability of the ag- ricultural industry and rural resource- based economy as a key to maintaining the integrity of rural lands and resources. • Despite the success in designating Growth Areas, key quality oflife issues related to development within these areas deserve further attention. Examples include: Promoting reinvestment in Lan- caster City, the 18 boroughs, and the urbanized areas of townships Encouraging new development forms (e.g., Traditional Neighbor- hood Design and workforce/ mixed- income housing) as alternatives to the conventional pattern of single- family, lower density subdivisions Providing amenities such as parks and open space close to where people live • Lancaster County's growth management program would benefit from a renewed focus on implementation, including the consistent application of tools and strategies by municipalities and the involvement and support of a broad range of stakeholders. To be effective, such efforts must take into consideration municipal capacity to implement and administer growth management tools and programs. , • This Update builds on the success of the Coun- ty's established growth management program by identifying concepts, strategies, and tools that the municipalities and the County can use to address J511Mhtt' ····· lhc Growth !vfana{?.c:mcnr Ekmenr . ' ·~· the above and related issues. It goes beyond the growth area concept to explore more compre- hensively what is needed to promote healthy and sustainable patterns of growth, investment/eco- nomic activity, and preservation in urban and rural areas of the County. 1.2 Planning and Community Participation Process Preparation of the Growth Management Element Update was led by a Task Force of 60 persons appointed by the LCPC in December 2003 to represent a broad range of interests, organiza- tions, and regions throughout Lancaster County. The organization of the Task Force included a Steering Committee and subcommittees to ad- dress specific topics. The planning process for the Update consisted of the following phases: • Phase 1 -Framing the Issues: Dur- ing this phase, which lasted about one year, the Task Force learned about the issues and opportunities that will define Lancaster County's future over the next quarter century. Activities included meetings with local officials and resi- dents in all six Planning Commission re- gions to discuss topics such as natural re- sources, cultural heritage, the economy, growth and development, infrastructure needs, and agricultural preservation. In addition, a consultant team led by Wal- lace Roberts & Todd, LLC was retained to assist in development of the Growth Management Element Update. • Phase 2 -Existing Conditions and Trends: This phase involved more in-depth research and analysis to under- stand and characterize conditions and trends related to land development and preservation in Lancaster County. In addition, a telephone survey and series of public meetings (Community Forum #1) were conducted to hear from citizens about the critical issues for Lancaster " County's future. Key points of public consensus included: Maintaining agriculture and the rural character of Lancaster County are important priorities Higher density development in Growth Areas and revitalization of Lancaster City, the Boroughs, urbanized centers within Town- ships should be encouraged Recent growth trends should be changed to achieve these directions The results of Phase 2 are presented in the Existing Conditions, Trends & Issues Report (March 2005) and summarized in Chapter 2.0 of this document • Phase 3 -Strategies for Balancing Growth and Preservation: This phase began with the development of Strategic Choices designed to potentially achieve the desired balance between growth and preservation in Lancaster County (as established by the Policy Element Vision and Key Focus Areas and confirmed through citizen input in Phases I and 2). These choices defined broad strategies and approaches that can be used to man- age future land use and development. The following three choices were re- viewed with citizens in a series of public meetings (Community Forum #2): Choice #1 (Urban and Rural Areas) increased development density and intensity inside existing Growth Areas while maximizing preservation of rural lands and resources outside of Growth Areas. Choice #2 (Tiers) established a series of growth management "tiers": existing Growth Areas, future Growth Areas (to allow for Key Points of Public Consensus: • Maintain agriculture and the rural character of Lancaster County. • Encourage higher density development in Growth Areas and the revitalization of Lancaster City, the Boroughs, and urbanized areas of Townships. • Change recent growth trends to achieve these directions. managed expansion), Rural Buffer Areas, and Core Rural Areas. Choice #3 (Centers) provided a range of centers in urban and rural areas designed to increase the variety and capacity of places to live, work, and visit and reduce "sprawl." Based upon input from citizens in Com- munity Forum #2, a Preferred Growth Management Framework was developed that combined components of Choices #1 and #3. This framework was reviewed and confirmed with the public in Community Forum #3. It is presented in Chapter 3.0 of this document and further detailed in Chapters 4.0 (Urban Growth Area Strategy) and 5.0 (Rural Strategy). • Phase 4 -1be Growth Management Element Update: In this final phase of work the results of the previous phases were refined and developed into a com- plete Update for review by the public and adoption by the County Commis- sioners. 1.2.1 Community Participation To ensure that the completed Growth Manage- ment Element Update reflects the values and aspirations of Lancastrians for the future of Lancaster County, the planning process included J5ah11te --···-·· 111e Crowth ,\fanagemenr Elcmenr The Lancaster County Growth management Update Task Force consisted of 60 cltltzens representing a broad cross section of Interests. The Lancaster County Growth management Update Task Force met monthly for two years to develop this Update. numerous opportunities for community partici- pation, some of which are noted above. Examples of the range of community participation and outreach activities conducted for the Update include: • Pre-Task Force meetings between LCPC staff and municipal managers/secretaries from each of the 60 municipalities to solicit early input on opportunities and issues relating to growth and housing • Establishment in December 2003 of a 60-member Task Force offering perspec- tives from a broad range of interest groups and geographic regions in the County • Task Force tours of the southern, west- ern and eastern regions of Lancaster County and workshops in the northern and central parts of the County • A December 2004 County-wide telephone survey of over 600 adults on growth management and housing un- dertaken in conjunction with the Floyd Question: In thinking about development in Lancaster County (including stores and new housing development) do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements ... The County's Boroughs and the City are important to maintain and stregthen as places to live and work The County and local governments should work together to plan future growth Future development in the County should be guided to make the best use of existing infra- structure and services that are already in place It is important to balance new growth with the preservation of agriculture land, natural areas and open space Future development in the County should be guided close to or within areas already developed l . ___ : -- 0% Source: LCPC/Floyd Institute, F&M College Survey, December 2004 . .B11Mhtt' ---'1l1c Crowth !vfanagcmcnr t:lcmcnr I 9r· I 95,% .. ~ I 85% I ---.----!----, -----1 40% 60% 80% 100% P<!rcent "Agre~" Institute for Public Policy Analysis at Franklin & Marshall College • Ongoing progress summaries of the work of the Task Force in LCPC's quarterly FYI newsletter and on LCPC's website • Establishment of a Public Involvement Subcommittee of the Task Force to manage the community participation program • A three-part Public Meeting Series (Community Forums) consisting of a to- tal of nine meetings held throughout the County between January and April 2005 while the Growth Management Element was being developed • Three Citizen Guides published by the Lancaster New Era newspaper for the Public Meeting Series • Extensive news coverage on the public participation activities of the Task Force • Presentations at the 2003 and 2004 Lan- caster County Association of Township Supervisors November Conventions • Special meetings in April 2005 with the Lancaster County Association of Township Supervisors and the Lancaster County Boroughs Association • Circulation of a June 2005 Draft Sum- mary of key policy directions for public review • Special presentations of the June 2005 Draft Summary to 14 organizations and municipal planning groups within Lancaster County 1.3 Key Issue Areas As a result of citizen input and the review of is- sues in Phase 1 of the planning process, the Task Force identified three areas as the primary focuses of the Growth Management Element Update: • Urban Growth Areas: A Task Force subcommittee developed a strategy to improve quality of life within Urban Growth Areas, as measured by factors such as: More compact development patterns with increased density, intensity, and mixed uses, offering a variety of life- style choices and promoting housing affordability New investment in urbanized areas to attract residential development, expand the tax base, and generate economic activity and jobs through needed retail, commercial, and industrial uses, where appropriate Reinvestment in Lancaster City, the Boroughs, and urbanized centers within Townships through adaptive reuse, infill, and redevelopment Access to an interconnected system of parks and open spaces Primary Areas of Focus: • Urban Growth Areas • Rural Areas • Implementation Conservation of the County's Trea- sured Resources (architectural, cul- tural, historic, and natural resources) • Rural Areas: A second subcommittee of the Task Force defined a strategy to maintain the quality of life and promote the sustainability of Rural Areas by: 15a/a11ct1 -·····111c Growth ;\fanar;cmcnr Element. Preserving the County's Trea- sured Resources including natural (woodlands, wetlands, stream cor- ridors, parklands, gamelands, etc.), architectural, cultural, and historic resources. Supporting the viability of the agri- cultural industry and rural economy as a whole Reinforcing traditional rural settle- ment patterns • Implementation: A third Task Force subcommittee developed a Smart Growth Toolbox to be used by the municipalities and Lancaster County to implement the Urban Growth Area and Rural Strategies, including: The most innovative and effective policy, regulatory, and capital invest- ment tools available for implementa- tion Processes that can facilitate access to technical and financial assistance to help municipalities achieve consistency between existing local plans and ordinances and the new strategies and tools of the Growth Management Element .B1Jlal1t't' -'lhc Growth ivfanagcmcm Elcmenr Because these three areas of focus are closely inter- related, subcommittee efforts were coordinated to ensure that their recommendations work together to support the future Vision for Lancaster County. The Urban Growth Area, Rural, and Implementa- tion Strategies are presented in Chapters 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0, respectively, of this Update. Overarching Issue Areas: • The Economy • Infrastructure • Housing • Treasured Resources As part of its work, the Task Force and its sub- committees identified several overarching issue areas that are addressed by other elements of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan but are vitally important to the Growth Management El- ement: the Economy, Infrastructure, Housing, and preservation of the Treasured Resources (architectural, cultural, historic, and natural) that help define Lancaster County's quality oflife and sense of place. Policy guidance and implementa- tion tools related to each of these issue areas are integrated into the Update. A Glossary of Key Terms is provided in Appendix A Color versions of all maps in this draft are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/ growthmanagement. Ill The first permanent European settlers of the area now known as Lancaster County, Pennsylva- nia were Mennonites who arrived in the early 18th century. In 1729 Lancaster County was established as Pennsylvania's fourth County with Lancaster City {founded in 1718) as its seat. Subsequent generations of Lancastrians shaped the County's landscapes, profiting from its productive soils and other rich natural resources and establishing towns and crossroads communi- ties to service the rural economy. The Plain Sect communities have grown and prospered over time, contributing greatly to Lancaster County's identity through their distinct culture, way of life, and commitment to the land. Meanwhile, advances of the past century, most notably the widespread use of the automobile and construction of new roads and highways, have greatly increased accessibility to Lancaster County. Combined with the County's appeal for new residents, these trends along with unman- aged growth threaten the very qualities that define the County's special and unique character. Managed growth on the other hand, is intended to increase prosperity as well as preserve the quality of life in Lancaster County. Symptoms of these changes include loss of prime farmland and natural resources; disinvestment in Lancaster City and the boroughs; increasing traffic conges- tion; and the need for greater housing affordabili- ty. The challenges created by growth and change across the County's 60 municipalities {Lancaster City, 18 boroughs, and 41 townships -Map 2-1) highlight the continued need for coordinated planning among the various jurisdictions and the Lancaster County Planning Commission (LCPC). Existing conditions and trends related to growth and development in Lancaster County are presented in the Existing Conditions, Trends & Issues Report prepared in March 2005 as part of the Growth Management Element Update process. This chapter provides overviews of the following topics: • Location {and Relationship to Other Counties) • Natural and Cultural Resources • Agriculture • Economy .E11Mhtt' ··--The Growth Mana{'.cmcnr Ekrncnr • Infrastructure Systems • Development Trends and Projections {Probable Future) 2 .1 Location Lancaster County is located in southeastern Pennsylvania approximately 40 miles west of Philadelphia {Map 2-2). It is approximately 950 square miles in size and had an estimated popula- tion of 482,775 in 2003. Lancaster County's land use patterns and growth management policies influence and are influ- enced by those of adjacent counties. As shown on Map 2-1, Lancaster is bounded by six adjacent counties: Berks County to the northeast, Chester County to the east, Cecil County (MD) to the south, York County to the west, and Dauphin and Lebanon Counties to the northwest. The transportation corridor consisting of PA 283, U.S. 30, and U.S 222 has been the focal point of development in Lancaster County in the past and it is expected that future growth will be concentrated in the municipalities adjacent to this corridor. The populations of Berks County municipalities bordering Lancaster County have experienced significant growth, particularly in the last 10 years. The Morgantown area next to the eastern Lancaster County boundary is designated by the Berks County Future Land Use Plan as a Future Growth Area, indicating that recent development trends in this area are likely to continue in the fu- ture. The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) and U.S. Route 222 are important connections between Lancaster and Berks Counties. Lancaster County municipalities which border Berks County include East and West Cocalico, Adamstown, Brecknock, and Caernarvon. Chester County has also experienced signifi- cant population growth. Routes 30 and 322 are important connections between Chester and Lancaster Counties and corridors of growth westward from the Philadelphia metropolitan area. PA 41 is an important connection through Chester County to Delaware. Lancaster County municipalities which border Chester County in El Map 2-1 : Location Map PENMSYLVAH~. GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan MAP 2 .. 1: LOCATION MAP N August, 2005 A 0 5 10 20 30 is«; 1Mlles Color versions of all maps in this draft are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/growthmanagement . .1Jah11.N ········· 111c Growth 1\fana;:;cmcnr Element Map 2-2: Lancaster County Municipalities GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT .Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan MAP 2·2: LANCASTER COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES August, 2005 N A 0 3 6 --•Miles Color versions of all maps in this draft are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancasrer.pa.us/planning/growthmanagement. JS/1/ant:t' ··--ll1c Growr:h Managcmcm Element these corridors include Caernarvon, Salisbury, Christiana, and Sadsbury. Conversely, the portions of Dauphin, Lebanon, York, and Cecil Counties next to Lancaster are largely rural in character and have agricultural, rural, or similar designations in County land use plans. Route 30 is a growth corridor in York County that extends from the City ofYork to- wards the Susquehanna River, the boundary with Lancaster County. 2.2 Treasured Resources Treasured Resources consist of natural, cultural, historic, and architectural resources. The 1997 Growth Management Element Update stated that "Lancaster County's unique blend of urban, cultural, and natural resources" make it "a special place to live," forming "the keystone of the 'Lancaster County' identity and a primary source of community pride" (p. 1-1). This statement 75% of Lancaster County has soils classified as prime farmland or soils of state-wide importance. was reaffirmed by the County's 1999 ReVisions Policy Element and, more recently, by public outreach conducted for the Growth Management and Cultural Heritage Elements of the Compre- hensive Plan. Lancastrians value the County's rich Treasured Resources and place a high prior- ity on their preservation. 2.2.1 Natural Resources 2.2.1.1 Agricultural Soils Lancaster County's extensive, productive agricul- tural soils, widely considered to support some of the best non-irrigated farmland in the world, are perhaps its most valuable natural resource. More than 50% of the County has soils classified as prime farmland by the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service and 75% is classified as prime farmland or soils of statewide importance (Map 2-3). These soils provide the basis for the County's agricultural industry and rural way of life (Section 2.3). At the same time, the soil qual- ities chat define prime farmland are also highly suitable for development, creating an important growth management issue. 2.2.1.2 Natural Habitat Areas While much of Lancaster County's native forested cover has been cleared for agriculture or for urban development, significant areas of woodland remain. Forested lands are concentrat- ed in the northern and northeastern parts of the County and along the Susquehanna River (Map 2-4). Wooded areas are also found along streams and waterways throughout the County. Some of these forested areas have been preserved as public parks and open spaces that provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. A large forested belt along the boundary with Lebanon County is a state garneland. The Lancaster County Conservancy has identi- fied "Natural Gems" chat should be considered priorities for preservation based upon GIS analysis of seven environmental attributes: water bodies, wetland, forestland, grassland, geologic features, plants, animals, and adjacency to other preserved tracts. Approximately 12,000 acres were defined through this analysis, including nine "Priority Protection Focus Areas" comprised of dusters of contiguous properties. Four of the clusters are located in the southern part of the County associated with the Susquehanna River or tributary creeks. The other five clusters are located in the northern part of Lancaster County near the boundaries with adjacent counties. The Lancaster County Conservancy has identified approximately 12,000 acres which should be preserved as .. Natural Gems." 2.2.1.3 Steep Slopes and Woodlands Most of the central part of Lancaster County consists of land that is relatively flat {less than 8% slopes) and thus well suited for farming. Steep slope areas are concentrated in the north- ern part of the County along the boundaries with Lebanon and Berks Counties and in the southern part of the County along the Susquehanna River .B.4hlu:t? ········· 111c Growth l'v1anagcmcnr Elcmcnr. Map 2-3: Agricultural Soils GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan MAP 2·3: AGRICULTURAL SOILS Soils of Statewide Importance Ill Prime Farmland Soils SOur'Ce: Urnte<J States Ocpl of Agriculture. Soil ConservaUon SeNic-e 0 - July. 2005 N A 3 6 -1Miles Color versions of all maps in chis draft are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/growthmanagement. J511/ant.'t' ········· 111c Crowt.h 1\·fanagcmcnr Elcmcnr Map 2-4: Natural Habitat Areas GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan MAP 2-4: NATURAL HABITAT AREAS -Deciduous Woodland -Coniferous Woodland -Mixed Woodland -Natural Gems July. 2005 N A 0 3 6 - -1Miles Color versions of all maps in this draft are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/growthmanagement. 3a/.41u:tt -n1c Crowth J'vlanagcmcnr Elcmcnr. Map 2-5: Steep Slopes GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan MAP 2-5: STEEP SLOPES 8 to 15% Slope -15 to 25% Slope 25% and Over August, 2005 N A 0 3 6 - -1Miles Color versions of all maps in this draft are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/growthmanagement. .Ea!Ahtt' ........ rlhc Crnwrh l\·fanaf?.Cmcnr Ekrncnr . .. PA 462 Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge on Susquehanna River. and its tributaries (Map 2-5). Slopes in these areas range from 15 to 35% and above. While steep slopes pose significant constraints for both agriculture and urban development, much of Lancaster County's forested land coincides with steep slope areas. In addition, steep slopes help define the County's landscape and vistas. 2.2.1.4 Water Resources With the exception of the Susquehanna and Oc- toraro Rivers, which form portions of the Coun- ty boundary, Lancaster County's surface waters originate almost entirely within the County. The predominant pattern of flow of the County's streams is in a southwesterly direction towards the Susquehanna River. About one-quarter of Lancaster County's land area is located within High Quality or Exceptional Value Watersheds, providing water sources for agricultural lands and open space, as well as for urban centers. Covered Bridge on the Conestoga River: Historic structures contribute greatly to Lancaster County's "sense of place." In addition to surface water, Lancaster County's water resources include wetlands, 100-year flood- plain areas as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and hydric (wet) soils (Map 2-6). These resources provide multiple benefits such as flood attenuation, groundwater replenishment, filtering of pollutants, and provi- sion of wildlife habitat. In addition, Lancaster County's population draws on both surface and groundwater resources for its potable water sup- ply (Section 2.4). 2.2.2 Architectural, Cultural, and Historic Resources Lancaster County is unique in that it retains much of its historic and cultural heritage intact in urban, rural, and agricultural environments. The traditional architecture of Lancaster City, the 18 boroughs, and the many villages and crossroads communities contributes greatly to the County's "sense of place," as do the scenic ag- ricultural and rural landscapes and their historic farmsteads and structures. However, unmanaged growth and neglect of some historic properties pose threats to these resources. Lancaster County has twice been listed on the World Monuments Since 1984, the Amish share of Lancaster County farms has increased by 266 from 1166 to 1,432. This represents 41.5% of the farms in Lancaster County and 99,238 acres. Watch biennial list of the world's 100 most endangered historical and cultural sites (in 1998 and again in 2000). The LCPC is preparing a Cultural Heritage Ele- ment of the Comprehensive Plan to establish a strategy to recognize and conserve the County's rich and diverse cultural resources. The LCPC has also prepared a Strategic Tourism Develop- ment Element of the Comprehensive Plan that emphasizes the importance to the County's visi- .BahJ1Ct! ------1hc Crowrh ;vlanar;emcnr Elcmcnr. Map 2-6: Hydrology GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan MAP 2-6: HYDROLOGY --Rivers & Streams NWI Wetlands -100 yr Floodplafn LJ Watersheds -Hydric Soils -Hydric Components July, 2005 N A 0 3 6 •--=:::i--==i1Miles Color versions of all maps in chis drafi: are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancascer.pa.us/planning/growchmanagement J511Mhtt' ······---1l1c Grnwth Mana~cmc1H Ekmcnr Map 2-7: Agricultural Land Cover 2002 GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan MAP 2 .. 7: AGRICULTURAL LAND COVER 2002 -Cropland B Cropland and pasture B Farmsteads v.ith outbuildings B Large confined feeding operalions Orc;hards/groveslvineyards/nurserles B Other agriculture Pasture July, 2005 N A 0 3 6 - -tMiles Color versions of all maps in this draft are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/growthmanagement. .Eah11c& · ····· 111c Growth 1\fanagcmcnr Element. Map 2-8: Land Preservation GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan MAP 2-8: LAND PRESERVATION 12221 Agricultural Security Areas Agricultural Easements -Parkland N A a 3 -- July, 2005 6 •Miles Color versions of all maps in chis draft are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancasrer.pa.us/planning/growthmanagement J511hntt' ······-lhc Crnwth Manag.cmem Elcmcnr Lancaster County Farmland, Strasburg Township: Lancaster County Is the most productive non- lrrlpted farming County In the U.S. tor industry of preserving cultural, historic, and natural resources. 2 .3 Agriculture Agriculture is central to Lancaster County's identity. It is the most extensive land use in the County, with land in farms comprising approxi- mately 383,000 acres or 63% of the overall land area (Map 2-7). Agricultural land is distributed throughout the County with the exception of developed communities (particularly Lancaster City and adjacent municipalities) and some areas with natural resource constraints (e.g., steep slopes). Approximately 24,000 acres (6.2%) of agricultural land are located inside designated Growth Areas while 359,000 acres (93.8%) of agricultural land are located outside of designated Growth Areas. Farmland preservation is consistently ranked by Lancastrians as key to the quality oflife in Lan- caster County and one of the highest priorities for the County's future. The County has made a commitment to farmland preservation through the Agricultural Easement Purchase program administered by the Agricultural Preserve Board, which has protected approximately 50,000 acres throughout the County (Map 2-8).1 The Preserve Board's efforts are supplemented by the Lancaster Farmland Trust, a non-profit organization that 1 Figure 2-6 also shows the locations of Agricultural Security Areas (ASAs) established in accordance with Pennsylvania's Agricultural Area Security Law and public parkland. ASAs are designated by local governments at the request oflandowners within the area to encourage and sup- port agriculture. also acquires easements on farmland. A healthy, viable agricultural industry is linked to an effec- tive farmland preservation program. According to the 2002 U.S. Census of Agricul- ture, the market value of agricultural products sold by Lancaster County farms was $798 mil- lion, including $88 million from crops and $710 million from livestock. The dairy and poultry sectors were the largest producers, accounting for just over $524 million combined, or two-thirds of the total agricultural sales. The agricultural industry as a whole (agriculture, agricultural services, and agricultural processing) is an im- portant sector of the Lancaster County economy. In 2001 the agricultural industry produced $3.2 billion of economic output or 11 percent of the output from all of the County's economic sectors and accounted for approximately 7% of total County employment.2 "If anything was made abundantly clear from public comments at the first round of meetings held by the Growth Management Task Force, it was that the public agrees. We must "Keep Lancaster County Farming" alive." --Dick Shellengberger, Chairman, Lancaster County Board of Commissioners The Plain Sect communities are extremely impor- tant to Lancaster County's agricultural base. The Amish own an estimated 99,238 acres in the County, with 21,659 of those acres being ac- quired between 1984 and 2003. Between 1984 and 2003, the Amish share of Lancaster County farms increased by 266 from 1166 to 1,432 farms. This represents 41.5% of the 3,450 farms in Lancaster County (1997 Agricultural Census). Using current market value, the worth of Amish farmland in the County is just shy of one billion dollars ($980,570,678).3 2 Source: 2001 IMPLAN Multiplier Reports published by the Minnesota IMPLAN Group, Inc. 3 Amish Farmland Study, 1984-2003, Conrad L. Kanagy, Ph.D., Young Center for Anabaptist & Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College .3ah11Ct! ll1e Growth l'v1ana~cmenr Element Although Plain Sect groups hold considerable farmland in the County and the Amish have increased their holdings, Plain Sect farmers are facing growing fin ancial challenges to stay in farming because of high land prices and the cost of operating a successful farming operation. In response to these pressures, a growing number of Plain Sect farmers have leased out their tillable land to non-Plain Sect farmers. Plain Sect farm families, however, continue to live on the homestead to raise their families. In many cases farmers have established small businesses Blue Ribbon Commission on Lancaster County Agriculture: Purpose: To listen to Lancastrians via numerous listening sessions, email and phone calls and then forward a series of thoughtful recommendations to the Lancaster County Commissioners which, when implemented, will help to ensure the sustainability of Lancaster County agriculture. Consistent themes emerged as suggestions and concerns throughout the "listening" and discerning process of the Blue Ribbon Commission. Eighteen sessions were held throughout the County, and thousands of suggestions emerged through the meetings, the dedicated phone line, the website and written communications. These are the areas in which recommendations will be made: • Tax Relief • Agricultural Zoning • Agricultural Economic Development • Farmland Preservation • Communications/Leadership .15/l/;,htt' ·······The Growt.h Management Ekrncnr "The percent of Amish families who earn their primary living from farming has declined rapidly to less then half of the Amish population." --Donald B. Kraybill, Ph.D., Elizabethtown College on their farm to supplement or provide their primary income. While this is occurring, it should also be noted that the majority of the Amish population con- tinue to maintain some form of agricultural pro- duction on their land. Although more Amish have purchased farms, the percent of Amish fam- ilies who earn their living exclusively from farm- ing has declined to less then half of the Amish population. Nevertheless the Amish have been a powerful force in maintaining farmland and the rural character of Lancaster County in many areas of the County. Plain Sect farmers, although challenged by the effici encies of modern farms, have added substantial value to the economy and the cultural landscape ofLancaster.4 A number of factors are affecting the viability of Lancaster County's agricultural industry as a whole and the ability of all farmers to continue farming. Examples include: The Lancaster Workforce Investment Board identifies five leading industry clusters in which Lancaster County enjoys significant competitive advantages: • Health Care • Construction • Specialty Manufacturing • Food Processing • Communications 4 Donald B. Kraybill, Ph.D., Distinguished College Profes- sor and Senior Fellow, Young Center for Anabaptist & Pietisc Studies, Elizabethtown College • lhe impacts of residential development in rural areas bringing residents who are not used to agricultural activities • lhe need to maintain sufficient infra- structure (e.g., affordable farmland, roads usable by farm vehicles, markets, suppliers) to sustain agriculture • Tax burdens on farmers • lhe effects of nutrient management re- quirements on manure disposal and the economics of farming • Growth and change in the Plain Sect communities On-farm businesses that supplement income derived from farming can contribute to farm profitabiliry and viabiliry, but create other issues particularly when not related to agriculture (e.g., furniture manufacturing that occupies farmland and generates truck traffic). This document contains a series of key recom- mendations to address these and other issues related to the viabiliry of farming (see Chapter 5.0, Rural Strategy). Additionally, a Blue Ribbon Commission on Agriculture was appointed by the Lancaster County Commissioners in spring 2005 to consider the future of agriculture in the Counry. lhe Commission developed similar, and some additional, recommendations to foster a vi- able rural economy. Subsequently, in late summer 2005, the Board of Commissioners established a Leadership Committee to begin implementation efforts relating to the Blue Ribbon Commission recommendations. 2.4 Economy Lancaster Counry has one of Pennsylvania's strongest economies. lhe strength of this economy is its diversity, including agriculture (discussed in Section 2.3 above), tourism, and a range of business/industry sectors. Lancaster has traditionally enjoyed a reputation as a strong manufacturing Counry. While employment in manufacturing is still well above the national average (20% of the Counry total compared to 11.3% nationally in 20035), the Counry has lost 5 LancasterProspers Background Briefing Paper, 19 August 2003,p. 2 a significant number of jobs since the 1990s, mirroring a nationwide trend. Looking towards the future, a study by the Lancaster Workforce Investment Board identifies five leading industry clusters (health care, construction, specialry manufacturing, food processing, and commu- nications) in which Lancaster County enjoys significant competitive advantages. lhe study recommends supporting and nurturing these clusters to promote a prosperous economy. Sponsored by the Economic Development Com- pany (EDC) of Lancaster County and the EDC Finance Corporation, LancasterProspers is a stra- tegic plan for counrywide economic development completed in 2003. lhe plan has the following purposes: • To identify the critical challenges threat- ening Lancaster County's prosperity • To develop a new economic vision for Lancaster • To create a counrywide economic devel- opment strategy to serve as a roadmap for the region's future The plan identifies the following seven Strategic Action Items as the highest priorities to ensure the continued health of Lancaster County's economy: • Create a mechanism for collaborating on regional initiatives • Establish an economic research capaciry for the County/region • Develop a counrywide economic devel- opment marketing plan • Create a Research and Development Center • Support the formation of industry-driv- en Centers of Excellence • Support a comprehensive approach to entrepreneurship • Develop urban centers as attractive places to live, work, and play While LancasterProspers outlines a counry- wide economic development strategy, it is not intended to be a substitute for an Economic Development Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan. Such an element would Map 2-9: Roadway Functional Classification GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan MAP 2-9: ROADWAY FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION Functional Classification --Major Collector -Interstate --Minor Collector -Freeway --Loe<1I -Principal Arterial --Minor Arterial July, 2005 N A 0 3 6 --1Miles Color versions of all maps in this draft are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/growtlunanagement. I .BAl!?ht'..! ··-··-111c Growth Mana{!c:mcnr Ekrncnr Map 2-10: Rails, Trails, Air & Public Transportation Systems GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan MAP 2-10: RAILS, TRAILS, AIR & PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS -TuOIN.,*"'< -°""llJ'¥.••O....So>to -'->~~1 · IBAilpo!t10 -i-_,,,_ R1"! line -·-~e~ll,n, -P.Jb,'ie il't!r'H)(ll"'.filtlM ·. August, 2005 N A 0 3 6 - -•Miles Color versions of all maps in this drafi: are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/growtlunanagement. .Bahl~t!! --------111c Growth ;v1anagcmcnr Element. The key linkage between transportation and land use is recognized in the Long- Range Transportation Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan. define policies, strategies, and tools for economic development in more detail, including inter- relationships with the Policy Element, Growth Management Element, and Functional Elements of the County Comprehensive Plan. 2.5 Infrastructure Systems Transportation, water supply, and wastewater dis- posal are key infrastructure systems that must be considered in the Growth Management Element because of their influence on the location of future development. In addition, new development increases the demand for other public facilities and services, such as schools, parks, police, and fire. 2.5.1 Transportation Lancaster County has an extensive transportation system consisting of roadways, transit, passenger and freight rail, and facilities for non-motorized travel modes (horse-drawn carriages, pedestri- ans, and bicycles) (Maps 2-9 and 2-10). The road system in particular plays a major role in shaping land use and development patterns in Lancaster County. In recent decades much of the' new residential and commercial development in the County has shifted from Lancaster City and other urban areas to the townships, with the ef- fects evident along highway corridors such as US Route 30, US Route 222, and State Route 283. In addition, many Lancastrians routinely make lengthy commutes to their workplaces while oth- ers commute from surrounding areas to work in Lancaster County. This dispersion of population, land uses, and travel patterns has significantly af- fected the County's transportation system. Con- versely, more compact, mixed-use development patterns have the potential to reduce automobile usage and promote alternative means of transpor- tation such as transit and pedestrian trips. The key linkage between transportation and land use is recognized in the Long-Range Transporta- tion Element of the County's Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the Lancaster County Transpor- tation Coordinating Committee in June 2004. This element envisions a future, multi-modal transportation system that is "fully supportive of smart growth" and moves "people and goods safely, efficiently, and conveniently throughout the County, and between the County and adja- cent counties" (p. iv). It identifies projects that will be funded to meet the County's roadway, transit, rail, and non-motorized travel needs and their associated costs. In addition, it cites a num- ber of strategies designed to coordinate land use and transportation planning. 2.5 .2 Water Supply Lancaster County is served by 34 large and 73 small public water suppliers with combined service areas covering approximately 99,000 acres or 16% of Lancaster County (Map 2-11). Water supply sources include the Susquehanna River and other waterways located in the County, several reservoirs, and groundwater wells. The water supply service areas center on and extend outward from existing communities, but do not entirely coincide with designated Growth Areas. In some cases, service areas extend outside of Growth Areas and in others portions of Growth Areas are located outside of designated coverage areas. In addition, public water infrastructure has not been uniformly extended throughout the service areas. Approximately 13,000 acres of Buildable Land within existing Urban Growth Areas are not included in sewer and/or water ser- vice areas. Areas of the County in which public water infrastructure is not available are served by on-lot wells. According to the 1996 Water Resources Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan, the most recent comprehensive assessment of the County's water supply, one-third of the large community water suppliers had sufficie.nt water to meet future demands, one-third may have lacked sufficient water, and the remaining sup- pliers had excess supply. One-half of the systems with insufficient water could connect with an- other system having excess capacity. . .. Map 2-11: Water Supply Service Areas & Well Locations GROWTH MANA.GEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan MAP 2-11: WATER SUPPLY SERVICE AREAS & WELL LOCATIONS 4 F';nld Vonfuld W"11$ Q Domestic --Rivers & Streams Water Service Areas • Commercial c:J t,Jli:lan G AlW • Public Supply c:J Village Growth Area • induslrlal Q Reaeatlon Dewater Stock • Unused July, 2005 N A 0 3 6 --•Miles Color versions of all maps in this draft are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planninglgrowthmanagement. .1Ja/a11Ct! ···· ··· -l11c Growth 1\fanar;cmcnr Elcrncnr Map 2-12: Sewer Service Areas GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan MAP 2-12: SEWER SERVICE AREAS ,... .. ,....., Wastewater Service Areas ~-"' c:::J Urban Growth Area c:::J Vil:"dge Growth Area 0 - July, 2005 N A 3 6 -•Miles Color versions of all maps in this draft are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/growchmanagemenc. J5111A1-u:t1 ······ 'Jhc Growth !Vianarcmcnr Ekmcnr In order to ensure that public water service is planned for and provided to all Buildable Lands within Urban Growth Areas, deficiencies in water system capacity and inconsistencies between Ur- ban Growth Areas and water service areas should be addressed through local and County compre- hensive plan and/or water supply plan updates. Private wells are the main source of water supply in rural areas and can encounter problems with low yields. New development that increases impervious coverage (buildings and pavement) in water recharge areas can reduce the quantity of available groundwater if precipitation is directed to storm sewers and the County's waterways rath- er than allowing it to infiltrate back through soil. Water quality risks are a concern both for private wells and public water providers. Potential sources of contamination include nutrient and chemical pollution from agriculture, on-lot disposal systems, and home landscaping; erosion and sedimentation of surface water; concentrated point sources such as spills, outfalls, and dumps; and new development that increases impervi- ous coverage within recharge areas. This is of particular concern in the central region of the County where the geological characteristics of limestone sedimentary rocks that promote rapid groundwater recharge (solution channels and sinkholes) also make groundwater highly vulner- able to contamination. 2.5.3 Wastewater Disposal Lancaster County is served by 30 sewer authori- ties with combined service areas covering approx- imately 117,000 acres or 19% of the County's land area (Map 2-12). As with public water, these service areas center on and extend outward from existing communities, but do not entirely coincide with designated Growth Areas. In some cases, service areas extend outside of Growth Areas and in others portions of Growth Areas are located outside of designated coverage areas. In addition, sewer infrastructure has not been uni- formly extended throughout the service areas. As a result of these inconsistencies, approximately 13,000 acres of Buildable Land within existing Urban Growth Areas are not included in sewer and/ or water service areas. Areas of the County in which public sewer infrastructure is not available are served by on-lot systems. Public health requirements for on-lot systems can either prevent new development if soil conditions are unsuitable or require develop- ment to occur on large lots, consuming substan- tial acreage per unit. Survey Results, CQmmunity Forum #1 Growth Trends In L.ancaster County Pennsylvania's Act 537 requires municipalities to develop and implement Official Sewage Facilities Plans that provide for 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Lil Yes II No the resolution of existing sewage disposal problems as well as the future sew- age disposal needs of new land development and the municipality as a whole. A number of municipal Act 537 plans in Lancaster County are in need of up- dating in order to ensure that public sewer service is planned for and provided to all Buildable Lands within Urban Growth Areas . .Bah11ctt ········· 111e Growth 1vlanagcmcnr Element Map 2-13: Existing Developed Areas -· \ ~ GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan MAP 2-13: EXISTING DEVELOPED AREAS -Existing Developed Areas ••(< N A 0 3 July, 2005 6 •Miles Color versions of all maps in this drafi: are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancascer.pa us/planning/growthmanagement. J511Mhtt' -··-lhc Crowth !vfan~cmcm Elcmcnr Quality of Life • Most citizens believe Lancaster County is an excellent (36%) or good (51 %) place to live, although more residents believe the County is "getting worse" (35%) than "getting better'' (22%) as a place to reside. • Lancaster County residents believe problems associated with growth, including ove .... development (24%), traffic (16%), and increasing taxes (7%), have the greatest negative effect on the County's quality of life. In fact, among those who believe the County is "getting worse" as a place to live, development is the single most important quality of life issue. Put simply, most of those who think quality of life in the County is declining cite development as the reason. • Citizens rate their communities highly on nearly every community attribute tested in the survey. The County's local communities are most highly rated as places to raise families (51 % rate their communities as ••excellent'') and receive their lowest ratings as places to find good jobs (12% rate their communities as "excellent''). Source: LCPC/Floyd Institute, F&M College Survey, December 2004. 2.6 Current Land Use Ordinances The polirical and regulatory aspects of Lancaster County provide the backdrop and foundation for the development that has occurred to date. Existing development patterns are the result of zoning and land use decisions made by local governments. In many cases current land use or- dinances are not fully consistent with the existing Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan's Growth Management Element. While there has been considerable progress in updating and improving municipal ordinances to permit and encourage higher density development, not all municipali- ties are reaching current target densities, and there is still a considerable amount of rural resi- dential development being allowed in Lancaster County. This rural residential development is incompatible with the public's strongly-stated desire to preserve agriculture. In recent years much has been done to look at these trends. Multi-municipal planning is at the heart of County and municipal efforts to address these issues on a regional basis.. In order to be successful multi-municipal planning efforts must continue and must be implemented through zoning ordinance updates. A related issue has been the reluctance of some developers and the market place to modify their development style and housing demands. However, there are some collaborative efforts berween municipalities and developers that are achieving results. These col- laborative efforts are crucial to the success of Lan- caster County's Growth Management program. 2. 7 Development Trends and Projections Most of the County's existing residential, com- mercial, and industrial development is concen- trated in the Central Lancaster region, extending outward from Lancaster City along major road corridors to the northeast and northwest, includ- ing 1-76 (the PA Turnpike), US 30, US 222, and PA 283 (Map 2-13). Traditional, smaller scale development centers include boroughs, vil- lages, and crossroad communities in rural areas. Although the County is still largely agricultural outside the major Growth Areas and corridors, a scattered pattern of "non-rural" uses (residential subdivisions and large-lot development, commer- cial strip development along roadways, etc.) has emerged in rural areas. 2. 7 .1 Recent Development Patterns To better understand recent development pat- terns, the LCPC has compiled information on residential and non-residential (commercial, industrial, and other) land developed berween 1994 and 2002 in relation to designated (Urban 15ah11t& ··· ···· 111c Growth Manai;ctncnr Element. and Village) Growth Areas. According to the Lancaster County Growth Tracking Report, a to- tal of 11 ,100 acres ofland and 17,869 new hous- ing units were developed during this time period. Of this recent development, 4,483 acres and 13,657 new housing units (76% of total units) were developed inside Growth Areas and 6,617 acres and 4,212 new housing units (24% of total units) were developed outside Growth Areas. The average net density of residential development was 5.0 units per acre in Urban Growth Areas and 1.5 units per acre in Village Growth Areas for an overall density of 4.6 units per acre. Out- side Growth Areas, the average net density was 0.8 units per acre, resulting in more land acreage used to accommodate fewer housing units. The pattern of recent development includes growth concentrations near major corridors, mostly in the northern and central regions of the. County along the 1-76, Route 222, Route 322, Route 283, Route 23, Lititz Pike, and Route 30 corridors. Most of the larger developments have occurred within designated Urban or Village Growth Areas, primarily in the vicinity of estab- lished growth centers near the Route 222/1-76 interchange and in the Central Lancaster Region. Some large developments, however, have oc- curred outside designated Growth Areas in the rural southern end of the County near PA 272 and US 222. Significant clusters of development have also appeared outside Growth Areas along more local roads in the east central part of the County, near the borders with Berks and Chester Counties. A pattern of recent scattered small develop- ments is apparent in many rural areas outside of designated Growth Areas. However, upon closer examination, much of this development has occurred next to or very close to existing devel- opment. This pattern may not be intentional or supportive of the LCPC's goal of higher density and more concentrated growth in designated areas, but does indicate a trend toward coordina- tion with existing development. 2. 7 .2 Probable Future A growing community and prosperous economy are envisioned and projected for Lancaster J511Mntt! ··-· ll1c Crowr.h Managcmcnr Elcmcnr When asked "Should recent growth trends continue into the future?" 79% of respondents said "No." - -Center tor Opinion Research Source: LCPGFloyd lnstirute, F&M College, December 2004 County's future. This growth and prosperity will continue to bring many positive changes to the County including increased educational and employment opportunities, social and cultural amenities, and recreational and entertainment choices. We have a choice as to how we accom- modate this growth and change. In order to have a base to start with and compare to, a Probable Future based on current trends was developed for presentation to the public. The Probable Future is a depiction of the pattern ·of future development in Lancaster County if the 1994-2002 land development patterns described above were to continue through 2030. It is presented in terms of the acreage needed (land demand) inside and outside Growth Areas to accommodate projected new housing units, com- mercial and industrial employment, and other (institutional/public) uses if the expected growth were to be accommodated in the same physical patterns as occurred from 1994 to 2002. For housing growth, residential unit projections to 2030 as developed by the 2005 Lancaster County Housing Plan Update were utilized. The increase in housing units to 2030 were assigned inside and outside growth areas in the same ratio as that achieved from 1994 to 2002 as measured in the Growth Tracking Report. Consequently 76% of units were projected to be built inside growth areas and 24% outside. The dwelling unit increase in the growth areas was further divided between Village Growth Areas and Ur- ban Growth Areas in the same ratios as occurred between 1994 and 2002. For employment growth, projections to 2030 prepared by LCPC were utilized. These projec- tions showed a rapid increase in the developed areas of the County. To allocate this growth, employment was first assigned to the municipali- ties and then to Urban or Village Growth Areas. For municipalities which were only partially in growth areas, the projected employment increase Map 2-14: Probable Future Trend (2030) GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan MAP 2·14: PROBABLE FUTURE TREND (2030) 0 - July, 2005 N A 3 6 -•Miles Color versions of all maps in this draft are available on the LCPC website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/growthmanagement . .B.4hl1tt1 ·······--111e Growth Manag;'-'mcnr Elcrncm was assigned inside and outside growth areas in the same ratio as that experienced from 1994 to 2002. This confirmed that while all municipali- ties would experience some employment growth to 2030, this growth -especially commercial development -would increase more rapidly in growth areas than it has in the immediate past. The housing unit and employment projections were then converted to the amount of land necessary to accommodate the growth. Demand factors (the acreage needed per dwelling unit for residential development or per employee by employment category) were applied to the projections based upon the actual development patterns in the County from 1994 to 2002 as documented in the Growth Tracking Report. Thus, the demand factors used for residential development in Urban Growth Areas, Village Growth Areas, and areas outside of growth areas were a net of 5.0 units/acre, 1.5 units/ acre, and 0.8 unit/acre, respectively. Land developed for other uses (primarily institutions such as churches, clubs, schools, and nursing/assisted living facilities as well as government activities including public schools) was predicted to grow at the same rate as that experienced from 1994 to 2002. To estimate the amount of land that would have to be converted to development to accommodate the projected growth, all net demand acreage was converted to gross acreage to account for development necessities such as streets, other rights-of-way, utilities, and open spaces. Finally, using estimates derived from the Growth Tracking Report and the Lancaster County Housing Update, trend growth was adjusted for the estimated amount which has already occurred through 2004, so that the trend expresses what will happen from 2005 to 2030 if existing policies, regulations and market choices continue as they are now. u243 of respondents identified development and sprawl as the main issue impacting the quality of life in Lancaster County" •• Center for Opinion Research Source: LCPC/Floyd Instirure, F&M College, December 2004 JS111Ahtt! ···-·· -lhc Growth Man;}ft::mcnr Elcmcnr Table 2-1 below defines the total amount of land needed to meet the projected demand for residential development, employment, and other (institutional/public) growth if the 1994-2002 development patterns were to continue from 2005 through 2030. It indicates that, although the projected number of housing units is much higher inside than outside growth areas, the amount of land needed to accommodate the trend of very low density residential develop- ment outside growth areas is much higher than inside growth areas. By contrast, the amount of Table 2-1. Land Demand in Lancaster County Based on 2002-2030 Trend Growth Residential Units # Units Inside Growth Areas 40 477 Outside Growth Areas 12,782 Total Residential Units 53 259 Residential Land Demand Acres Inside Growth Areas 10,622 Outside Growth Areas 18,374 Total Residential 28 996 Employment Land Demand Acres Inside Growth Areas 4 608 Outside Growth Areas 2,347 Total Employment 6 955 Other Land Demand Acres Inside Growth Areas 871 Outside Growth Areas 1,211 Total Other Lands 2 082 Total Land Demand Acres Inside Growth Areas 16 101 Outside Growth Areas 21 932 Total 38,033 Sources: 1994-2002 Lancaster County Growth Tracking Report, 2000-2030 Employment Growth Projections from LCPC, Residential Unit Projec- tions from the 2005 Lancaster County Housing Plan Update. land needed to accommodate employment uses inside growth areas is almost twice that which is projected outside growth areas. Projected land demand for institutional/public uses, on the other hand, is approximately 40% higher outside growth areas than inside growth areas. Map 2-14 provides a spatial depiction of the Probable Future broken down by municipality. It displays growth as symbols representing the land demand for future residential and non-residential development inside and outside growth areas in ten-acre increments. While it is not possible to predict a precise development pattern at the countywide scale, some basic conclusions can be drawn as to where growth in the future is likely to occur. As shown on Map 2-14, the recent trend of non-residential and residential develop- ment along major road corridors in the northern and central sections of Lancaster County is likely to continue. The map also indicates land demand for residential use in rural areas scattered throughout the County, with demand for land inside growth areas more concentrated near the central part of the County. Considerably lower demand for residential development in the City of Lancaster and the boroughs is evident compared with the surrounding townships. Land demand for non-residential development has the highest concentration in and around the City of Lancaster, with a more scattered pattern apparent throughout the rest of the County. 2. 7 .3 Implications for Lancaster County's Future Overall, the Probable Future analysis indicates a baseline trend of continued development in both Growth Areas and rural areas, but with a higher total land demand in rural areas for fewer hous- ing units. The analysis also projects low growth in Lancaster County's older towns and the City of Lancaster (except for projected employment growth in the City). Key findings include: • The projected total of an additional 38,033 acres of development by 2030 represents a 26% increase over the amount of existing development in the County (28% outside and 25% inside designated Growth Areas). • Primarily due to a continuation of the recent pattern of low-density residential development in rural areas, almost 36% more land could be required outside Growth Areas than inside Growth Areas to accommodate projected growth through 2030. • The projected development pattern con- tinues the trend of growth along major road corridors, primarily in the Central Lancaster Region. However, much of the residential land demand is concentrated not in the City and the boroughs, but rather outside of designated Growth Ar- eas. In particular, rural areas in the south- ern and eastern (adjacent to high growth Chester and Berks Counties) parts of the County are projected to have significant land demand outside Growth Areas. Our past patterns of development are caused, in large part, by local wning and land use ordi- nances that did not and do not implement the vision and density targets of the County's original Growth Management Plan. The implications for Lancaster County's future are clear if these trends continue. Likely effects include: • Loss of prime agricultural lands, natural resources, and historic properties • Erosion of scenic landscapes • Disruption of cultural landscapes and traditions, including the Plain Sect cul- ture • Increasing traffic congestion and lack of affordable housing • Pressure on the local tax base, munici- palities, and school districts to provide services for scattered development lo- cated outside of Growth Areas • Insufficient densities within Growth Areas to support needed infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and transit .Bt:1hl1ttJ ········· 111c Growrh Mana)!;ctncnr Elcmcnr 2. 7 .4 Conclusion To counter these trends, , more needs to be done to craft a preferred future that maintains a rural way of life, preserves natural and cultural resources, and promotes compact, livable com- munities if the future desired by Lancastrians and articulated in the Re Visions Policy Element of the Comprehensive Plan is to be achieved. We are at a crossroads, and we have the opportunity to continue as we are or to change our probable future. The following Chapters 3.0 through 6.0 of the Growth Management Element define an overall framework, urban and rural area strate- gies, and a plan for action designed to achieve the preferred future rather than the probable future. The approximately 31,000 acres of Buildable Lands within Urban Growth Areas is not enough land at the current development trend to ac- commodate growth through 2030. Table 2-1, Land Demand in Lancaster County Based on 2003-2030 Trend Growth, shows the amount of acreage that could be expected to be consumed if current development trends continue. Total land demand inside Urban Growth Areas would be 16, 101 acres. When adding a market factor of two times the amount of land needed to accom- modate growth, this acreage total doubles to 32, 202 acres . .J511Mht,g ---111c Growth 1'·1anar,cmcnr Elcrncnr . .. .lJ.<1hlltt! ·········· 111c Growth Jv1anagcmcnt Element This chapter establishes an overall framework for the more specific direction provided for Urban Growth Areas, Rural Areas, and Implementa- tion, which are the three primary focuses of the Growth Management Element Update described in Chapters 4.0 to 6.0. It addresses the following: • The Growth Management Polley Framework, which defines the desired future of the County and policies co achieve it as established under Revisions, the Policy Element of the County's Comprehensive Plan. • The Growth Management Framework Map, which depicts at a countywide scale where the key concepts of the Urban Growth Area and Rural Strategies identified in Chapters 4.0 and 5.0 are to be applied. • Countywide Growth Management Strategies which are key to the success of the Growth Management Element. 3.1 Growth Management Policy Framework The Vision for the future of Lancaster County is articulated in ReVisions, the Policy Element of the Comprehensive Plan adopted in 1999. Developed based upon extensive citizen input, the Vision describes the desired character of Lancaster County in the year 2020. Re Visions also identifies goals and six Key Focus Areas for the Future, each accompanied by policies and actions to achieve the Vision. The six Key Focus Areas are: 1. Protecting and preserving our natural and cultural heritage 2. Revitalizing our urban communities 3. Developing livable communities 4. Creating a sustainable economy 5. Celebrating, investing in, and mobilizing the talents of our human resources J5aMflt'l. ---1l1c Growth Managemcm Ekmenr 6. Promoting strong leadership, awareness, responsibility, and involvement in com- munity issues The Vision for the future of Lancaster County is articulated in ReVisions, the Policy Element of the Comprehensive Plan adopted in 1999. The results of public outreach conducted for the Growth Management Element Update and other Comprehensive Plan elements confirm that the Vision and Key Focus Areas continue to reflect citizen aspirations for Lancaster County's future. Thus the Growth Management Element does not change the essence of Re Visions, the Policy Ele- ment of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan, but rather defines strategies and tools to manage growth and change consistent with the Vision and Key Focus Areas. The following Key Focus Area policies are particularly relevant to the Growth Management Element: Key Focus Area 1 -Protecting and preserv- ing our natural and cultural heritage: • Identify and permanently preserve farm- land for agricultural use • Preserve, protect, enhance, and restore the County's native plant and animal di- versity and functioning natural systems • Protect and improve the quality of our air • Protect, conserve, and improve surface and groundwater resources for human and non-human use • Preserve the County's historic and architec- tural resources (suggested addition to the list of policies contained in Re Visions) • Maintain the cultural heritage and tradi- tions of the people of Lancaster County (suggested addition to the list of policies · contained in Re Visions) Key Focus Area 2 -Revitalizing our urban communities: • Strengthen Lancaster City's role as the social, cultural, and economic hub of the County • Strengthen the role of the Boroughs as the focal points of their respective regions • Maintain compact communities by growing gradually outward from urban and village centers to established growth boundaries (now called Designated Growth Areas) • Maintain a distinct edge between urban and rural areas by directing new growth and development to Urban and Village Growth Areas • Accommodate growth by infilling de- velopment, redeveloping existing sites, re-using vacant buildings, and using underutilized buildings more efficiently, before developing vacant land • Adopt and re-use historic buildings and design new buildings to complement the architectural character of the surround- ing neighborhood "County residents favor, in large proportions, strategies that support "smart growth" policies, such as County-municipal planning partnerships, guiding development toward developed areas, mixed-use zoning, and the preservation of open space." •• Center for Opinion Research Source: LCPCIF!oyd Institute, F&M College, Dec.ember 2004 Key Focus Area 3 -Developing livable · communities: • Design new residential communities to reflect the pattern, character, and scale of the County's traditional neighborhoods and communities • Design new communities in a form that integrates housing, shops, work places, schools, parks, and civic facilities essen- tial to the daily life of residents • Design new communities to accommo- date citizens from a wide range of eco- nomic levels, occupations, age groups, backgrounds, and interests • Develop aesthetically pleasing, inter- connected transportation systems that encourage walking, biking, and public transit, and discourage high-speed traffic • Develop a permanently preserved open space system that provides a diversity of publicly accessible open space resources in the form of town squares, greenways, parks, and natural areas • Ensure that public infrastructure and facilities and services are expanded con- current with new development. Key Focus Area 4 -Creating a sustainable economy: • Direct commercial and industrial devel- opment activities to areas within Urban and Village Growth Areas where there is a full range of public facilities, services, and infrastructure to support business development • Strengthen the agricultural industry by diversifying farm production • Increase the profitability of farming to insure that it remains an integral part of the economy • Develop tourism facilities that improve the economic viability of the County in a manner that is in harmony with our distinct historic, cultural, and natural heritage J5.4hf!Ct! ········· 111c Growth 1\fanagcmcnr Element Key Focus Area 5 -Celebrating, investing in, and mobilizing the talents of our hu- man resources. • Promote tolerance and respect for the County's diverse population • Provide opportunities for a lifetime of learning by offering a diversity of educa- tional experiences and access to cultural institutions such as museums, art galler- ies, and libraries • Support collaborative community-based promotion and disease-prevention programs to enable people to be healthy, live healthy lifestyles, and reach their full potential • Reduce disparities in education, hous- ing, and economic opportunities Key Focus Area 6 -Promoting strong leadership, awareness, responsibility, and involvement in community issues: • Promote inter-municipal cooperation and regional planning • Ensure consistency between municipal and regional comprehensive plans and the County's Comprehensive Plan The Growth Management Element Update has a 25-year timeframe and thus extends the time horizon of the Comprehensive Plan Vision estab- lished in Revisions to 2030. During the planning process for the Update, citizens asked how the desired pattern of land use and development expressed in the Vision can be sustained for a longer time period -50 to 100 years or more -if current growth pressures continue into the fu- ture. The simplest answer to this question is that the strategies of the Growth Management Ele- ment are designed to preserve options for future generations ofLancastrians within the context of present day legal, political, and market systems. Specifically, the Growth Management Element: • Allocates over twice the buildable land in presently designated Urban Growth Areas needed to accommodate projected .J511Mfltt' ········-1l1c Crnwt.h Managcmcnr Elcrncnr land demand through 2030, provided that municipalities act to increase devel- opment density and intensity and sewer and water system capacity and service to provide suitable infrastructure in ac- cordance with the new targets set by the Update • Provides a Rural Strategy that establishes Designated Rural Areas through munici- pal and inter-municipal plans. • Establishes an ongoing plan monitoring process that includes periodic reviews and updates to ensure that implementa- tion efforts by municipalities and the County are achieving the Vision It is impossible to predict what actions future County Commissioners and municipal officials will take to manage growth in Lancaster County. However, the strongest asset available to the County to support the desired pattern of land use and development lies in the civic values of Lancastrians and their attachment to the land. These values have been expressed over and over again in public meetings for the Growth Man- agement Element Update and other planning initiatives. Perpetuating them into the future is the most effective mechanism to achieve and sustain the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan Vision. The strongest asset available to the County to support the desired pattern of land use and development lies in the civic values of Lancastrians and their attachment to the land. 3.2 Growth Management Framework Map The Growth Management Framework Map (Map 3-1) provides a generalized representation of the Countywide Vision as expressed in the key spatial concepts described in Chapters 4.0 (Urban Growth Area Strategy) and 5.0 (Rural Strategy), respectively. This map is intended for use as a guide in more detailed planning and implementation efforts. Further analysis of local conditions through municipal and multi-mu- GROWTH MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan GROWTH MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK Legend c·-:; Dtalt tJGA -Core Reirrvest:meJ11 Are•s 0 Urban Growlh Ataa (llGA) Genera! Reirw!l$lmen: Areas c:J Vlliage Growth Area (VOA) [""'] Mu~cipal Soun:lan&s • Villages (Non-VGA) Corcer.\tatw Su11cing A!eaa Gen€ral Building Areas f : : : ; : I °'1&1gnated A(ineultural Areas ~ Oesigr1ated Nal>.iral A!?as ,A L2J Designated Agncullural w~h Natural Areas .A. Crossrcads ComITTJn~1e~ August, 2005 N A 0 6 --==-c:::::i Miles 3 The Growth Management Framework Map provides a generalized representation of the Countywide Vision as expressed In the Urban Growth Area Strategy and the Rural Strategy. This map is intended for use as a guide for more detailed planning and implementation efforts. Further analysis of local conditions through municipal and multi-municipal planning efforts is needed to define how and where the categories shown on the map and the associated recommendations and tools contained in the Growth Management Element apply at the local level. For color map, visit www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning/growthmanagement. nicipal planning efforts will be required to define how and where the categories shown on the map and associated recommendations and tools de- fined in the Growth Management Element apply at the local level. The following categories of land are shown on the Growth Management Framework Map. More complete descriptions of these categories and their implications for growth management are provided in Chapters 4.0 and 5.0. 3.2.1 Urban Growth Area Categories Urban Growth Area: An area that is designated as appropriate for future development and in- cludes a city or borough at its center, developed portions of townships, and enough development capacity to meet future land use needs over a 25-year period without constraining the develop- ment market. Development in Urban Growth Areas should be provided with a full range of Urban-Rural Interface: Designated Growth Areas and Designated Rural Areas are Interrelated concepts designed to work together. Elizabethtown Square (above) and Main Street (below): Elizabethtown, along with the other 17 Boroughs and Lancaster City, Is considered a Core Reinvestment Area. .J511hht'.t! ······-ll1c Crowrh !V1an:!f.cmcnr Elcrncnr Residential development in Urban Growth Areas should occur at an average net density of 7 .5 dwellings per acre. public infrastructure and services, including both public sewer and public water service. Residential development in Urban Growth Areas should occur at an average net density of?.5 dwellings per acre and non-residential development should occur at intensities which maximize the use of land and infrastrucrure.1 Urban Growth Areas are given official standing by their incorporation on Future Land Use Maps and through adoption in County and local comprehensive plans. The Growth Management Framework Map il- lustrates Urban Growth Areas that are presently designated by Lancaster County municipalities. The Urban Growth Area Strategy (Chapter 4.0) focuses growth in these areas through new devel- opment on Buildable Lands (undeveloped lands suitable for development) and compatible reinvest- ment in already Developed Areas. The Growth Management Framework Map designates two types ofBuildable Lands (Concentrated Building Areas and General Building Areas) and two types of Developed Areas (Core Reinvestment Areas and General Reinvestment Areas). Concentrated Building Area: Presently un- developed land within an Urban Growth Area that has the physical characteristics and available infrastructure to accommodate more intense development. General Building Area: Presently undeveloped land within an Urban Growth Area that has less available infrastructure (water, sewer, transporta- tion access) than Concentrated Building Areas and thus may not be appropriate for the highest intensity uses. Core Reinvestment Area: Lancaster City and the Boroughs, which are considered the locations in Lancaster County that could most benefit from compatible new developinent. 1 Specific rargers for non-residential development are ro be part of the proposed Economic Development Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan and will be included in a future update of the Growth Management Element . General Reinvestment Area: Developed land located within an Urban Growth Area and outside of the Core Reinvestment Area. While containing many of the County's more recent developments, the General Reinvestment Area could also benefit from compatible new develop- ment in appropriate locations. The target net density for residential development in Village Growth Areas is 2.5 units per acre. Natural Area: Land with high scenic, recre- ational, and natural resource value and land unsuitable for development due to environmen- tal constraints such as steep slopes, wetlands, floodplain, etc. Natural Areas should be perma- nently protected and incorporated into an open space/greenway network that extends inside and outside of Urban Growth Areas. 3.2.2 Designated Rural Area Categories Designated Rural Areas contain resources and uses that support agriculture, other significant economic links to the land (e.g., resource-based tourism2) and/or traditional outdoor activi- ties (e.g., hunting and fishing). They are to be maintained in a predominantly rural condition supportive of agriculture and other traditional uses of the land for the foreseeable future. Designation of these areas provides the basis for municipalities and the County to implement tools to maintain the integrity of rural resources and uses. Rural Centers are established to accom- modate rural growth that is not related to the resource based rural economy. Rural Centers are not intended to stimulate growth in rural ar- eas, but rather to "capture" development that would otherwise occur as "rural sprawl." 2 "Rural Resource Based Tourism Areas" are defined in the Lancaster County Strategic Tourism Development Plan (April 2005 Draft, p. 42) 3.2.3 Designated Rural Areas: Designated Agricultural Area: Land containing the greatest intensity of agricultural resources and uses within Lancaster County, which should be managed to preserve productive farmland, promote a healthy agricultural industry, and maintain scenic and historic rural landscapes. Designated Agricultural with Natural Area: Land containing agricultural resources and uses mixed with a significant proportion of envi- ronmentally sensitive resources, which should be managed to preserve productive farmland, promote a healthy agricultural industry, maintain scenic and historic rural landscapes, and protect natural resources. Designated Natural Area: Land with high scenic, recreational, and natural resource value, and land with environmental constraints such as steep slopes, wetlands, floodplains, etc., which should be managed to protect natural resources. Designated Rural Centers: Rural Centers are a new concept for managing growth in rural Lancaster County introduced in the 2005 Growth Management Element Update. The Growth Management Element Update iden- tifies four types of Rural Centers. • Village Growth Area: An area that is desig- nated as appropriate for future development and includes an existing traditional village core, adjacent developed portions of a town- ship, and additional land to absorb a por- tion of a township's future land use needs over a 25-year period while maintaining vil- lage scale, character, and a defined edge. De- velopment in Village Growth Areas should be provided with public sewer and/or public water service where appropriate and feasible. The target net density for residential devel- opment in Village Growth Areas is 2.5 units per acre, on average. Non-residential devel- opm.ent should occur at intensities which are compatible with the character of the village. Both residential and non-residen- tial development should be designed to be compatible with and complement the tradi- tional, pedestrian-friendly character of the .l5t1h/1Ctt 111<~ Growth 1\fanar;c:mcnr Element • village through features such as grid street patterns, sidewalks, buildings pulled to the street with parking behind, and compatible architectural scale and mass. The Growth Management Framework Map illustrates Village Growth Areas that are presently designated by Lancaster County municipalities. It also indicates the locations ofVillages identified in the 1997 Growth Management Element Update that have not been designated as Village Growth Areas. These Villages should be considered for Vil- lage Growth Area designation in municipal and multi-municipal planning processes. In a change from the 1997 Growth Man- agement Plan, this Update now categorizes Village Growth Areas as a component of Designated Rural Areas. This change is being made in order to recognize that these villages are part of the rural fabric and are accommodating a different type of growth than Urban Growth Areas. Growth occur- ring in Village Growth Areas will now be counted as rural development rather than identifying it, along with Urban Growth Areas, as part of Growth Areas development in the County's Growth Tracking Report. Crossroads Community: An existing com- pact gathering of generally 20 to 50 dwell- ings with a distinct identity in a rural area, typically at a crossroads. A Crossroads Com- munity often has a central gathering place, and may have a few supporting commercial or public uses. Where appropriate these communities may be the focus for a limited amount of development as an alternative to rural sprawl. Only development that is compatible with the traditional character and small scale of these communities, and which is feasible to support with rural infrastruc- ture, should be permitted in these centers. The locations of Crossroads Communities identified in the 1997 Growth Management Element Update are shown on the Growth Management Framework Map. These loca- tions should be considered for designation as Crossroads Communities in municipal and multi-municipal planning processes. "Lancastrians have embraced the concept of Growth Areas, because they are supportive of the preservation of agricultural land, natural resources and our cultural heritage. Additionally, they have expressed an ongoing commitment to our Villages, Townships, Boroughs and the City, and they want those places to be strengthened and maintained for current and future generations." --Ronald K. Beam, Co Chair, Lancaster County Growth Management Update Task Force • Rural Business Areas and Rural Neighbor- hoods, which are not shown on the Growth Management Framework Map. They will be designated on a case-by-case basis through municipal and multi-municipal planning processes. Rural Business Areas and Rural Neighborhoods typically support develop- ment (e.g., newer residential subdivisions) that is not part of the traditional rural land use pattern. The intent is to promote more compact development consistent with rural character and scale while establishing a de- fined edge around the center. Rural Centers are not intended to stimulate growth in rural areas, but rather to "capture" development that would otherwise occur as "rural sprawl." These co ncepts are described in detail in Chapter 5.0 (Rural Strategy). . .. 3 .3 Countywide Growth Management Strategies The Growth Management Framework Map addresses discrete categories of land within Lancaster County to which specific strategies and tools will be applied. Other strategies should be pursued at a broader (regional or counrywide) level to help achieve the Vision. A number of these strategies are described in the Implementa- tion chapter (Section 6.1, County Actions). The following strategies are especially important to the success of the Growth Management Element: ''Designated Growth Areas and Designated Rural Areas are interrelated concepts designed to work together to achieve the goals and objectives of the Growth Management Element Update." -Lois K. Herr, Co-Chair, Lancaster County Growth Management Update Task Force 3 .3.1 Education and Outreach Many citizens expressed concern during the planning process that the concepts and strategies of the Growth Management Element will not be implemented. Successful implementation will depend on effective action at the municipal and County levels, which in turn will depend on understanding and buy-in by municipal officials, citizens, property owners, developers, and others involved in decision-making processes. Technical assistance regarding new and innovative tools will be a key to building capacity for their applica- tion. Thus ongoing education and outreach to municipalities and citizens throughout Lancaster County will be critical to avoid the undesirable effects of present development trends on com- munity character and quality of life described in Chapter 2.0 and to achieve a positive future. Sec- tion 6.1 identifies the components of an ongoing education and outreach program to be led by Lancaster County and involving extensive com- munity partnerships. This program will begin with a Cross-Acceptance Process for components of the new Update requiring map designations and continue through ongoing information shar- ing, events, and workshops. 3 .3.2 Designated Growth Areas/ Designated Rural Areas Lancaster County's previous Growth Manage- ment Element focused on designating and imple- menting Growth Areas as the primary strategy for managing growth. This Update reaffirms the validity of the Growth Area concept while placing equal emphasis on designating Rural Areas within which key agricultural, natural, historic, and scenic resources are to be protected (see Chapter 5.0). The intent is to eliminate any perception of Designated Rural Areas as holding areas for future development. Rather, County, regional, and local planning and regula- tory agencies should seek to maintain rural re- sources and uses within them and preclude urban development for the foreseeable future. • Designated Growth Areas and Designated Rural Areas are interrelated concepts de- signed to work together to achieve the goals and objectives of the Growth Management Element Update. Thus the success of Des- ignated Rural Areas depends upon directing development to existing Growth Areas to the maximum extent possible by increasing the density and intensity of development within them. The basic intent of the Growth Man- agement Element is to focus new develop- ment within presently designated Urban Growth Areas. "It's all about striking a balance." -Daniel L. Zimmerman, Warwick Township Manager 3.3.2.1. Buildable Lands Analysis In order to ensure the proper functioning of the presently designated Urban Growth Areas, at least every five years, the municipal- ity shall determine whether suitable land is available within its Urban Growth Area to accommodate the projected growth over the next five-and ten-year period by conducting the following analysis: 1. Measuring the rate at which Buildable Lands are being absorbed by all urban- izing uses (residential, employment, J5ahru:I'! -111e Growth Manar.;emenr Elcmcnr The travel demand model used in the development of the Long- Range Transportation Element will be used to evaluate the affects of full implementation of the growth patterns defined in the Growth Management Element. institutional, dedicated open space, multi-use centers, etc.). 2. Projecting demand for Buildable Lands for the next five-and ten-year period. 3. Comparing availability (defined as fully serviced Buildable Lands without environmental restraints) with projected five-and ten-year demand. (Availability should be at least twice the demand to prevent market constraint.3) 3.3.2.2. Expansion of Land Development Capacity If the Buildable Lands Analysis indicates that insufficient land is available to meet five-and ten-year demand, then a process to consider the expansion of the land development capac- ity within the Urban Growth Area is trig- gered. The municipality has the following three options for increasing land development capacity within Urban Growth Areas: 1. Maximize the use of buildable land by ensuring that municipal ordinances permit and encourage residential devel- opment at an average net density of 7.5 dwellings per acre and non-residential development at intensities which maxi- mize the use ofland and infrastructure4, 3 A market factor of two times the amount of land necessary to accommodate demand over the next five-and ten-year period is recommended in order to allow the market co operate free of constraints that would inflate housing prices and/or exen increased pressures for development in rural Lancaster County. This factor will be evaluated over time- frame of chis Update co determine its adequacy. 4 Specific targets for non-residential development are to be pan of the proposed Economic Development Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan and will be included in a furure update of the Growth Management Element . ..i511kthtt' ···-111c Growth Managcmcnr Ekrncnr 2. Identify additional infill and redevelop- ment opportunities to accommodate the projected growth. The municipality should make every effort to maximize the use of buildable land and reinvestment and redevelopment opportuni- ties in order to avoid the need to expand the Urban Growth Areas. If 1. and 2. above have been accomplished, and sufficient land is still not available to meet demand, the mu- nicipality should then consider 3. below. 3. Expand Urban Growth Area according to the following guidelines: A. The proposed expansion area is con- tiguous to the existing Growth Area and provides for an orderly exten- sion of existing development within the Growth Area as opposed to sprawl or "leapfrog" development. B. The area has been determined, through a Rural Areas designation process as part of a municipal or multi-municipal plan (see Chapter 5.2.), as not suitable for inclusion in a Designated Rural Area C. Public infrastructure can be provided as a logical extension of existing in- frastructure within the Growth Area. 11 multi-municipal plans currently exist or are underway, involving 41 of the County's 60 municipalities. Where these conditions are deter- mined to be met, adoption of amend- ments to the comprehensive plan/fu- ture land use map and zoning map by the local municipality or municipali- ties through the established cross-ac- ceptance process with the County is required to change the Growth Area. Development in the expanded Growth Area should also be provided for at an average net density of 7.5 dwellings per acre and non-residential development at intensities which maximize the use of land and infrastructure5, There may be limited circumstance where expansion of Urban Growth Areas may be warranted between five-year Buildable Land reviews. The following are two examples: • in specific situations to accommo- date projected development demand that otherwise would inflate land and housing prices and create pres- sures for incompatible growth in Designated Rural Areas • where the proposed expansion is logical and is determined to advance a specific objective or ob- jectives of the Growth Management Element Update. 3.3.3 Consistency of Plans and Programs with the Growth Management Element Numerous plans and initiatives exist or are underway at the County, regional, and local levels that affect the management of land use and development in Lancaster County. Examples include the six Functional Elements of the Lan- caster County Comprehensive Plan, the eleven multi-municipal plans, and numerous special plans, studies, zoning changes, etc. prepared by the County, municipalities, and a variety of other agencies and organizations. Making these plans and initiatives consistent with the concepts of the Growth Management Element Update is crucial if the Update is to be successfully implemented. This process has begun with efforts co coordinate development of the Growth Management Ele- ment with other concurrent planning initiatives, including the Cultural Heritage, Housing, and 5 Specific targets for non-residential development are to be part of the proposed Economic Devdopment Ele- ment of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan and will be included in a future update of the Growth Management Element. Strategic Tourism Development Elements of the Comprehensive Plan and the Lancaster Inter- Municipal Committee (LIMC) Comprehensive Plan for 11 municipalities, including the City of Lancaster, in central Lancaster County. Con- sistency will continue co evolve over time as the County moves forward with the education and outreach program as well as its own planning ini- tiatives. (For example, the travel demand model used in the development of the Long-Range Transportation Element will be used to evaluate the effects of full implementation of the growth patterns defined in the Growth Management Element.) The Implementation chapter identifies two County Action Programs designed to pro- mote consistency of pl~s and programs with the Growth Management Element: 1. Consistency Review: An internal review process to ensure the consistency of Comprehensive Plan elements and other County plans, projects, and funding programs with the Growth Management Element 2. Smart Growth Audit: A process to evaluate the consistency of local and regional comprehensive plans, Act 537 plans, ordinances, etc. with the Growth Management Element 3.3.4 Multi-Municipal Planning and Zoning It is readily apparent that issues related to growth and change in Lancaster County transcend mu- nicipal boundaries and that regional approaches (e.g., multi-municipal or regional planning and zoning, sharing of resources by municipalities) and cools {e.g., Transfer of Development Rights) are increasingly necessary. Lancaster County mu- nicipalities have already embraced the concept of multi-municipal planning, as evidenced by the 11 multi-municipal plans that currently exist or are underway, involving 41 of the County's 60 municipalities. These initiatives should continue, including updating of older plans (several of which were adopted 10 or more years ago) and implementation of regional plans through cools J511hJ1Ct! ········· "ll1e Growth ;\fanagcmcnr Element such as multi-municipal zoning, following the di- rection set by the Growth Management Element. One important reason for undertaking the devel- opment of a multi-municipal plan is the potential for the sharing of land uses on a regional basis. All land uses may be distributed among the mu- nicipalities in reasonable geographic areas of the multi-municipal planning area. In 2000 Pennsyl- vania amended the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) to enable municipalities to "plan for the accommodation of all categories of uses within the area of the plan, provided, however, that all u~es need not be provided in every municipality, but shall be planned and provides for within a reason- able geographic area of the plan." Another important reason for undertaking a multi-municipal plan is that Developments of Regional Impact (DRis} can be considered on a multi-municipal basis. The MPC was also amended to enable municipalities to regulate DRis which are defined as "any land develop- ment that, because of its character, magnitude, or location will have substantial effect upon the health, safety, or welfare of citizens in more than one municipality." This type of regulation, which provides for the incorporation of a review of regional impacts in the subdivision approval process, is available to municipalities partici- pating in a multi-municipal plan. Criteria for DRis may be developed by the county and/or cooperating municipalities through the planning process and incorporated into their implementa- tion agreements. The MPC gives the responsibility for identify- ing DRis under to the county, along with the consideration of how a ORI program will be implemented. The first step is to determine what developments will be regarded as DRis. Coun- ties are to identify existing and proposed land uses which have regional impact and significance, such as "large shopping centers, major industrial parks, mines and related activities, office parks, storage facilities, large residential developments, regional entertainment and recreational com- plexes, hospitals, airports and port facilities." The MPC states that "cooperative implementa- tion agreements between a county and one or more municipalities shall establish a process for J5AiAhtt' ····· lhc Growth Manar.cmcnr Element review and approval of developments of regional significance and impact that are proposed within any participating municipality." As an imple- mentation step for this Update, the County and local municipalities should cooperatively develop a process for identification, review, and approval of Developments of Regional Impact. 3.4 Conclusion The Growth Management Element extends the time horizon of the Comprehensive Plan Vision established in Revisions to 2030. The strategies of the Growth Management Element Update are designed to preserve options for the future, even beyond the 25-year planning horizon of this Update, regarding growth and preservation. The basic intent of the Growth Management Framework outlined in this chapter is to focus new development within presently designated Urban Growth Areas. Chapter 4, Urban Growth Area Strategy, details the approaches to manag- ing growth based on this Growth Management Framework. Chapter 5, Rural Strategy, is the companion piece to the Urban Growth Areas Strategy. The Urban Growth Area Strategy and the Rural Strategy are interrelated and are designed to work together to implement this Growth Management Framework and to achieve the goals and objectives of the Growth Manage- ment Element Update. 4.1 Overview A revitalized Lancaster City, historic Boroughs that serve as activity centers for their surround- ings, and communities with compact, mixed-use development forms are central to the Vision for the Future contained in Revisions, the adopted Policy Element of the Lancaster County Com- prehensive Plan. Growth management efforts based upon the 1997 Growth Management Element Update have emphasized Designated Growth Areas as the primary strategy to focus development in these areas. Public meetings and surveys conducted for the Growth Management Element Update and related planning initiatives reaffirm that revitalizing Lancaster City and the Boroughs and promoting compact develop- ment in growth areas remain high priorities for Lancastrians. This Update reaffirms the Growth Area concept while setting several new directions for managing Lancaster County's Urban Growth Areas in the future: 1. Increase the proportion, density, and intensity of development in Designated Growth Areas as a companion to a new strategy to preserve the integrity of Rural Areas (Chapter 5.0) 2. Place a new emphasis on reinvestment in Lancaster City, the Boroughs, and urbanized areas of Townships 3. Improve development patterns and forms in Designated Growth Areas in or- der to enhance quality oflife for current and new residents 4. Increase housing affordability and em- ployment opportunities to improve the well being of all citizens A Designated Growth Area is a region de- scribed in a municipal or multi-municipal plan that has the following characteristics: • It is appropriate for future development and includes Lancaster City, a Borough, or Village as a core. J511hhtt' ...... -llic Growth !vfana{?.cmeta Ekmcnr • Residential, mixed-use, commercial, industrial, and institutional development are permitted or planned for. • Public infrastructure services are pro- vided or planned for with sufficient capacity to carry the intended density and intensity of development. The Urban Growth Area Strategy establishes as targets that 85% of residential units projected to be built in Lancaster County through 2030 and 66% of employment growth in the County during the same time period be located in Urban Growth Areas. Two types of Designated Growth Areas have been established to date in Lancaster County: Urban Growth Areas and Village Growth Ar- eas. The Urban Growth Area Strategy focuses on Urban Growth Areas (Village Growth Areas and several other types of Rural Centers are addressed by the Rural Strategy). An Urban Growth Area is an area that is ap- propriate for future development and includes Lancaster City or a Borough at its center, devel- oped portions ofTownships, and additional lands suitable to accommodate new development. In combination, these lands should have sufficient development capacity (twice the amount that is necessary to accommodate growth for the next five-and ten-year periods.) co meet future land use needs over a 25-year period without con- straining the development market, if this Update is implemented. Development in Urban Growth Areas should be provided with a full range of public infrastructure services, including both public sewer and public water service with suf- ficient capacity co support the intended density and intensity of development. Residential devel- opment in Urban Growth Areas should occur at an average net density of7.5 dwellings per II residential acre.1,2 Non-residential development should occur at intensi- ties which maximize the use of land and infrastructure3. Urban Growth Areas are given official standing by their incorporation on Future Land Use Maps and through adoption in County and local comprehensive plans. Thirteen Urban Growth Areas, involving 43 municipalities have been adopted in Lancaster County (Table 4-1). The Urban Growth Area Strategy establishes as targets that 85% of residential units projected to be built in Lancaster County through 2030 and 66% of employment growth in the County during the same time period be located in Urban Growth Areas. This is going to require changes in den- sity, intensity, and uses through modifications to municipal zoning ordinances. To accommodate this growth, undeveloped lands in Growth Areas being converted for residential uses will have to achieve the average countywide net density of 1 The figure of 7.5 dwellings per net resi- dential acre is a countywide target for growth management purposes. Densities within in- dividual Growth Areas will be determined on a case-by-case basis through municipal and multi-municipal planning processes, and will vary depending upon local conditions. 2 Net density is determined by dividing the aggregate number of residential units within property lines by the number of acres within the same property lines. Because the land area measured is within residential property lines, all other lands such as streets, common open spaces, and utility rights-of-way are excluded from the acreage calculation. By contrast, a gross density calculation divides the same number of units by the total number of acres converted to development to support the residential area (indusive of streets, rights-of- way, etc.). 3 Specific targets for non-residential development are to be part of the proposed Economic Development Element of the Lan- caster County Comprehensive Plan and will be included in a future update of the Growth Management Element. • Urban Growth Area Municipalities Year Adopted Central Lancaster East Hempfield Township 1994 East Lampeter Townsht 199512003 East Petersburg Boroug NIA Lancaster City NIA Lancaster Township NIA Manor Township 1993 Manheim Townsht 1995 Millersville Boroug NIA Mountville Borough NIA Pequea Towns7 1993 West Hempfiel Township 1996 West Lamneter Townshin 1 t)Q4 Christiana-Gap Christiani' Borough NIA Sadsbury Township 199912004 Salis bu rv Townshin 200~ Cocalico Adamstown Boro;;gh NIA Denver Borough NIA East Cocalico Townshin 1CJCJ81200~ Columbia-Marietta Columbia Borough NIA East Donegal Township 1995 Marietta Borou1>h NIA Donegal East Donegal Township 1995 Mount Joy Borouti NIA MountJoyTowns ·p 1997 Ranho Townshin l()()~ ELANCO North East Earl Townshit 1996 Terre Hill Borou1>I NIA ELANCO South Earl Township 1996 East Earl Township 1996 New Holland Borou1>h NIA Elizabethtown Elizabethtown Borough NIA Mount Joy Township 1997 West Done1>al Townshin 1()()8 Ephrata-Akron Akron Borough NIA Clay Township 1995 Ephrata Borou~h NIA Ephrata Towns ip 1995 West Cocalico Township 199512003 West Earl Townshin 1 ()()81200~ Leola-Bareville Upper Leacock Township 2003 West Earl Townshin l()CJ81200~ Lititz-Warwick Lititz Borough NIA Warwick Townshin 1 ()CJ~ Manheim Central Manheim Borough NIA Penn Township 1993 Ranho Townshin l()CJ~ Strasburg Strasburg Borour; NIA Strasbur1> Towns in 1 C)C)~ Note: The SOLANCO Urban Growth Area has not yet been adopted by the affected municipalities (East Drumore Township, Eden Township, Providence Township, and Quarryville Borough). NIA means that the municipality (Borough or the City) is entirely located within a Growth Area and thus was requested to endorse the Growth Area through its comprehensive or regional plan or through the establishment of2010 target populations under the 1997 Growth Manage- ment Element Update. J5,11h1tt:t1 ········· "lhc Growth ;v1anagcmcnr Elcmcnr. Urban Growth Area Strategy Goal and Objectives Goal Direct more development into designated Urban Growth Areas through reinvestment and new de- velopment that improves the quality of life by respecting and reinforcing existing community forms and values. Objectives 1. Make currently designated Urban Growth Areas sufficient to accommodate projected growth to 2030 by increasing the density and intensity of development to meet the new targets set in this Update. 2. Encourage development patterns in Urban Growth Areas that are compatible with existing character, promote livable communities, and focus on Mixed-Use Centers as defined in the Urban Growth Area Strategy. 3. Promote Reinvestment that complements the existing physical and social fabric in Developed Areas within Growth Areas. 4. Provide for bowing choice and affordability through a variety of smart growth planning tools and techniques. 7.5 dwelling units per acre targeted by the Strat- egy. To sustain the economic and social vitality of older communities, compatible elements of the projected growth over the next 25 years will be encouraged to locate in already developed com- munities (Developed Lands) through policies to promote reinvestment. Other growth will be directed to presently undeveloped lands without environmental or cultural restraints as these areas develop adequate infrastructure (Buildable Lands). The realization of an emerging pattern that sup- ports and sustains the civic values and quality of life already existing in Lancaster County's neigh- borhoods and communities will be guided by the overall Urban Growth Area goal presented below. This goal, alo ng with supporting objectives, pro- vides a framework for County, multi-municipal, and municipal planning and implementation. Managing future growth in Lancaster County to ensure a successful outcome requires a holistic approach. While it is necessary to separate the Urban and Rural Strategies to understand the different dynamics and approaches of each , in practice, they must be applied simultaneously. Implementing one without the other will as- sure the failure of both. The Rural Strategy is described in Chapter 5.0. J511fAhtt! ·······-The Growth Mana{?_cmcnr Ekmenr The remainder of this chapter is devoted to a more detailed discussion of the means of real- izing the Urban Growth Area Strategy through three key components of the Strategy: • Urban Growth Areas • Development Patterns • Overarching Issue Areas (Economy, Infrastructure, Housing, and Treasured Resources) Approaches to planning for and implementing the Urban Growth Area Strategy are discussed in each of these components. Specific tools available for implementation, tied to the Urban Growth Area Strategy goals and objectives, are included in the Smart Growth Toolbox. 4.2 Urban Growth Areas Urban Growth Areas consist of two land cover patterns: Developed Lands and Buildable Lands (see Growth Management Framework Map, Figure 3-1 in Chapter 3.0). These patterns are defined as follows: • Developed Lands are those portions of Urban Growth Areas that have previ- .... ously been developed with urban uses (roads, houses, commercial and indus- trial buildings, etc.). These lands include Lancaster City, the established Boroughs, and older and more recently constructed development patterns within the Town- ships. There are approximately 65,000 acres of Developed Lands in presently designated Urban Growth Areas in Lan- caster County. • Buildable Lands are those areas within Urban Growth Areas which have not yet been developed for urban uses and are not constrained from such development by environmental conditions. There are approximately 31,000 acres of Buildable Lands in Urban Growth Areas. 4.2.1 New Targets The approximately 31 ,000 acres of Buildable Lands within Urban Growth Areas is not enough land at the current development trend to ac- commodate growth through 2030. Table 2-1, Land Demand in Lancaster County Based on 2003-2030 Trend Growth, shows the amount of acreage that could be expected to be consumed if current development trends continue. Total land demand inside Urban Growth Areas would be 16,101 acres. When adding a market factor of two times the amount of land needed to accommodate growth, this acreage total doubles to 32, 202 acres. The Lancaster County Planning Commis- sion (LCPC) previously set targets of 80% for the proportion of all new residential units in Lancaster County that should be built within Urban and Village Growth Areas and 5.5 gross (6.9 net) units per acre for the average density of residential development within Urban Growth Areas. The LCPC's most recent Growth Tracking Report for the years 1994 to 2002 indicates that approximately 76% of the new dwelling units constructed during this period were located in Designated Growth Areas (73% in UGAs and 3% in VGAs) and the average net density of resi- dential development in Urban Growth Areas was 5.0 net units per acre. The LCPC also tracks de- velopment related to employment (commercial/ industrial) and other (institutional/public) uses A key objective of the Urban Growth Area Strategy is to ensure that sufficient land is available within Urban Growth Areas to allow the market to operate free of constraints that would inflate housing prices and/or exert increased pressures for development in rural Lancaster County. inside and outside Growth Areas but has not set targets for this type of development. According to the Growth Tracking Report, approximately 51 % of the acreage developed for these purposes from 1994 to 2002 was developed inside Growth Areas and 49% was developed outside Growth Areas. This Update sets the following new targets for Urban Growth Areas. These targets have been expanded to address employment uses and Rein- vestment Areas. They are intended as countywide targets for growth management and tracking purposes; actual build out at the local level is expected to vary based upon conditions within individual Urban Growth Areas. 4.2.1.1 Primary Growth Targets Dwellings: 85% of the total increase in dwelling units should be accom- modated in Urban Growth Areas. Employment: 66% of the total increase in employment acreage should be accommodated in Urban Growth Areas. 4 4 This is a preliminary target pending confirmation through the Economic Development Element, recommended as an additional element to be developed as part of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan . .Eahlitt! -····· TI1c Growth Managcmcnr Elemcnr. Average Residential Density: 7.5 dwellings/net acre5 should be achieved for residential development on Buildable Lands. Revise Text Box in Formatted version as follows: A key objective of the Urban Growth Area Strategy is to ensure that sufficient land (twice the amount that is necessary to accommodate growth for the next 10 years) is available within Urban Growth Areas to allow the market to operate free of constraints that would inflate housing prices and/or exert increased pressures for development in rural Lancaster County. 4.2.1.2 Secondary Growth Targets Dwellings: 12% of dwelling unit increase should be accommodated in Reinvestment Areas (see below). Employment: 55% of employment should be accommodated in Rein- vestment Areas (see below). While no specific acreage target is recommended at this time for public/institutional uses, mu- nicipalities should plan for these uses and direct them to the Urban Growth Areas. Governmental agencies and private institutions are strongly encouraged to locate these uses within Urban Growth Areas wherever possible, thus reinforcing existing development patterns and avoid- ing impacts on rural resources. In particular, governemnr offices and service delivery facilities should be directed to core areas of the City and other urban communities served by public tran- sit. Public/institutional uses that must be located in rural areas should be compatible with \ 5 The target net density of7.5 dwelling units per acre was derived by testing the comparative productivity of a range of possible average net densities. Of the net densities tested 7.5 dwelling units per acre was the one which best accom- modates approximately 45,500 units on available land . within current Urban Growth Areas without causing market restraints. (The figure of 45,500 units represents 85% of housing units projected to be constructed in Lancaster County from 2004 through 2030 based upon the Lancaster County Housing Element Update, Population and Housing Unit Projections, dated February 9, 2005, and Need Analy- sis, dated February 22, 2005, Scenario 2.) J5Af'Ancg --· ll1c Crnwrh Management Elcmcnr the rural landscape and scaled to serve the rural community. Depending on the size and scope of public/institutional uses they may be best addressed as Developments of Regional Impact. (See 3.3 Countywide Growth Management Strat- egies, Multi-Municipal Planning and Zoning and also Appendix B.) Given the trend from 1994 to 2002, achieving the above targets will require concerted effort by municipalities working with the County. Key approaches include: • Develop and implement policies, regulatory mechanisms, and incentive programs to allow and encourage more compact, higher density development forms within Urban Growth Areas and discourage lower density patterns that consume more land • Coordinate land use planning and capital improvement programming to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support higher density devdopment • Limit development within Designated Rural Areas (see Chapter 5.0) A key issue for the Urban Growth Area Strategy is to ensure that sufficienr land is available within Urban Growth Areas to allow the market to operate free of constrainrs that would inflate housing prices and/or exert increased pressures for development in rural Lancaster County. Therefore, the Update increases density targets in Urban Growth Areas and recommends that the supply of Buildable Lands within Urban Growth Areas be at least twice the projected demand over the timeframe of the plan. 6 As previously noted, there are approximately 31,000 acres of Buildable Lands within Urban Growth Areas, of which approximately 19 ,200 acres are zoned for residential uses, 2,400 acres are zoned as agricultural "holding areas," 8,600 acres are zoned for employment uses, and 800 acres are zoned for public uses. In addition ap- proximately 13,000 acres of the 31,000 acres of Buildable Lands zoned for various uses are not in existing water and sewer service areas. Depending upon how quickly municipal regula- 6 For an explanation of this target see Section 6.4 of the Im lementation Cha ter. .. tory programs are revised to incorporate the new targets, and utility service is made available, the gross demand for residential development within Urban Growth Areas is projected at between ap- proximately 6,400 and 7,500 acres between 2005 and 2030, well below the recommended market factor (supply ofBuildable Lands two times demand), assuming that the average net density target of 7.5 dwelling units per acre is met.7 The Lancaster County Planning Commission will need to work closely with local municipali- ties to ensure coordination between acreage that is included in Growth Areas and acreage that is planned for sewer and/or water service. The approximately 13,000 acres ofBuildable Lands that are inside existing Urban Growth Areas that are not currently in sewer and/or water service areas should be planned for service during the timeframe of this Growth Management Element Update. A way to coordinate sewer service with Growth Areas is through LCPC review of munic- ipal Act 537 Official Sewage Facilities Plans and updates. This will ensure consistency with the Growth Management Element Update. LCPC staff will also need to work with municipalities and water suppliers to ensure that acreage that is not currently in water service areas are planned for water service during the timeframe of the Update. While there is no similar planning pro- cess to Act 537 for water supply, LCPC through 7 The projected demand assumes that 88% of residential units will be accommodated on Buildable Lands and 12% in Reinvestment Areas. The acreage noc in sewer and/or wa- ter service areas must be included and municipal ordinances muse be changed to allow the higher density and intensity, otherwise the market factor of rwo times the land needed to accommodate development berween 2005 and 2030 will not be available. The important and key strategy here is for municipalities to accommodate future growth by changes to municipal ordinances that allow and require future development at the increased densities, intensities, and uses the Growth Management Element calls for. These strategies will prolong the ability of the current ·Designated Growth Areas to provide the capacity to accommodate future growth for a longer period of time and not require the premature need to expand the Designated Growth Areas. New Community: Brighton, Manheim Township New Community: Miii Creek, West Lampeter Township New Community: Kissell Hill, Manheim Township New Community: Newport Square, Lititz Borough/ Warwick Township .Bah1u:tJ ········· 111c Growth Jv1anai:;cmcnr Elcmcnr The new targets identified above call for 12% of new residential units and 55% of new employment acreage to be located within Reinvestment Areas. the Water Resources Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan encourages mu- nicipalities and water suppliers to develop water supply plans. These plans and/or a water supply component of a local comprehensive plan should be consistent with the Growth Management Ele- ment Update. The intent of the Urban Growth Area Strategy is to direct development into existing Designated Growth Areas at much greater densities, intensi- ties, and uses, and in combination with a Rural Strategy that seeks to limit scattered, low-density development in Designated Rural Areas, provide Core Reinvestment Areas include Lancaster City and the Boroughs. Table 4-2. Planned Growth in Lancaster Total Dwelling Units in 53,259 Coun Total Inside Urban 45,270 Growth Areas Total in Reinvestment 5,432 53,259 41 ,692 3,713 ''I I J5111A1ttt' ·-··-']he Growth Managcrncnr Elcrncnr a complete growth management policy that encompasses all of the lands in Lancaster County, As noted in Section 5.2 of the Rural Strategy, it is likely that local planning initiatives will identify areas outside of Designated Growth Areas that are not suitable for designation as Rural Areas due to conditions such as existing development patterns, an absence of high value resources, or an area that is logical for the future expansion of the Designated Growth Areas. County Planners should work with municipalities through local and regional planning initiative to implement the Rural Strategy and establish of these Rural Areas. Reinvestment Project: Train StaUon, Elizabethtown Borough 4.2.1.3 Land Demand In Urban Growth Areas The land demand in Urban Growth Areas gener- ated by Growth Management Plan Update's Urban Growth Area Strategy is shown in Table 4-2. below. Implementation of the Urban Growth Area Strategy will result in less land be- ing required to accommodate more growth than that based on development trend as shown in Table 2-1. The Table shows the consequences of two imple- mentation scenarios: • Targeted Change --the first column of Table 4-2. analyzes what will happen if, at Reinvestment Project: Cllpper Magazine Stadium, Lancaster City. .. . '"' the end of in 2030, Lancaster County has successfully met all the Growth Manage- ment Element Update Targets for the 25 years of change to 2030. It does not ask how or when these targets are met. It simply assumes that when all the counting is done, they have been met. • Probable Change --the second column ass umes a gradual ramping up of the regula- tions and infrastructure investments which are necessary to reach the targets. In very brief outline, for residential development the Housing Element Update dwelling unit projections were used as totals. Then the 25 year period was divided into three time frames-2005 to 2010, 2010 to 2020 and 2020 to 2030. For each time period different performance levels, moving from those currently achieved as measured in the Lancaster County Growth Tracking Report to approaching the targets, were applied. For example in 2005 to 2010 existing per- formance was assumed to continue because the first three years are already vested under existing regulations and the municipalities will take the full time or more to plan and legislate to the new targets. In the second period, 2010-2020, legislation is only partly in place early in the decade. Successes gather momentum as time progresses. There are several other changes from Trend De- velopment as presented in Table 2.1. • Employment Acreage Demand --"Trend" assumes that all the acreage demand for employment was satisfied using Buildable Lands. However, the LCPC projections show that half the employment in the Urban Growth Areas will occur in boroughs and Lancaster City --the Core Reinvestment Ar- eas. This is right in line with the overall rein- vestment strategy. Therefore, the assumption under "Targeted Growth" is that Core Reinvestment Area employment growth does not require Buildable Lands. Under "Prob- able Growth" the higher intensity uses, along with the expansion and conversion of exist- ing centers requires 20% of the Buildable Land acreage that development outside the Core Reinvestment Area would require. Mixed-Use Center Definition A Mixed-Use Center is a concentrated area of development within an Urban Growth Area that has a designated primary use indicating the purpose of the center while permitting and encouraging a range of other complementary uses. It has a limited and bounded area of high intensity relative to the surrounding lands. • Other Land Demand --The other major change from "trend" is the increase in the "Other" category of Open Space, Institu- tional, etc. which is based upon life style issues. Since the urban pattern in the Urban Growth Areas is marked by higher density residential and higher intensity commercial development, to maintain overall environ- mental and civic quality it will be necessary to provide more than adequate visual and recreational open space, and civic and reli- gious institutions that are readily accessible to residents and employees. Therefore, set asides for these kinds of uses must occur in the Urban Growth Area, not in the Rural Areas. This set aside accounts for the higher land demand for this category under the plan than that experienced from 1994 to 2002 which is the basis for the trend. 4.2.2 New Communities The new targets defined by this Update call for a high proportion of Lancaster County's growth over the next 25 years to be accommodated within Urban Growth Areas. Such a growth management strategy is not new to Lancaster County. Starting in 1994, the municipalities, with the support of the County, have Designated Growth Areas to accommodate most new devel- opment. Moving forward, this Update designates Urban Growth Areas to accommodate an increas- ing share of future growth in order to sustain Lancaster County's unique quality of life derived from the mix of vibrant older communities, de- sirable emerging urban patterns, and an historic rural setting. .Et11hJ1Ct! ········· ll1e Growth 1\fanar;emenr Element The new targets identified above call for 12% of new residential units and 55% of new employment acreage to be located within Reinvestment Areas, meaning that the greatest proportion of new development within Urban Growth Areas will continue to occur on Build- able Lands. Two types of Buildable Lands within Urban Growth Areas have been defined as follows: • • Concentrated Building Areas are Buildable Lands that can accommodate more intense development patterns due to the availability of the following infra- structure: Utilities: Located within water and sewer service areas Access: Has ready vehicular access to the upper level trans- portation (arterial and limited- access highway) network and potential public transit service Concentrated Building Areas can accom- modate high-density residential zoning by right, Mixed-Use Centers (as defined below), or a combination of both. General Building Areas include all Buildable Lands outside Concentrated Building Areas. These areas have lower levels of access to (an increased distance/ travel time to reach) the upper level transportation network and/or are not located within water or sewer service ar- eas. Regulatory mechanisms can permit a variety of uses and intensities in these areas, but the highest intensities may not be appropriate. 4.2.3 Reinvestment Areas Sustaining the economic vitality and the social health of existing communities in Lancaster County must be an integrated part of growth management planning. A major step in this direction is a strategy of reinvestment directed towards maintaining a vibrant and attractive en- vironment within existing communities includ- ing Lancaster City, the Boroughs, and developed J5dfAl1tt' ·········· 111c Growth Managcmcrn Ell'rncm parts of the Townships. Reinvestment means building on Developed Lands by recycling aban- doned or underutilized properties, by converting existing buildings to new uses (e.g., factories to lofts), by revitalizing older areas (e.g., traditional shopping districts), and by developing infill properties. Developed Areas include two types of Reinvestment Areas, Core Reinvestment Areas and General Reinvestment Areas, which are defined as follows. • Core Reinvestment Areas include Lancaster City and the Boroughs. They are the focus of a Reinvestment Strategy directed toward sustaining the quality of life in older communities by maintain- ing sound neighborhoods, viable local retail centers, expanded employment opportunities, sound institutions, and public places, all supported by a growing tax base. • General Reinvestment Areas are Devel- oped Lands within Urban Growth Areas that are located outside the Core Rein- vestment Areas. General Reinvestment Areas can also participate in the benefits of the Reinvestment Strategy. However, many of the more recent developments fall into this land category. Therefore, the capacity for reinvestment in terms of abandoned and underutilized properties or properties available for conversion is not as high as in the Core Reinvestment Areas. Key approaches to encouraging reinvestment in Core Reinvestment Areas and General Reinvest- ment Areas include: • Develop and maintain an inventory of abandoned, underutilized, or convertible properties available in Reinvestment Ar- eas for use by municipalities, investors, and developers • Develop and implement policies, regulatory mechanisms, and incentive programs to encourage the Reinvestment Strategy • Take advantage of existing infrastructure systems, making improvements as neces- sary to support (re)development Mixed-Use Center Definition A Mixed-Use Center is a concentrated area of development within an Urban Growth Area that has a designated primary use indicating the purpose of the center while permitting and encouraging a range of other complementary uses. It has a limited and bounded area of high intensity relative to the surrounding lands. • Introduce fiscal and tax policies appro- priate to the Reinvestment Strategy 4.3 Development Patterns The four types of land available for new develop- In addition, the emerging patterns of develop- ment -supported by a range of Smart Growth tools -should facilitate a variety of personal choices in housing types, locations, and prices for present and future citizens of Lancaster County (see housing discussion in Section 1.4 below). ment within Urban Growth Areas -Core and 4.3.1 Mixed-Use Centers General Reinvestment Areas, Concentrated and General Building Areas -are intended to provide a framework for growth management policy development in multi-municipal and municipal planning processes and for implementing legisla- tion and programs at the municipal level. It should be noted that the distinctions between the different types of Buildable Lands and Developed Lands as described above are not "fixed" and will change over time. For example, the General Reinvestment Area will increase as development converts Buildable Lands to Developed Lands. In addition, as infrastructure is extended, the Con- centrated Building Area may expand. As growth is monitored, the information should be used to map the changing areas. In general, the form of growth in both Re- investment Areas and on Buildable Lands must be carefully managed to sustain the valued quality of life that exists in many older communities while securing the benefits of Smart Growth resulting from thoughtful new investment patterns. A great variety of uses and conditions can be obtained in the emerging patterns. Variety in this context means, among other things, spatial relationships between places for living, places for working, and places for gathering (shops, churches, clubs, open spaces, etc.). The pedestrian-friendly scale and pattern of Lancaster County's traditional communi- ties, including the Boroughs and Lancaster City neighborhoods, provide good models for new de- velopment within Urban Growth Areas through tools such as Traditional Neighborhood Design. Existing regulatory devices such as zoning dis- tricts already developed in various municipalities in Lancaster County can be employed to greater effect in Urban Growth Areas to achieve the de- sired intensity or density of future development. For example, higher densities can be permit- ted by right with lower densities achieved only through special exception. In addition, Mixed-Use Centers can be used to supplement current practices, promoting more compact development patterns that provide focuses of community activity and encourage walking, bicycling, and use of transit as alterna- tives to the automobile. Many of the objectives for future Growth Area development can be met through the application of the Mixed-Use Center concept. Mixed-Use Centers include, but are not limited to, Housing Mixed-Use Centers, Employment Mixed-Use Centers, and Retail Mixed-Use Centers. General criteria for these three types of Mixed-Use Centers include: Housing Mixed-Use Centers Primary Use: Residential Secondary Use: Local retail, institutions, employment, open space Minimum Spatial Requirements • Residential -50% of Land Area • Open Space -10% of Land Area Minimum Intensity of Development: Resi- dential -12 Dwelling Units (DU)/ Net Acre .lJAhJ1C& ········· 1he Growth ;\fanagcmcnr Elcmcnr Employment Mixed-Use Centers Primary Use: All employment uses Secondary Use: Residential, transient residential, food service, retail and services supporting the primary use, institutional, parking, (including structured parking), open space Minimum Intensity of Non-Residential Development: Net Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for primary uses (not including structured parking):-1.08 Retail Mixed-Use Centers Primary Use: General Retail Secondary Uses: Residential, transient residential, employment, parking (including structured parking), open space Minimum Intensity of Development: Square footage of general retail equal to 75% of total building coverage (not including struc- tured parking) It should be noted that Retail Mixed-Use Centers are intended to prevent a pattern of continuous roadside retail by concentrating general retail activity in designated centers. While mixed uses are encouraged, the retail floor area requirement is intended to establish general retail uses on the site. Mixed-Use Centers can be developed both on Concentrated Building Areas within Buildable Lands and at appropriate locations within both types of Reinvestment Areas. The specific regulatory provisions can be expected to vary widely in response to the very different condi- tions that prevail in these areas. For example, a small site of about two acres in a Core Reinvest- ment Area might be appropriate for a mid-rise (15 to 16 floors) residential structure which would produce a net density of 40 DU/acres or more, while 20 acres on Buildable Lands could result in a very desirable townhouse development with supporting retail and offices that produce a 8 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is a method of measuring the intensity of development for non-residential purposes. The FAR is determined by dividing the total floor area of a building by the total net area of the site on which it is located Specific targets for non-residential development are co be pare of the proposed Economic Development Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan and will be included in a future update of the Growth Management Element. JS11lintt' ·········"!he Crowth Manat,crncrn Ekrncnr net density of 12 DU/acres. Both of these hypo- thetical examples would be Housing Mixed-Use Centers. The operational and regulatory defini- tion of the center must be sensitive to the specific conditions of each municipality. However, in every case it would be characterized by a limited and bounded area of high intensity relative to surrounding lands. To implement the Mixed-Use Center concept, municipalities should allow mixed use development by right, or by conditional use/special exception, provided explicit standards and criteria are stated in the Zoning Ordinance. 4.4 Overarching Issue Areas To be successful, the Urban Growth Area Strat- egy must address the Economy, Infrastructure, Housing, and Treasured Resources, the four overarching issue areas identified for the Growth Management Element Update. While these issue areas are focuses of other elements of the Lan- caster County Comprehensive Plan, policy guid- ance and implementation tools to support the Urban Growth Area Strategy goal and objectives must be integrated into this Update. This section establishes an overall direction for each issue area, followed by discussions of their implications for the Urban Growth Area Strategy. 4.4.1 Economy The Urban Growth Area Strategy incorporates three basic strategies to address economic devel- opment needs in Urban Growth Areas: 1. The availability of sufficient lands in suitable locations within Urban Growth Areas to accommodate future employ- ment needs and job growth. 2. Patterns of new employment investment that support other Urban Growth Area ob- jectives, such as reinvestment in Developed Areas and compact, mixed-use develop- ment patterns on Buildable Lands. .. Urban Growth Area Strategy: Overarching Issue Areas Economy: Ensure that growth management strategies and tools support a healthy urban economy, including sufficient lands in suitable locations within Urban Growth Areas to accommodate busi- ness and employment needs. Infrastructure: Ensure that infrastructure systems (transportation, water service, sewer service, and communications) are coordinated with and support the desired patterns of land use and develop- ment within Urban Growth Areas as defined by the Urban Growth Area Strategy. Housing: Ensure that growth management strategies and tools promote development patterns in Urban Growth Areas that increase housing supply, diversity in housing types and tenure, and overall affordability. Treasured Resources: Ensure that growth management strategies and tools reinforce Quality of Life factors related to sense of place and preservation of valued architectural, historic, natural, and cultural resources in Urban Growth Areas. 3. The provision of sufficient lands in suitable locations within Urban Growth Areas to increase and maintain housing affordability. With respect to the first strategy, the LCPC has developed projections of employment increases in Urban Growth Areas through 2030. Accord- ing to these projections, 55% of the employ- ment gains will occur in Reinvestment Areas, meaning that 51,250 out of92,800 new jobs will locate on Developed Lands. The remain- ing 41,550 jobs will generate a need which may vary from approximately 1, 700 gross acres of Buildable Land at higher intensity development such as that permitted in Employment Mixed- Use Centers to 3,000 acres if current intensities predominate. Out of the 31 ,000 acres of Build- able Lands available approximately 8,660 are currently zoned for employment uses, indicating that sufficient land is available to accommodate market demand through 2030 based on higher intensities of use and expansion of existing em- ployers within already developed areas. With respect to the second strategy, a substantial proportion of new employment is projected to occur in Developed Areas, helping to implement the Reinvestment Strategy. To the greatest extent possible, new employment should be located in Mixed-Use Centers in Developed Areas and on Buildable Lands .. This will help to promote efficient use of lands and a balance between jobs and housing. Above and beyond the provision of sufficient land to accommodate future employment in development forms and patterns that promote livable communities and Smart Growth objec- tives, the Growth Management Element recommends preparation of an Economic De- velopment Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan, which will address the economic development needs of Urban Growth Areas in a more comprehensive manner. Lan- casterProspers, the countywide economic de- velopment strategy sponsored by the Economic Development Company (EDC) of Lancaster County and the EDC Finance Corporation, can serve as a foundation for this element. Similar to the recommendations of the Rural Strategy that public investment be used to promote a healthy rural economy (Section 5.4), the County and municipalities should identify strategic invest- ments (e.g., infrastructure improvements) that can promote economic development and foster viable local economies in Urban Growth Areas. .B1-1/a11tt! ···· 111c Growth Managemcnr Elcmcm 4.4.2 Infrastructure Infrastructure is critical for the Urban Growth Area Strategy because its availability or absence is a powerful determinant of future investment pat- terns, including the type, location, and timing of future development. Infrastructure provision can serve as an economic development tool and in- centive for future growth to locate within Urban Growth Areas while maintaining the quality of life for those who already live and work in these areas. While this section addresses infrastructure as it supports the Urban Growth Area Strategy, it also indirectly supports the Rural Strategy because measures that promote development in more urbanized locations contribute to reducing growth in rural areas. Many of the same strategies can be applied in urban and rural areas but with a different intent and result. 4.4.2.1. Transportation The Lancaster County Transportation Coordinat- ing Committee, Lancaster County's officially designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), developed, documented, and adopted Lancaster County's current transportation policy in the 2005-2030 Long Range Transportation Plan to satisfy federal requirements. In March 2005, the Lancaster Board of County Commis- sioners adopted this plan as a functional element of the County's Comprehensive Plan. This ele- ment was developed with a clear understanding of the relationship between transportation infra- structure and the pattern of future development. It identifies strategies that can be used by munici- palities and multi-municipal planning groups to maintain and enhance community quality of life and to consider the inter-relationships of trans- portation and land use decisions. The element includes a land use goal to coordinate land use and transportation planning in order to create an integrated land use/transportation planning system that is consistent with County, multi-mu- nicipal, and municipal comprehensive plans . .i511Mhtt! --111c Growth Managcmcnr Elcmcnr 1he Urban Growth Area Strategy requires that transportation infrastructure support the full utilization of Designated Growth Areas. Congestion constraints that make travel difficult can discourage development investment and even promote relocation, while an efficient, well func- tioning system can encourage new investment. In addition, the future transportation system should nor only promote efficient use by vehicles, but also make walking, cycling, and transit safe and convenient alternatives to the automobile. Key approaches include: • Focus transportation resources first on the Concentrated Building Areas and Core Reinvestment Areas, as they will be the initial focuses for targeting future development • Establish or re-establish a grid network of streets, alleys, service roads, sidewalks and paths that provide safe, convenient transportation options within Urban Growth Areas. It is common for more recent developments (often required by current wning and subdivision and land development ordinances) to provide entry and exit points only on the closest major roadway. Within the develop- ment, these neighborhood streets often end in cul-de-sacs rather than providing connections to adjacent developments or community streets. Congestion will increase in Urban Growth Areas if every trip must be accomplished by a motor- ized vehicle using the primary arterial network. In addition to providing more options for automobiles, connected street networks increase mobility for bicyclists and pedestrians. Therefore, municipalities should establish their intent to develop and maintain a com- plete transportation network (including bike, pedestrian, automobile and transit) within Urban Growth Areas and then document its location and purpose through official maps • • • " " Municipalities should plan for future tran- sit use, integrating it within the existing transportation system. Although existing development patterns may not support transit, the possibility of future transit demand should be considered. Compact, higher density development patterns that support smart growth also often support transit use because they concentrate diverse activities in a smaller geographic area, thereby providing many reasons to travel to that location. Transit also reduces the load on the road system by removing single occupancy vehicle trips Develop or retrofit non-motorized networks with a specific focus on provid- ing opportunities for residents to access recreational amenities and other destina- tions within Urban Growth Areas and beyond. This will become increasingly important to provide opportunities for physical exercise and access to open space for residents living in more densely populated areas, as well as the ability to get to work or other necessary destina- tions without using the automobile. The non-motorized network will, of neces- sity, largely coincide with the existing road network, which should support multiple modes of transportation (bicy- clists, pedestrians, and transit in addition to the automobile) Update zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances so that the transportation component of future development is integrated with the exist- ing community's transportation network (streets, sidewalks, paths). Connected street systems rather than cul-de-sac de- velopment should be strongly encouraged 4.4.2.2. Quality Water Supply and Water supply and quality are important to the Urban Growth Area Strategy because current and future development relies on a reliable and safe supply of water. The Lancaster County Water Resources Element (November 1996) addresses water supply and quality at the countywide level, focusing on implementation strategies for water supply and wellhead protection planning. The next update of this element should consider the Urban Growth Area Strategy in the evaluation of progress made since 1996 and the identification of new steps required to ensure an adequate and safe water supply for Lancaster County. Public water should be available throughout Urban Growth Areas, both to serve Developed Areas and to support new development on Buildable Lands. Currently, Urban Growth Ar- eas include lands that are served by public water, other lands that are within a public water service area but are not served by public water, and still ochers that are neither served nor within a service area. The following recommendations, which incorporate those from the Water Resources Element of the Lancaster County Comprehen- sive Plan, should be considered by municipal and multi-municipal planning groups as they consider the water supply and quality needs of Urban Growth Areas; For the Urban Growth Area Strategy described above to be successful, it is important that coordinated planning take place at all governmental levels in Lancaster County. • Form a water supply planning team which represents both the municipality and the water provider. This water sup- ply planning team should .Ea/a11Ct! -·-···· 111e Growth ;\fanar;cmcnr Elcmcnr • Investigate the availability of a safe and reliable source of water for the existing and future population of Urban Growth Areas. This analysis should be tied to a phased approach to developing/ redeveloping land within the Urban Growth Area . Water supply planning might be done as part of the municipal comprehensive planning process or as an amendment to the plan, or it could be done by the Water Planning Team. In addition to cooperative and collaborative planning efforts, a growth monitoring system which tracks changes, compares realized patterns with desired patterns, and provides for processes of orderly adjustment is key to successful implementation. • Plan for and cooperatively adopt future water service areas consistent with adopted Urban Growth Areas and popu- lation projections. Inconsistencies be- tween water resource planning and land use planning should be addressed and resolved. A pending update of the Water Resources Element will further address this planning process and the existing inconsistencies between water resources and land use planning. In determining water service areas municipalities and water suppliers should o Consider public water suppliers' capacity and their ability to inter- connect with other water providers with additional capacity o Determine the economic feasibility of providing water at the scale that would be required by future devel- opment. o Include all Buildable Land within Urban Growth Areas in an existing or planned service area in order to maintain a market factor of twice the Buildable Land that is needed to accommodate development between 2005 and 2030. • Provide public water in existing and planned 5-and 10-year f JS11/11htt' ··-···· 'll1c Growth !vfanagcrncrn Elcmcnr service areas which correspond to the projected land demand for the same time period. • Plan for public water service for the re- maining lands within the Urban Growth Area(s) over the timeframe of the Growth Management Element Update (2030). • Initiate capital improvement planning to secure funding for phased implementa- tion • Form a wellhead protection team to identify the sources of the Urban Growth Areas water supply, potential threats to that supply, and protection measures, including establishment of wellhead protection zones • Implement zoning, subdivision, and land development ordinances and other measures to limit impermeable sur- faces, encourage conservation, manage stormwater, and encourage groundwater recharge and associated water supply 4.4.2.3. Wastewater Disposal As with public water, implementation of the Urban Growth Area Strategy requires the full provision of public sewer service within Urban Growth Areas. Public sewer is an even more powerful determinant of development patterns than public water. It is only with public waste- water disposal facilities that the targets for density and intensity of future development can be achieved. Currently, the Urban Growth Areas include substantial acreage that is served by public sewer. There is also substantial acreage that is either within a sewer service area but not cur- rently served by public sewer or is not within a sewer service area. Development in Reinvestment Areas will utilize existing public sewer facilities, but needs for treatment capacity generated by this development may need to be considered rela- tive to existing treatment capacity. Development on Buildable Lands where public sewer is not currently available will require substantial invest- ment for new service. Wastewater disposal strategies should be devel- oped as municipal and multi-municipal planning effons begin to implement the Growth Manage- " ment Element Update. The first step is to devel- op or update municipal Act 537 Official Sewage Facilities Plans. These planning documents iden- tify existing wastewater disposal facilities, current use, and capacity; analyze potential growth; and plan for future needs through investment in new facilities and technology or expansion of the area to be served. Act 537 planning can promote implementation of local and County planning programs if it follows the future land use intent defined in the planning documents. Key ap- proaches include: • Update Act 537 plans so that they are consistent with and support the imple- mentation of comprehensive plans and Urban Growth Areas. As with water service, municipalities and wastewater service providers should o Plan for and cooperatively adopt future sewer service areas consistent with adopted Urban Growth Areas and population projections. Inconsistencies between Act 537 planning and land use planning should be addressed and resolved. In determining sewer service areas municipalities and service pro- viders should o Provide all large-scale develop- ment (that is planned at a den- sity greater than 1 dwelling unit per 20 acres) within an Urban Growth Area with public water at the time of development. • Consider future wastewater disposal needs within the Urban Growth Area and establish an approach for providing wastewater disposal capacity to meet future development needs as part of the Act 537 planning process • Focus Act 537 updates on both con- ventional and innovative wastewater disposal technologies approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environ- mental Protection • Address the provision of additional ca- pacity for wastewater disposal in Urban Growth Areas and include an analysis of the costs to install, operate, and main- tain the facilities • Initiate capital improvement planning to identify future sources for funding phased implementation On-lot disposal systems or package treatment plants currently serve some development within Urban Growth Areas. On-lot systems are often the source of serious groundwater pollution due to malfunction or because they have reached the end of their useful life. Package treatment plants can be effective treatment and disposal options but, if not maintained, can pose serious environ- mental hazards. Key approaches to addressing these issues include: • Connect on-lot system users to public sewer as capacity is extended within Urban Growth Areas • Adopt On-Lot Disposal System Ordi- nances that mandate maintenance and inspection of on-lot systems. (This can be used as an interim measure where expanding existing sewer facilities will be expensive and take some time to imple- ment.) • Require maintenance agreements for the operation of package wastewater disposal plants, thus establishing a process for routine inspection and maintenance of these systems to ensure that they are not a source of groundwater pollution Finally, the Act 537 planning process should consider innovative wastewater treatment and disposal options. The provision of public sewer will be considered as municipal planning groups identify an approach to serving phased develop- ment within Urban Growth Areas . They also must consider the type of system that is afford- able to install, run and maintain, or even can be physically accommodated on available land. All of these considerations will determine the rate at which Buildable Land is used within Urban Growth Areas and, conversely, the development pressure that is exerted on rural lands. 4 .4 .3. Housing Providing for the future housing needs ofLan- castrians is a critical component of the Urban Growth Area Strategy. The Strategy is designed .JJ.-11hhtt! ········· 111c Crowth ;\fanagcmcnr Elemcnr. to support the Vision for Housing stated in the Housing Element of the Lancaster County Com- prehensive Plan: An adequate supply, and diversity, of hous- ing opportunities will be available in Lan- caster County to give current and future residents greater choice in housing type and tenure( ownership and rental), location, and price for a place to call home. Specifically, the Urban Growth Area Strategy targets 85% of new residential development to Urban Growth Areas, thus providing for projected housing demand over the next 25 years while promoting greater choice in housing types and prices to meet the increasingly diverse hous- ing needs of citizens. The Strategy also calls for development forms and patterns that promote greater housing choice. The menu of choices should foster communities and neighborhoods, both new and revitalized that offer: • A mixture of housing types (single-fam- ily detached, semi-detached/townhomes, and multi-family units) and tenures (ownership and rental) • A mix of price and affordability levels among both for-sale and rental units • Centers with high-density housing and retail, commercial, and employment uses • Pedestrian-friendly environments with access to transit, retail, employment, institutions, and entertainment centers It is clear from many responses at public sessions conducted for this Update that one size does not fit all in Lancaster County and its municipali ties, but that patterns accommodating many prefer- ences will contribute to strong communities with a sense of place. The Urban Growth Area Strategy reinforces the goals, objectives, and strategies to achieve greater housing choice and affordability contained in the Housing Element of the Lancaster County Comprehen- sive Plan. Tools available to implement these goals, objectives, and strategies are identified in the Smart Growth Toolbox of the Growth Man- agement Element. J511Mntt' ·· ll1e Crowth Managcmenr Elcmcnr 4.4.4 Treasured Resources In many of the public discussions that were a part of the growth management planning pro- cess, citizens offered spontaneous testimonials to the quality oflife in the existing communities of Lancaster County. The quali ty of life that is enjoyed here is intricately tied to the County's Treasured Resources which include natural, ar- chitectural, historic, and cultural resources. These resources not only enhance the quality of life for residents, but create a sense of place that provides a unique setting for each community. For exam- ple, the act of shopping in some Borough centers is no longer a basic functional necessity accom- plished as quickly as possible. Instead it is also an opportunity for informal social interaction with friends and neighbors who are likewise engaged. Mixed uses which have evolved over time also facilitate the engagement of the citizens. For ex- ample, institutions such as churches and schools are generally integrated into the physical and social fabric of the communities. Lancaster County's rich heritage resources, such as the traditional architecture, historic proper- ties, and historic districts designated in some of the older communities, contribute to the strong sense of place. As a pattern of denser develop- ment occurs in the Urban Growth Areas not only must these treasured places be preserved within the changing form but new ones with a distinctive sense of place should be created. For example, a wooded area set aside as open space may be even more treasured in an emerging environment, where it affords a rare and precious contrast with its new urban surroundings. Simi- larly, historic buildings can be integrated into contemporary development patterns through adaptive reuse. Preservation of treaswed resowces is ad- dressed by other Comprehensive Plan ele- ments, including the Regional Open Space Element, Strategic Towism Development Element, and Water Resowces Element. In ad- dition, the County is working on development of a Cultwal Heritage Element. A primary goal of the Growth Management Element is to manage future development in Urban Growth Areas so as to reinforce and complement these resources. Key principles include: 1. New development should be compatible with the character and building forms of traditional Lancaster County com- munities, including Lancaster City, the Boroughs, and Villages, as appropriate to the surrounding context. 2. The integrity of natural resources should be preserved and, where possible, restored. Environmentally sensitive resources have been excluded from Buildable Lands and should be preserved as part of a network of open space and parks within Urban Growth Areas. Stream corridors can provide an organiz- ing physical framework for a countywide greenway/blueway network. 3. Historic, architectural, and cultural resources should be maintained and, where appropriate, adaptively reused as part of the Reinvestment Strategy. 4.5 Conclusion 4.5.1 Coordinated Planning For the Urban Growth Area Strategy described above to be successful, it is important that coor- dinated planning take place at all governmental levels in Lancaster County. This means that County, multi-municipal, and municipal agen- cies must work in collaboration going forward to translate the growth management strategies into comprehensive plans, mutually supporting fiscal policies, and implementation programs which will realize the goal and objectives of the Growth Management Element. In addition, the County, multi-municipal, and municipal organizations should take a leadership role in coordinating their plans and implementation programs with other public and private agencies such as state agencies, school districts, water and sewer service providers, and conservation and heritage organi- zations. A fully cooperative planning effort which engages all major parties is the most likely route to successful implementation of the Growth Management Element. 4.5.2 Growth Monitoring System In addition to cooperative and collaborative planning efforts, a growth monitoring system which tracks changes, compares realized patterns with desired patterns, and provides for processes of orderly adjustment is key to successful imple- mentation. Described in more detail in Section 6.4,l Growth Tracking System, the monitoring system is especially significant for the Urban Growth Area Strategy. A significant element of the strategy is the necessity for an adequate supply of Buildable Lands to assure the efficient functioning of the marketplace in Urban Growth Areas to accommodate new investment and promote housing affordability. To maintain an effective surplus of Buildable Lands through the 25-year timeframe of this plan, the moni- toring system should record every five years the amount of Buildable Lands consumed, the amount remaining with adequate infra- structure, and the projected five-and ten-year demand for land. 4.5.3 Urban Growth Area Development Capacity If at any time the amount of land available fails to exceed the five-year and ten-year projected demand by a factor of two, then the County and the municipalities need to decide whether to increase the permitted density and intensity of development, and/or expand the Urban Growth Areas to include additional Buildable Land in order to accommodate the projected growth if such accommodation is determined by the planners and citizens to be in the long term best interest of the municipali ty .. This statement does not alter the basic intent of the Urban Growth Area Strategy to focus new development in Urban Growth Areas as presently designated, which have a countywide capacity of approxi- mately twice the projected countywide demand over the next 25 years if the new density targets are achieved.9 Any modifications to the Urban 9 A market factor of two times the amount of land neces- sary co accommodate demand over the next five-and ten- year period is recommended in order to allow the market to operate free of constraints that would inflate housing prices and/or exert increased pressures for development in rural Lancaster County. This factor will be evaluated over timeframe of this Update to determine its adequacy. 15a/tu,1tt! ········· 111e Growth 1'v1anar;emenr Elemcnr Growth Area Strategy should be carefully consid- ered so as to maintain the integrity of the Rural Strategy and Designated Rural Areas as described in Chapter 5.0. Lancaster County could choose to continue on its current development path; however, this trend indicates that as 2030 approaches, there will not be enough Buildable Land within presently exist- ing Urban Growth Areas to accommodate pro- jected growth. The County and municipalities have the ability and tools, through this Update, to successfully address growth and land develop- ment issues over the next 25 years. If, going forward, the strategies, programs, and tools iden- tified in this Update are implemented, Lancaster County can realize its growth management goals and objectives. By doing so, the County and local municipalities will have a longer period of time in which existing Urban Growth Areas will be able to accommodate the County's growth. JS11MJ'lct' ········· 'Jhc Growth Manar.cmcrn Ekmcnr 5.1 Overview Maintaining the integrity of agricultural areas, historic and natural resources, village settlements, and other rural lands and resources is central to the Vision for the Future contained in Revisions, the adopted Policy Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan. Public meetings and surveys conducted for the Growth Manage- ment Element Update and related planning initiatives reaffirm the high value that Lancastri- ans place on agriculture and rural resources. The County's 1997 Growth Management Update and subsequent implementation program em- phasized designation of Growth Areas as a way to focus new development in urban an rather than rural areas. While this program has been very successful and received broad support from municipalities, the 1997 Update did not define a comparable strategy to preserve rural areas and a rural way of life beyond farmland preservation through the programs of the Lancaster County Agricultural Preserve Board and the Lancaster Farmland Trust. This Update places a new emphasis on sustaining the connection of Lancastrians to rural land and resources through implementation of a compre- hensive Rural Strategy at the countywide and municipal levels. The purpose of this strategy is Rural Strategy Goal and Objectives Goal to maintain for future generations the resources and traditional ties to the land that define Lan- caster County's rural character. While the means to achieve the Rural Strategy are complex, they are founded on three basic principles: 1. Reduce the amount of new residential development and employment growth in rural areas. New development in rural areas not directly tied to traditional land based economic activities must be minimized and directed to existing areas of rural development (Rural Centers) to maintain the integrity of the rural economy and landscape while preserving the traditional role and character of rural settlements. 2. In addition to farmland preservation, the viability of the rural economy (agricul- ture and other economic activities based upon links to rural resources) must be maintained. 3. Municipalities, the County, and providers of public infrastructure and services must coordinate policies, regulations, and capi- tal investment decisions to protect rural resources in Designated Rural Areas. Sustain a rural way of life by maintaining the integrity of agricultural, natural, and historic lands and resources and the viability of the rural economy. Objectives 1. Implement a comprehensive strategy to sustain and connect the rural community, rural resources, and the rural economy. 2. Protect agricultural, natural, historic, and scenic resources within Designated Rural Areas. 3. Minimize scattered development in rural areas by focusing growth in Rural Cen- ters: Village Growth Areas, Crossroads Communities Rural Business Areas, and Rural Neighborhoods. 4. Maintain economic links to the land by supporting the agricultural industry and other components of a healthy rural economy. .J511hht-I! ········ 1l1c Crowth Mana{!_cmern Ekrncnr II 4. The Rural Strategy and Urban Growth Areas Strategy presented in Chapter 4.0 are designed to work together. Increasing the density, intensity, and proportion of growth that occurs in Urban Growth Areas will reduce pressures for develop- ment in rural areas. The Urban Growth Area Strategy establishes as targets that 85% of new residential units and 66% of new employment be directed to Urban Growth Areas. Achieving the first target will mean that the amount of residential development occurring outside of Urban Growth Areas will be reduced from the current level of 27% to 15% of the countywide total -a 44% decrease. Nevertheless, 15% of residential units (and 34% of employ- ment growth) will be located in rural Lancaster County. To avoid rural sprawl, the Rural Strategy identifies Rural Centers as focuses for this development. Rural Centers are not intended to stimulate growth in rural areas, but rather to "capture" growth that would otherwise occur as "rural sprawl." Designated Rural Areas are areas within which rural resources, rural character, and a rural way- of-life are to be sustained. Four types of Rural Area designations are proposed: Agricultural Designated Rural Area Definition "Even with a strong Growth Management Program, more development than we want is still occurring in rural areas. A Rural Strategy is needed to find a way of further reducing that development." •• Gene Garber, Chairman of the Agricultural Preserve Board Areas, Agricultural with Natural Areas,Natural Areas and Rural Centers (see Section 5.2). The remainder of this chapter addresses in more de- tail the three key components of the Rural Strategy: • Designated Rural Areas • Rural Development • Overarching Issue Areas (Economy, Housing, Infrastructure, and Treasured Resources) Approaches to implementing the Rural Strategy are identified for each of these components. Specific tools available for implementation, tied to the Rural Strategy Goal and Objectives, are provided in the Smart Growth Toolbox. An area described in a municipal or multi-municipal plan with the following characteristics: 1. The predominant uses relate to rural land, including agriculture; other resource-based economic activities such as timbering, mining, and hydroelectric power generation; and outdoor recreation and tourism based upon natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources. 2. Development that is compatible with or supportive of such uses is permitted. Examples of compatible uses include traditional Crossroads Communities and businesses and infrastruc- ture required to support the agricultural industry. 3. Public infrastructure services (water and sewer) are not provided except in Designated Vil- lages and certain Rural Neighborhoods and Rural Business Areas. Source: Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code definition of Rural Resource Area, modified for ap- plication to Lancaster County 15t11h1u:ei ···· ··· 1hc Crowth 1v1anagcmcnr Element 5.2 Designated Rural Areas fu applied to Lancaster County, three Desig- nated Rural Areas (Agriculture, Agriculture with Natural Areas and Natural Areas) are resource- based. These designations co ntain resources and uses that support agriculture, other significant economic links to the land (e.g., resource-based tourism1) and/or traditional outdoor activi- ties (e.g., hunting and fishing). They are to be maintained in a predominantly rural condition supportive of agriculture and other traditional uses of the land for the foreseeable future. Designation of these areas provides the basis for municipalities and the County to implement tools to maintain the integrity of rural resources and uses. The fourth type of Rural Designation, Rural Centers, is based on preexisting historic rural settlement patterns and recent rural devel- opment patterns. For the purposes of the Growth Management Element Update, the three resource-based Designated Rural Areas have been defined at a countywide scale by mapping key factors related to rural resources and land uses outside of pres- ent Urban and Village Growth Areas (see Growth Management Framework Map, Figure 3-1 in Chapter 3.0). Factors used in this analysis were derived from the Lancaster County Planning Commission's (LCPC) Geographic Information System (GIS) database with the exception of Natural Gems, which were identified by the Lan- caster County Conservancy. The factors include: Agricultural Resource Land Factors Prime agricultural soils Agricultural land cover Agricultural easements Agricultural Security Areas Natural Resource Land Factors Wetlands Floodplain areas Hydric soils Slopes greater than 15 % Woodlands Parkland 1 "Rural Resource Based Tourism Areas" are defined in the Lancaster County Strategic Tourism Development Plan (April 2005 Draft, p. 42) J511hhCi' ···---'!he Growth lvbnag.:mcnr El.:mcnr Rural Lancaster County landscape Designated Rural Areas contain resources and uses that support agriculture, other significant economic links to the land and/or traditional outdoor activities. They are to be maintained in a predominantly rural condition supportive of agriculture and other traditional uses of the land for the foreseeable future. Susquehanna River: A key recreation and natural habitat area Natural Gems2 Based on the GIS analys is, three different types of resource-based Designated Rural Areas have been identified based on the extent to which the 2 "Natural Gems" are high priority preservation areas of Lancaster County identified by the Lancaster County Con- servancy based upon GIS analysis of seven environmental anributes: water bodies, wetland, forestland, grassland, geologic feacures, plants, animals, and adjacency to ocher reserved tracts (see Ma 2-4). above agricultural and/or natural resource factors coincide: • Designated Agricultural Areas contain concentrations of high value agricultural resource factors. • Designated Agricultural with Natural Areas contain a mixture of high value agricultural and natural resource factors. • Designated Natural Resource Areas contain concentrations of high value natural resource factors. The Growth Management Framework Map (Figure 3-1) provides a generalized representation of these areas at a countywide scale. The intent is to provide municipalities with a framework and supporting tools (identified in the Smart Growth Toolbox) to achieve the goals and objectives of the Growth Management Element through municipal and multi-municipal planning efforts. Further analysis of local conditions is required to determine how and where the concepts apply at the local level. This analysis is likely to reveal ar- eas that are not suitable for designation as Rural Areas due to conditions such as existing develop- ment patterns and absence of high value resourc- es. If such areas are located next to an Urban Growth Area, municipalities may in the future determine that they are suitable for expansion of the Growth Area if land within the Growth Area is not sufficient to meet projected development demand or it would serve to advance the overall objectives of the plan ... If not located next to an Urban Growth Area, they may be determined by municipalities to be suitable for designation as a Rural Center (Section 5.3). 5.2.1 Designated Agricultural Area This designation applies to parts of the Counry with the greatest intensiry of agricultural resourc- es and uses. Municipal and Counry efforts in these areas should be primarily directed toward supporting agricultural production; protect- ing agricultural lands; precluding incompatible development; and increasing agricultural income and farm-related employment opportunities by creating conditions that further the growth and expansion of Lancaster Counry's agricultural industry. Key approaches include: • Programs to support the agricultural industry and sustain land in agricultural production (see discussion in Section 5.4 below) • Effective agricultural zoning defining a minimum lot size viable for agricul- tural use, coupled with prohibitions on subdivisions and other development not related to agriculture • Changing rural residential and other inappropriate zoning to agricultural zoning to maintain compatibiliry with agricultural uses • Limiting extension of public water and sewer only as necessary for health and safery, with design controls to prevent fur- ther expansion to serve new development in the Designated Agricultural Area 5.2.2 Designated Agricultural with Natural Area This designation applies to areas of the Counry with a predominance of agricultural resources and uses, but which also have a significant pro- portion of environmentally sensitive resources (steep slopes, stream corridors, etc.) mixed with the agricultural pattern. The agricultural resources and uses in this area are equally as important as those in the Designated Agricul- tural Area. The major difference is that farmers in the Designated Agricultural Area will need to manage environmentally sensitive resources to a much greater extent than farmers in the Desig- nated Agricultural Areas. In addition, compatible resource-based economic uses (e.g., forestry) may take place to a greater extent in these areas. As in the Designated Agricultural Area, municipal and Counry efforts should be directed toward supporting the agricultural industry, protecting agricultural lands, and precluding incompatible development. In addition, the integriry of natural resource systems should be maintained and environmentally sensitive lands protected from inappropriate uses and impacts. Key approaches include: • Programs to support the agricultural in- dustry and maintain land in agricultural production (see discussion in Section 5.4 below) J5.4hltCt! ········· 111c Growth ;\fanagcmcnr Elcmcnr • Programs to preserve natural resource lands and systems (acquisition and ease- ments to secure permanent protection as open space, partnerships with land conservation organizations, etc.) • Effective agricultural zoning defining a minimum lot size viable for agricul- tural use, coupled with prohibitions on subdivisions and other development not related to agriculture • Effective conservation (open space) zoning and natural resource protection ordinances (e.g., stream buffer require- ments) to maintain the integrity of natural systems and prevent incompat- ible development of environmentally sensitive lands • Changing rural residential and other inappropriate zoning to agricultural or conservation zoning to maintain com- patibility with agricultural or natural resource uses • Limiting extension of public water and sewer only as necessary for health and safety, with design controls to prevent further expansion to serve new develop- ment in the Designated Agricultural with Natural Area 5.2.3 Designated Natural Area This designation applies to areas of the County with a preponderance of significant natural resources, as defined by intrinsically high re- source value (e.g., valuable natural habitat areas), significant scenic value for passive and active recreation, and/or environmental constraints for development. Strategies and tools for these areas should be directed toward preserving these resources, accommodating compatible rural uses (e.g., outdoor recreation, resource-based economic uses such as forestry, wildlife and game preserves, and non-intensive agriculture), and precluding incompatible development. Key ap- proaches include: • Programs to preserve natural resource lands and systems (acquisition and ease- ments to secure permanent protection as open space, partnerships with land conservation organizations, etc.) .i511!t:i11tt-·········· 1l1e Crowrh Ma na?,cmem Elcmenr • Effective conservation (open space) zoning and natural resource protection ordinances (e.g., stream buffer require- ments) to maintain the integrity of natural systems and prevent incompat- ible development of environmentally sensitive lands • Changing rural residential and other inappropriate zoning to conservation zoning to maintain its compatibility with natural resource uses • Limiting extension of public water and sewer only as necessary for health and safety, with design controls to prevent further expansion to serve new develop- ment in the Designated Natural Area As noted above, designation of these three types of resource-based Rural Areas at a countywide scale is intended as a framework for more detailed planning and application of implementation tools at the municipal and multi-municipal levels. It is recognized that there is some overlap between types and the associated tools; for example, the Designated Agricultural Area contains environ- mentally sensitive resources that should be pro- tected. Nevertheless, the three types acknowledge the significant variations that exist in Lancaster County's rural areas, allowing local planning ef- forts to focus on different approaches and tools that may be appropriate in different areas. An important consideration for Designated Rural Areas is that they contain significant amounts of existing development, typically located along roads or interspersed among agricultural and natural resource lands. Some of this development relates directly to rural uses (e.g., farmsteads and agricultural industry support businesses) or is part of the historic rural settlement pattern (e.g., small crossroads communities). Other forms of development (e.g., residential subdivisions, strip commercial businesses, and large-lot residential development) are incompat- ible with the intent of resource-based Designated Rural Areas and thus should be restricted. Where such non-resource-based development exists, efforts should be made to limit further expan- sion and impacts on rural resources and uses. In certain situations, however, existing development areas may be suitable for additional growth as Rural Centers as a substitute for more scattered, land consumptive development, provided that: 1. It is appropriate to the character of the rural landscape and settlement patterns. 2. It maintains the viability of agricultural lands and other rural resources. 5.2.4 Designated Rural Centers Rural Centers are the fourth type of Designated Rural Area. Rural Centers are areas of existing development to which development not directly related to the rural economy is to be guided. Taking this approach proactively addresses devel- opment that otherwise would occur as scattered sprawl in resource-based Designated Rural Areas. Four types of Rural Centers are proposed: Village Growth Areas as presently designated through municipal and multi-municipal planning pro- cesses and three additional types to be identified on a case-by-case basis by municipal officials. The additional types are Crossroads Communities, Rural Business Areas, and Rural Neighborhoods (see Section 5.3). This issue is further addressed in Section 5.3 below. 5.3 Rural Development The LCPC's Growth Tracking Report indicates that 73% of housing units constructed in Lancaster County between 1994 and 2002 were constructed inside Urban Growth Areas and 3% were constructed inside Village Growth Areas, close to the previous LCPC target of 80% to Growth Areas. In addition, 49% of land devel- oped for non-residential (employment) uses from 1994 to 2002 was located outside Growth Areas. The purpose of Rural Centers is to provide locations for c<""mpact growth patterns as a substitute for scattered, low-density development that consumes large amounts of land and creates conflicts with agriculture and other rural uses. The new Urban Growth Area Strategy targets 85% and 66% of future residential units and employment, respectively, to Urban Growth Ar- eas, a significant increase over what was achieved between 1994 and 2002. A key to the success of the Rural Strategy is to decrease the amount of development occurring outside Urban Growth Areas from the current level of 27% to 15% of the countywide total (a 44% decrease). This requires shifting 12% of the Scattered rural development: 24% of new dwelllncs are currently belnc bullt outside Urban and Vlllace Growth Areas. County's future population growth from rural ar- eas to Urban Growth Areas. Even if these targets are achieved, growth will still occur in rural parts of the County: 1. Based on the Housing Element Update projection of total dwelling units in Lancaster County, 15% or 7,989 dwell- ing units will be accommodated outside of Urban Growth Areas from 2005 to 2030. Approximately 2,796 of these units can reasonably be expected to be located in Village Growth Areas, with the remainder constructed in other rural parts of Lancaster County. 2. LCPC also projects that 2,347 acres will be developed for employment uses outside Growth Areas from 2005 to 2030, includ- ing 422 acres for industrial uses and 1,925 acres for service/ commercial uses. Thus a key challenge for the Rural Strategy is to define how this development can take place and at the same time maintain the integrity of Designated Rural Areas . The basic approach to meeting this challenge is: 1. Permit development that directly re- lates to the rural economy and way of life with appropriate standards to pro- tect rural resources. Examples include residences for family members on a working farm, farm stands and markets, and agricultural support businesses. 2. Limit the scale of development that does not directly relate to the rural economy and way of life and focus it in Rural Centers. Examples include residences for persons who commute elsewhere to work and auto-oriented/ convenience retail. These types of devel- opment should be concentrated in Rural Centers as opposed to the typical pat- tern of subdivisions, large lots, and linear development (commercial along high- ways and residential along rural roads). Rural Centers are also appropriate for certain forms of development related to the rural economy (e.g., retail stores serving the needs of rural residents). 3. Direct public and institutional uses to Urban Growth Areas whenever pos- sible. Governmental agencies and private institutions are strongly encouraged to locate these uses within Urban Growth Areas wherever possible, thus reinforc- ing existing development patterns and avoiding impacts on rural resources. In particular, government offices and service delivery should be directed to core areas of the City and other urban communities served by public transit. Public/institutional uses that must be lo- cated in rural areas should be compatible with the rural landscape and scaled to serve the rural community. Depending on the size and scope of public/institu- tional uses they may be best addressed as Developments of Regional Impact. (See 3.3 Councywide Growth Management Strategies, Multi-Municipal Planning and Zoning and also Appendix B.) The purpose of Rural Centers is to provide loca- tions for compact growth patterns as a substitute for scattered, low-density development that I .B11!11ht.L' ······-·"!he Growr.h Man~cmcm Elcmcnr Village Growth Area: Lampeter, West Lampeter Township Vllla1e Growth Area: Lampeter, West Lampeter Township Village Growth Area: Georgetown, Bart Township Village Growth Area: Georgetown, Bart Township ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . .. consumes large amounts of Table 5-1. Designated Village Growth Areas land and creates conflicts with agriculture and other rural uses. Rural Centers are not intended to stimulate growth in rural Chestnut Level Cla areas, but rather to "cap-Farmersville ture" growth that would Geor etown otherwise occur as "rural Goodville sprawl." If the Growth Gordonville Management Element is Ho eland successfully implemented, Intercourse there will be significantly Kirkwood less development (44%) Lam eter that will need to be ac-Little Britain commodated in rural Montere Lancaster County. New Nickel Mines development that does not Nine Points directly relate to the rural Oregon economy and way-of-life Paradise should be located where Pen n development already exists Refton and impacts to valuable Reinholds Ronks agricultural, natural, and Schoeneck historic resources can be avoided. Smoketown Soudersbur The Update identifies four Stevens types of Rural Centers: Talma e Wakefield • Village Growth Washin on Boro Areas Witmer • Crossroads Com-Wrightsdale munities • Rural Business Areas • Rural Neighbor- hoods Rural Centers should not be designated or supported with public infrastructure without adequate mechanisms in place to protect the sur- rounding Designated Rural Area (agricultural or conservation zoning, Purchase of Development Rights, etc.). Transfer of Development Rights is a particularly important tool that can be used to shift development from agricultural and natural resource lands to Rural Centers. 2003 1994 1994 1995 1998/2003 2004 2002 2001/2003 1995 2001/2003 2004 1994 1994 2002 2004 Bart Townshi 2004 Manheim Township 1995 Paradise Townshi 2004 1993 1995 West Cocalico Townshi 1995/2003 East Lam eter Townshi 2003 West Cocalico Townshi 1995/2003 East Lam eter Townshi 2003 East Lam eter Townshi 2003 East Cocalico Township 1998/2003 West Cocalico Townshi 1995/2003 West Earl Townshi 1998/2003 Fulton Townshi 1994 1993 2003 1994 1994 5.3.1 Village Growth Areas Village Growth Areas are as presently designated through municipal and multi-municipal plan- ning processes (31 have been established by municipalities throughout Lancaster County). A Village Growth Area is an area appropriate for future development that includes a traditional village at its center, adjacent developed portions of a township, and additional development capacity to absorb a portion of the township's future land use needs through reinvestment or new development over a 25-year period. Existing villages in Lancaster County generally have 50 or more dwellings, are pedestrian-ori- J5ah11Ct! ........ 111c Growth J\fanagcrncnr Elemcnr. Table 5-2. Other Villages Identified in 1997 Growth Management Element Update Villa e Munici ali Bainbride:e ConovTownshio Bowmansville Brecknock Town- (draft VGA in progress) shio Brickerville Elizabeth Townshio Churchtown Caernarvon Town- shio Conestoga Conestoga Town- shio Fivepointville Brecknock Town- (draft VGA in oroe:ress) shio Hinkle town Earl Townshio Martindale Earl Townshio Mastersonville Raoho Townshio New Danville Peauea Townshio Pequea Martic Townshio ented in character, and have a radius of between one-quarter and one-half mile from center to edge. The capacity of Village Growth Areas at build-out is determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon factors such as infrasuucture capac- ity, buildable land availability, environmental consuaints, and community character consider- ations. Key criteria to guide planning for Village Growth Areas include: • Development should be provided with public sewer and/or public water service where appropriate and feasible to sup- port existing and projected levels of development. • Residential development in Village Growth Areas should occur at an average density of 2.5 units per net acre. 3 • Non-residential development should occur at intensities which are compatible with the character of the village and the capacity of infrastructure and services to support the development. • Both residential and non-residential development should be designed to be compatible with the traditional, pedestrian-friendly character of the vil- 3 "Jbe net density of 2.5 dwell ing unirs per acre will accom- modate approximately 35% of the projected housing growth outside Urban Growth Areas to 2030 on lands designated for residential uses in the 32 existing Village Growth Areas, assuming that sufficient infrastructure is in place and regula- tions are adjusted to achieve the new target density. I .J511!11htt' ······-ll1c Growth Managcmenr Elcmenr Crossroads Community: Mt. Nebo, Martic Township !age through features such as grid sueet patterns, sidewalks, buildings pulled to the sueet with parking behind, and compatible architectural scale and mass. • A defined edge should be established around the Village Growth Area. Thirty-one Village Growth Areas have been adopted in Lancaster County (Table 5-1), more than double the number (15) adopted as of the 1997 Growth Management Element Update. Eleven others were identified in the 1997 Update but have not been designated as Village Growth Areas (Table 5-2). These 11 should be evaluated for Village Growth Area designation by local municipalities. In a change from the 1997 Growth Management Plan, this Update now categorizes Village Growth Areas as a component of Designated Rural Areas. This change is being made in order to recognize that these villages are part of the rural fabric and are accommodating a different type of growth than Urban Growth Areas. Growth occurring in Village Growth Areas will now be counted as ru- ral development rather than identifying it, along with Urban Growth Areas, as part of Growth Areas development in the County's Growth Tracking Report. 5.3.2 Crossroads Communities Particularly important to the way-of-life and sense of place of rural Lancaster County due to their historic character and cultural traditions, Crossroads Communities (Table 5-3) are com- pact gatherings of generally 20 to 50 dwellings Crossroads Community: Martlcvllle, Martic Township with a distinct identity in a rural area, typically located where two or more roads intersect. A Crossroads Community often has a central gathering place, and may have a few supporting commercial, institutional, or public uses . Where appropriate these communities may accom- modate a limited amount of new development. Only development that is compatible with the traditional character and small scale of these communities, and which is feasible to support with rural infrastructure, should be permitted in Crossroads Communities. Crossroads Com- munities are not expected to have public water and sewer. The locations and capacities of Crossroads Communities will be determined on a case-by- case basis through planning initiatives at the municipal and multi-municipal levels. In certain circumstances a Crossroads Community may provide the basis for a Village Growth Area des- ignation (ten Crossroads Communities identified in the 1997 Growth Management Update have subsequently been designated as Village Growth Areas). Listed in Table 5-3, the remaining com- munities identified in the 1997 Update should be evaluated by municipal officials for designa- tion as Crossroads Communities in municipal and multi-municipal planning processes. 5.3.3 Rural Business Areas Rural Business Areas are existing developed areas with undeveloped lots or the potential to expand or add uses where additional development could be accommodated rather than sprawled throughout the rural areas. A Rural Business Center would be established through infill and, Potential Rural Business Area: PA 72/Turnpike Interchange, Rapho Township Potential Rural Business Area: Turkey Hiii Dairy, Manor Township as appropriate, limited expansion of the existing use(s). Examples include clusters of industrial, commercial, institutional, employment, or service uses; concentrations of recreational or tourist uses; and mixes of these uses. 5.3.4 Rural Neighborhoods Rural Neighborhoods are areas of existing residential development or subdivisions with undeveloped lots or adjacent land that would be appropriate to accommodate a portion of a Township's future land use needs. The purpose of Rural Neighborhoods is to focus future residential development in areas where it already exists, on land that is currently subdivided, or on land adjacent to or between existing subdivi- sions. Rural Neighborhoods should be limited in · scope and developed in a compact pattern with a defined edge. Rural Neighborhoods are not intended to attract growth, but to accommodate growth that would otherwise occur as rural sprawl in a compact .Bahlltt: ········ ·n1c Growth ;'vlanagcmcnr Elcmcnr. Table 5-3. Crossroads Communities Identified in 1997 Growth Management Element Update Crossroads Municipality Comm uni Beartown Caernarvon Township Blainsport West Cocalico Township Cambridge Salisburv Township Elm Elizabeth Township Penn Township Elstonville Penn Township Falmouth Conov Township Holtwood Martic Township Kinzers Paradise Townshio Marticville Martic Township Mechanics Grove East Drumore Township Milton Grove Mount Tov Townshio MountAirv Clav Township Mount Nebo Martic Townshio New Providence Providence Township New Texas Fulton Townshio Newtown Raoho Townshio Newville West Done1Tal Township Peach Bottom Fulton Townshio Rawlinsville Martic Townshio Rowena East Donegal Township Safe Harbor Conestol!:a Townshio Tavloria Little Britain Townshio Truce Providence Township Union Grove Caernarvon Townshio Vintage Paradise Township Vogansville Earl Township Note: This list excludes Crossroads Com- munities that were subsequently designated as Village Growth Areas. area. Rural Neighborhoods will be designated and land use targets set on a case-by-case basis through municipal and multi-municipal plan- ning processes. Rural Neighborhoods should be the lowest priority (after Village Growth Areas and Crossroads Communities) for accommo- dating residential development in rural areas. Municipalities should first eliminate as much rural residential zoning as is feasible based on the existing land use patterns and designate what remains as Rural Neighborhoods. The amount of development should be limited in order to minimize the demand for infrastructure and services. Criteria to be used to identify and guide develop- ment of these Rural Neighborhoods include: J5/JMhtl' ----']he Gmwr.h 1\ilana!?.cmcnr El.:rnenr Potential Rural Neighborhoods: Smithville, Providence Township Potential Rural Neighborhood: Smithville, Providence Township Potential Rural Neighborhood: Octoraro Pines, Colerain Township Potential Rural Neighborhoods: Mt. Vernon Estates, Colerain Township Rural Strategy: Overarching Issue Areas Economy: Support a healthy rural economy, including lands, resources, and support systems needed to maintain the viability of farming, non-agricultural business enterprises, rural tourism, and other resource-based businesses and industries. Infrastructure: Ensure that infrastructure systems (transportation, water service, sewer service, and communications) are coordinated with and support the desired patterns and scale of land use, development, and preservation as defined by the Rural Strategy. Housing: Ensure that growth management strategies and tools for rural areas provide for a propor- tion (15% targeted) of Lancaster County's future housing needs, focused in Rural Centers to reduce scattered, low-density development. Treasured Resources: Reinforce Quality of Life factors related to sense of place and preservation of valued natural, historic, architectural, and cultural resources in rural Lancaster County. • Adequate infrastructure and services should be in place or readily available to support existing and projected develop- ment in the Rural Neighborhood • A defined edge should be established around the Rural Neighborhood • Impacts to valuable agricultural, natural, and historic resources should be avoided 5.3.5 Development in Resource· Based Designated Rural Areas While a key objective of the Rural Strat- egy is to reduce rural sprawl by focusing new development in Rural Centers (Village Growth Areas, Crossroads Communities, Rural Business Centers, and Rural Neighborhoods). However as noted above, development that directly relates to the rural economy and way of life with appropriate standards to protect rural resources will be permit- ted in resource-based Designated Rural Areas. Examples include residences for family members on a working farm, farm stands and markets, and agricul- tural support businesses. Market forces and existing rural residential zoning creates demand for large-lot residen- tial development in Designated Rural Areas not related to the rural economy. Large-lot residential or other forms of development not directly related to the rural economy or way of life should be prohibited in resource-based Des- ignated Rural Areas. If a very limited number of residential lots are permitted in certain areas, strict standards should be imposed to control impacts on rural resources (e.g., 1 dwelling per 50 acre zoning, size limits on the area that can be disturbed for a residential house site, requirements that land be maintained in active agricultural production, right-to- farm regulations, etc.). 5.4 Overarching Issue Areas To be successful, the Rural Strategy must address the Economy, Infrastructure, Housing, and Treasured Resources, four overarching issue areas identified for the Growth Management Element Update. While these issue areas are focuses of other elements of the Lancaster County Compre- hensive Plan, policy guidance and implementa- tion tools to support the Rural Strategy goal and objectives must be integrated into this Update. This section establishes an overall direction for each issue area, followed by discussions of their implications for the Rural Strategy. .Eahf·l.C& -····-· 111e Growth 1'v1anagemcnr Elcmcnr Agriculture is the linchpin of Lancaster County's rural economy. The strength of farming in the County is its diversity. 5 .4.1 Rural Economy The Rural Economy refers to the economic/busi- ness activities supported by Lancaster County's resource base .. The agricultural industry is the sector most important to the Rural Strategy be- cause of its physical extent (approximately 63% of the land in the County is in agricultural use), significance in the overall economy (it represents approximately 11 % of output from all economic sectors in the County), and because of the value placed on farmland preservation by the citizens of Lancaster County. It includes both farming and the farm-support businesses and related infrastructure that are necessary to maintain a viable agricultural base. Other components of the Rural Economy include: • Rural enterprises (e.g., light manufactur- ing of products such as furniture, which takes place both on and off farms in rural parts of the County) • Local retail uses catering to the needs of rural residents • Home-based businesses • Rural resource-based tourism4 The following discussion of Lancas ter County addresses the agricultural industry, the related topic of on-farm businesses, and (in general terms) non-agricultural employment uses. The Growth Management Element Update identifies the need for an Economic Development Element of the County Comprehensive Plan with more 4 The Lancaster County Strategic Tourism Development Plan defines "Rural Resource Based Tourism Areas" as " .. .large rural and natural landscapes, generally outside of established Urban Growth Areas ... Preservation of the narural, cul rural, and historic resources of these areas is paramount. The towns and villages within these designated landscapes could serve as gateways for interpretation and provide limited visitor services and facilities. The types of attractions and services most appropriate for these sensitive landscapes include agri-and eco-tourism based opportuni- ties included but not limited to B&B's, country inns, farm srays, farm markers and roadside stands, wineries, outfitter services, campgrounds, scenic roads, and bicycle routes." (April 2005 draft, p. 42) JS11hhtt' ····-ll1 e Growth !v1anagcmenr Elcmem detailed strategies to promote sustainable rural and urban economies (see Chapter 3.0). 5.4.1.1 Agricultural Industry Agriculture is the linchpin of Lancaster County's rural economy. The strength of farming in the County is its diversity. According to the Economic Development Company of Lancaster County, there are 10,500 farmers/farm employ- ees and almost 16,000 employees in the food processing industry in the County. According to the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce, agriculture creates approximately one in five (51,289) jobs in the County through direct farm employment and from impacts on related in- dustries such as tourism, hospitality, agricultural support services, and food processing. Sustaining the vitality of the agricultural industry is of un- derlying importance to the whole Rural Strategy. With many new residents moving into the County and with existing residents moving from urban to rural areas within the County, there is an increasing disconnect between urban and rural that is in part economic and in part cultural. Residents new to a rural area often view agriculture as open space or vacant land rather than as developed land being used for commer- cial purposes. Thus they are often not prepared to live next door to the noise, dust, and odors that are often associated with agricultural operations. Additional pressure on agriculture comes from growth and change in Plain Sect culture and in- creased economic opportunities for their children in non-farm activities. Coordination between the County and munici- palities to invest in the infrastructure -including the land base -of agriculture is needed to keep it competitive as an industry. To maintain the health of the agricultural industry, the County and municipalities should work together to: • Support farmland preservation • Reduce the impacts of new develop- ment and rising land values and taxes on agricultural uses • Ensure that the farm community has a voice in civic decision-making • Create an agricultural development strategy to sustain traditional livestock agriculture while also encouraging inno- vation and growth in higher-value crops and commodities The following text discusses each of these four points in more detail. The discussion also reflects the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Com- mission on Agriculture appointed by the Lancast- er County Commissioners in Spring 2005, which has endorsed the Rural Strategy of the Growth Management Element Update. Many of the Blue Ribbon Commission recom- mendations are incorporated in the following explanation of how the aforementioned 4 points can be utilized to maintain the health of the agricultural economy: Support Farmland Preservation Farmland preservation refers to the permanent protection of lands for agricultural use. Key ap- proaches to preserving farmland at the township and County level include: • Fund the County Purchase of Develop- ment Rights program at sufficient levels to minimize the number of farms on the Agricultural Preserve Board waiting list • Establish and fund farmland preserva- tion programs at the local municipal level • Promote the establishment of Agricul- tural Security Areas • Expand and promote the use of Transfer of Development Rights programs at the multi-municipal and County levels Reduce the Impacts of Scattered Development and Rising Land Values and Taxes Scattered development in rural areas is one of several factors contributing to upward pressures on land prices and taxes that decrease profit- ability for farmers. In addition, conflicts with agricultural uses often result from new residents moving into rural areas. To address these issues, the County and municipalities should work together to: • Make it clear to citizens that agriculture is the preferred use in agricultural zones • Guide development in rural areas to Rural Centers • Relieve farmers from onerous nuisance complaints • Ensure that municipal ordinances are reasonable and suppon agriculture • Provide tax relief for farmers In addition to the Designated Rural Area and Rural Center concepts described in Sections 5.2 and 5.3, approaches that can be used to reduce the impacts of scattered development and rising land values and taxes on farmers include: • Reduce or eliminate taxes on farm struc- tures and equipment • Freeze property taxes on preserved farms • Investigate Installment Purchase Agree- ments (which the state now authorizes) to spread out payments for acquired easements • Strengthen agricultural zones by making them more restricted to agricultural uses • Limit nuisances from non-farm neigh- bors such as vandalism and trespass by stating explicitly that agriculture is the primary use in agricultural zones • Assure that setback requirements for agricultural structures are reasonable • Augment the state's Right-to-Farm law to further protect Lancaster County farmers from frivolous nuisance com- plaints and lawsuits • Include new unit notifica tion and nuisance disclaimers for purchasers of property abutting farms Ensure that the Fann Community Has a Voice in Civic Decision-Making A by-product of new residents moving into rural pans of Lancaster County is that farmers represent a diminishing proponion of the citizen population of municipalities. An integrated, multi-pronged approach is required to assure that farmers have a voice that is heard at the municipal level: " J5Ahlttll ·········-foe Growth 1'v1anaf;cmcnr Elcrncnr A comprehensive economic development strategy for agriculture should be developed and implemented with .. farm-friendly" local ordinances to support it. • Encourage retired farmers, farm family members, and other advocates to be- come "agricultural ambassadors" • Create Township agricultural commis- sions or advisory boards • Fund a County agricultural commis- sioner to represent the interests of the agricultural community; advocate for agriculture at the local, state, and even federal levels; and coordinate economic development strategies • Develop a Center for Excellence in agricultural innovation to coordinate resources for agriculture that could be accessed at the farm and municipal levels Create an Agricultural Development Strategy This Update recommends that an Economic Development Element be developed as part of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan. As part of this effort a comprehensive economic development strategy for agriculture should be developed and implemented with "farm-&iendly" local ordinances to support it. Components of the strategy could include: • Expand agritourism5 • Identify emerging market opportuni- ties and develop new markets, such as Community Supported Agriculture, "agri-tainment," and farmers' markets • Promote low-risk, profitable alternative business models and technology transfer • Expand horticulture, equine, nursery and greenhouse industries to take advantage of new residents' interest in country living • Explore value-added and niche markets (e.g., hydroponics, organics, goats) 5 "Agritourism" refers to tourism based on amacting visi- tors to farm operations. It is comprised of businesses such as crop and animal farms, U-pick operations, wineries, aquaculcure and for-fee fishing operations, Christmas tree farms, herb farms and greenhouses, maple syrup and cheese producers, and farm stands. .i511hht:t' ···-·--ll1c Growth 1'·1an<l{!.cmcm Ell'rnenr • Improve tracking of agricultural-related employment, both inside and outside of Designated Rural Areas • Provide technical assistance and training for farmers to improve uniformity, post harvest handling, packaging, and labeling • Create new in&astructure for washing, cooling, storing, packaging and distribut- ing processes to improve quality and price • Improve rural roads to allow for the movement of large farm equipment and farm products • Brand Lancaster County products to increase their marketability, including provision of materials to farmers on how to develop consistency and quality standards for branded products • Measure the economic impact of the Plain Sect on the agricultural and tour- ism industry and support their needs • Support accessory farm-related businesses • Increase funding for farmland preserva- tion (as an investment in the in&astruc- ture of agriculture) • Explore generation of power &om on- farm biomass (e.g., manure) and other ways to address nutrient management requirements for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) 6 and other agricultural operations • Streamline and simplify the process of establishing new agricultural support businesses and addressing environmental regulations while safeguarding environ- mental resources 5.4.1.2 On-Farm Businesses Busi nesses located on farms are a significant part of the rural economy that contribute to farm profitability and viability. On-farm businesses 6 Over the past 20 years the livestock industry has experi- enced a trend toward fewer but larger operations, coupled with emphasis on more intense production and specializa- tion, which is concentrating more manure and other animal wastes in some areas. The runoff of nutrients in discharges from these facilities contributes to pollution of waterways. To reflect industry changes, the U.S. Environmental Protec- tion Agency (EPA) updated the National Pollutant Dis- charge Elimination System Permit (NPDES) Regulations for CAFOs in 2003 to protect water qualiry. The regulations focus on the largest operations and the operations that pose the greatest environmental risk. that are related to the agricultural industry (e.g., farm stands, agri-tourism, methane generation or composting, agricultural support businesses) should be permitted and encouraged through local regulations, with provisions to limit impact on agricultural resources and uses (e.g., produc- tive farmland). On-farm businesses that do not relate to the agricultural use of the land (e.g., furniture manufacturing) should be strictly con- trolled as an accessory use that is clearly subordi- nate to the primary agricultural use. Home oc- cupation ordinances with performance standards are a tool that can be used by municipalities to regulate on-farm businesses. 5.4.1.3 Employment While agriculture is the linchpin of the rural economy, a significant amount of business activ- ity unrelated to agriculture exists and will con- tinue to be developed in rural Lancaster County over the 25-year timeframe of the Growth Management Element. According to the LCPC's Growth Tracking System, 780 acres of land outside of Urban Growth Areas were developed for commercial and industrial purposes between 1994 and 2002, and an additional 2,366 acres are projected to be used for these purposes from 2005 to 2030. While this development helps provide for the commercial and employment needs of rural residents, it must be carefully man- aged so as not to adversely affect rural resources and character or exceed infrastructure carrying capacity. More intensive employment uses should be located within Urban Growth Areas, while employment uses in rural Lancaster County should relate to the rural economy or the needs of rural residents for shopping, services, etc. Key criteria for these uses include: • Commercial, institutional, industrial, and other employment uses that do not directly relate to rural resources should be located in Villages or Rural Business Areas • Commercial and institutional uses should be limited in size and scale to serve rural residents. Larger commer- cial and institutional activities should be located in Urban Growth Areas and controls placed on expansions of existing commercial and institutional activities in Rural Lancaster County landscape rural areas that are out-of-scale with the rural environment • Uses that relate to rural resources (e.g., agricultural support businesses and heritage tourism enterprises) may be per- mitted within Designated Rural Areas provided that the other criteria are met • Adequate infrastructure and services, of appropriate scale and capacity for the rural setting, should be in place or read- ily available to support the uses • Impacts to valuable agricultural, natural, and historic resources should be avoided or minimized • New development should reflect the scale, form, and character of Lancaster County's traditional rural settlement patterns 5.4.2 Infrastructure The provision of transportation, water supply, and wastewater infrastructure has the power to transform the future of rural Lancaster County. Infrastructure considerations will be critical in the implementation of the Rural Strategy to sup- port a rural way of life, allow the type and loca- tion of new development that is compatible with this way of life, and discourage development that threatens the agricultural, natural, and cultural heritage of rural areas. For infrastructure as well as for other plan components, the Growth Management Element Update provides the framework and direction for action but actual implementation will require public/private partnerships at the federal, state, County and local level. While the Rural Strategy .EAhliU --111c Growth ,\'1anagcmcnr Element. provides the framework, it is at the municipal and multi-municipal levels that the context can be best understood and appropriate strategies can be devised and implemented, with technical assistance from the County and others. 5.4.2.1 Transportation Lancaster County's transportation infrastructure must be maintained and upgraded in a way that supports the activities that are appropriate for rural areas. The overall strategy must address the need for mobility, access, and safety at a level chat maintains rural uses and resources. It also must recognize the risk that new road construction or enhancement may present by increasing accessibil- ity to rural areas and contributing to pressure for non-resource-based development in these areas. Rural Mobility and Safety The rural transportation network is used for a Lancaster County's transportation infrastructure must be maintained and upgraded in a way that supports the activities that are appropriate for rural areas. A typical rural road In Lancaster County variety of purposes and must accommodate di- verse demands such as bicycles, pedestrians, non- motorized vehicles, motorized and horse-drawn carriages and farm equipment, automobiles, trac- tor-trailers, etc. The transportation network must accommodate these diverse movement needs while providing for safety and mobility co sup- port the rural economy and quality of life. Key 311Mntt' ···--ll1c Growth Manar,.::mcnr Elcrncnr recommendations to support the Rural Strategy include: • Provide adequate shoulders for rural roads wherever feasible to decrease the potential for conflict between motorized vehicles and non-motorized vehicles, farm equipment, and bicyclists (Safety, System Preservation and Mobility and Accessibility goals, Long Range Trans- portation Plan 2005-2030) • Ensure chat rural roads and bridges do not pose barriers for the movement of farm equipment and farm products. This function of the road network is equally as important as the movement of people in Designated Agricultural and Desig- nated Agricultural with Natural Areas. • Modify locations on rural roads where hills, curves, and other obstructions make it difficulc to see potential conflicts in the roadway ahead All modifications must be considered carefully so that they address safety and mobility concerns and do not simply increase speeds on rural roads and are sensitive to the rural context. Designated Rural Centers The Rural Strategy identifies Village Growth Areas, Crossroads Communities, Rural Business Areas, and Rural Neighborhoods as focuses for future development. Each of these settlement patterns presents transportation needs. Key ap- proaches include: • A grid network of streets, alleys, service roads, sidewalks and paths should be established chat provide safe, convenient transportation options. Congestion will be increased on the primaty roads serving Rural Centers if every trip must be accomplished by a motorized vehicle using the main road. In addition to creating more options for motorized ve- hicles, connected street systems increase mobility for bicycles, other non-motor; ized vehicles, and pedestrians. Therefore, municipalities should establish the intent to develop a complete transportation network (serving motorized and non- motorized vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, . .. and transit) and then document its loca- tion and purpose through official maps. • Municipalities should plan for future transit use, integrating it within the ex- isting transportation system and linking rural areas with urban areas. Although existing development patterns may not support transit, the possibility of future transit demand should be considered. Compact development patterns that support Smart Growth also often sup- port transit use because they concentrate diverse activities in a smaller geographic area, thereby providing many reasons to travel to that location. Transit also reduces the load on the road system by removing single occupancy vehicle trips. Effects on Rural Resources Transportation improvements can result in direct or indirect effects on rural resources. Direct effects include the conversion of agricultural or natural resource land for transportation use. The environmental documentation and analysis process required by federal law and adopted by PennDOT works to avoid, minimize, and miti- gate (lessen} effects on resources and communi- ties, with the intent that the selected alternative meets the project need with least overall effect. Nevertheless, adverse effects can still result, espe- cially when transportation alternatives take the form of bypasses. Indirect effects include expand- ing the capacity of free access roadways that pass through Designated Rural Areas or connect rural settlements with each other and urban areas, thereby contributing to development pressures. Key approaches to addressing the direct and indirect effects of transportation improvements include: • Evaluate functional classifications of roadways in Lancaster County and consider modifying these classifications based on how they fit within the current and planned future transportation net- work. Implement tools (e.g., access man- agement) that support the continued operation of these roadways consistent with their functional classification The Rural Strategy does not support the extension of public water service into Designated Rural Areas but recommends that Village Growth Areas and, in certain cases, Rural Neighborhoods and Rural Business Areas be considered for service. • Use land use and transportation plan- ning studies to determine how potential projects could affect Designated Rural Areas before substantial local and County commitments are made to include these projects in the Transporta- tion Improvement Program (TIP) that is adopted by the County's Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) . An appropriate initial focus will be on the studies and projects considered for study in the Long Range Transportation Plan but not included in the current TIP • Work with PennDOT and Federal Highway Administration to support Smart Growth by integrating the ap- propriate level ofland use planning, evaluation, and consideration of context sensitive solutions into the transporta- tion development process. This approach is outlined in the Long Range Transpor- tation Plan 2005-2030, Appendix E, Table I • Evaluate how currently funded studies and projects could affect Designated Rural Areas and determine the degree to which they support the Rural Strategy. This should be a balanced evaluation that also examines the degree to which the studies and projects support the Urban Growth Area Strategy • Convey to PennDOT and its consul- tants a clear understanding of the Rural Strategy that they can use during the preliminary design process to create and shape transportation alternatives that support the strategy • Actively participate and advise PennDOT and its cons~ltants through- out the transportation development .B11hl!Lt!I --The Growth Manar;cmcnt Elc:mcnt process in order to shape an outcome that supports the Rural Strategy • Ensure that studies and projects with the potential to affect Designated Rural Areas provide meaningful public in- volvement opportunities for those with an interest in the rural resources 5.4.2.2 Water Supply and Quality Water supply and quality are important issues for the Rural Strategy because of their influence on development patterns and their relation- ship to rural land uses. The Lancaster County Water Resources Element of the Comprehensive Plan (November 1996) addresses water supply and quality at the countywide level, focusing on implementation strategies for water supply and wellhead protection planning. This element should be updated to consider the Rural Strategy in the evaluation of progress made since 1996 and the identification of new steps required to ensure an adequate and safe water supply for Lancaster County. The Rural Strategy does not support the exten- sion of public water service into resource-based Designated Rural Areas but recommends that Village Growth Areas and, in certain cases, Rural Neighborhoods and Rural Business Areas be considered for service. The availability of water supply will be an important factor in determining the future development potential of these centers. In addition, the provision of water service must be carefully planned so as to avoid promoting inappropriate development of adjacent resource-based Designated Rural Areas. The following recommendations from the Water Resources Element should be considered by mu- nicipal and multi-municipal planning groups as they consider the water supply and quality needs of rural settlements: • Form a water supply planning team and investigate the availability of a safe and reliable source of water for the present and future population of rural settle- ments. Substantial development should not be encouraged in areas with low yield aquifers J5111'Ahtt' -lhe Crowth Man:lfcmenr Elcrnenr The 1996 Water Resources Element should be updated to address both wastewater disposal and water supply and quality issues in the context of the Rural Strategy and its implementation. • Determine whether it is economically feasible to provide water at the scale that would be required by existing and future development• • Form a wellhead protection team to iden- tify the sources of the area's water supply, potential threats to that supply, and pro- tection measures, including establishment of wellhead protection zones. The quality of surface and groundwater resources have been impacted by the applica- tion of nutrients and fertilizer, primarily from agricultural operations but also from sludge and septage. However, full implementation of conservation and nutrient management plans on farms greatly reduces any negative impact of normal farming operations on water quality. In addition, consider the following ...... In addition, consider the following water supply and quality measures in order to address water resource management issues that support the Rural Strategy:: • Implement conditions and requirements for development in settlement areas and throughout Designated Rural Areas to encourage groundwater recharge (e.g., limit impermeable surfaces, manage stormwater to promote recharge) Utilize best management practices to reduce point and non-point source pollution from agriculture, including CAFOs. • Implement nutrient management and conservation plans on .all farms in Lan- caster County. • Adopt effective agricultural zoning and other farm support practices to retain large tracts of land for groundwater recharge and to reduce impacts from on- lot wastewater disposal systems serving new development • Maintain or establish riparian buffers of native vegetation along stream corridors The Rural Strategy does not support the provision of public sewer service outside of Villages and, in certain cases, Rural Business Areas and Rural Neighborhoods except in the case of a threat to public health and safety. • Define performance measures to protect surface and groundwater from any pollu- tion generated by on-farm businesses • Define the scale and intensity of business that is appropriate or inappropriate for a rural setting and encourage or require relocation to appropriate locations (e.g., an industrial/business park with adequate infrastructure) 5.4.2.3 Wastewater Disposal Wastewater disposal is a critical issue for the Rural Strategy because of 1) the role played by public collection and disposal systems in shaping development patterns and 2) the environmental and planning implications of on-lot systems. Public sewer is an even more powerful deter- minant of development patterns than public water. The Lancaster County Sewer and Water Resources Study was published in 1987 to ad- dress County wastewater issues. Subsequently, the Water Resources Element of the County Comprehensive Plan was developed and updated in 1996. Again, as mentioned above, this Update recommends updating the 1996 Water Resources Element to address both wastewater disposal and water supply and quality issues in the context of the Rural Strategy and its implementation. The following text addresses three key topics related to wastewater disposal in rural areas: Act 537 Official Sewage Facilities planning, on-lot wastewater disposal systems, and systems ap- propriate to support rural settlements (Village Growth Areas, Crossroads Communities, Rural Business Areas, and Rural Neighborhoods.). Act S37 Official Sewage Facilities Planning Act 537 plans are the basis for wastewater dis- posal planning by municipalities. They identify existing wastewater disposal facilities, current use, and capacity; analyze potential growth; and plan for future needs through investment in new facilities and technology or expansion of the area to be served. Act 537 planning can be a powerful tool to promote implementation of local and County planning programs if it supports the future land use intent defined in planning policy documents. Key approaches include: • Update Act 537 plans as part of the plan- ning process to identify Rural Centers that can accommodate future growth • Address the provision of wastewater disposal in Rural Centers, including: Focus on innovative wastewater disposal technologies approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Analyze costs to install, operate, and maintain the facilities Ensure that wastewater disposal fa- cilities do not stimulate unintended development On-Lot Wastewater Disposal Systems The Rural Strategy does not support the provi- sion of public sewer service outside of Villages and, in certain cases, Rural Business Areas and Rural Neighborhoods except in the case of a threat to public health and safety, meaning that development in Designated Rural Areas must be supported by on-lot systems. From a plan- ning perspective, development served by on-lot systems can consume extensive amounts of land in rural areas in order to meet DEP requirements for drainage fields. From a public health and safety and natural resource protection perspec- tive, on-lot systems that are failing because they are poorly maintained or have reached the end of their useful life must be addressed. On-lot system failure is a major contributor to water quality problems. To address these issues, municipalities should: • Establish requirements to maintain ag- ricultural or other rural resource uses on large lots whose size is driven by on-lot disposal regulations • Enact On-Lot Disposal System (OLDS) ordinances that mandate maintenance and inspection of on-lot systems • Identify OLDS problem areas in Act 537 Plans and correct them (in order of priority) by 1) replacing malfunctioning .3ah11ct1 -····-111e Growth Jvlanagcment Element. systems, 2) using cluster and small com- munity systems, and 3) extending public sewer to serve only the problem area Wastewater Disposal Systems Appropriate for Rural Settlements The third approach targets systems that could meet the needs of the Village Growth Areas and, in cenain cases, Rural Business Areas and Rural Neighborhoods. Crossroads Communities are not expected to have public sewer systems ... As discussed above, the provision of public sewer will be considered as municipal planning groups identify which rural settlements are more or less appropriate for future development. They also must consider the type of system that is afford- able to install, run and maintain, or even can be physically accommodated on available land, as well as the potential to stimulate undesired devel- opment in adjacent Designated Rural Areas. All of these considerations will help to determine the potential build-out of rural settlements. Cluster and small community systems are two types of wastewater systems that could be appro- priate for rural settlements. Serving fewer than fifty residential properties, cluster systems can be owned and managed by a homeowners associa- tion, owned by homeowners but managed by the municipality, or owned and managed by the mu- nicipality. Usually, an agreement is reached with the local government to assist in the management at a minimum. Small community systems serve fifty to several thousand residences and should be owned and operated by the municipality. A vari- ety of alternative collection, treatment, and dis- posal methods are permitted by DEP, have been used in other rural Pennsylvania communities, and can be considered on a case-by-case basis to serve settlements in rural Lancaster County. Because the wastewater system installation and/ or upgrade costs a substantial amount of money, planning groups should consider how to maxi- mize their investment by investigating federal, state and County sources of funding. The follow- ing is a selected list of these funding sources: .311/;,nt? ·······-'ll1c Growth Man:lf.cmem Elcmcnr • US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund • EPA Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund • EPA Hardship Grants Program for Rural Communities • US Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Program • US Department of Agriculture Water and Waste Disposal Program • US Economic Development Admin- istration Grants for Public Works and Development Facilities • Pennsylvania Growing Greener Grants Environmental Stewardship Fund Pennsyl- vania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) infrastructure loans. • Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) On-Lot Fund- ing Program • Pennsylvania Department of Environ- mental Protection Sewage Treatment Plant Operations Grants • Pennsylvania Department of Com- munity and Economic Development Infrastructure Development Program • Pennsylvania Department of Commu- nity and Economic Development Water Supply and Wastewater Infrastructure Program (Penn Works) 5.4.3 Housing The Urban Growth Area Strategy calls for 85% of new residential development to be located in Urban Growth Areas and thus is the component of the Growth Management Element that is most critical to providing for the future housing needs of Lancastrians. The Rural Strategy also has a role to play in supponing the Vision for Housing stated in the Housing Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan: An adequate supply, and diversity, of hous- ing opportunities will be available in Lan- caster County to give current and future residents greater choice in housing type and tenure(ownership and rental), location, and p rice for a place to call home. Specifically, the Rural Strategy provides for a pro- portion of Lancaster County's projected housing needs over the next 25 years by targeting 15% of new residential development to Rural Areas. A key to the success of this strategy is to focus non-farm housing development in Rural Centers (Villages, Crossroads Communities, and Rural Neighbor- hoods) as opposed to scattered, low-density development that adversely affects agriculture and other rural resources. These centers, in turn, can contribute to meeting residents' needs for greater housing choice and affordability. 5.4.4 Treasured Resources Quality oflife in rural Lancaster County is defined by Treasured Resources that are highly valued by Lancastrians such as natural, architectural, cultural, and historic resources. Based on the framework of civic values established in the Policy Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan and reinforced through public input gathered for the Growth Management Element Update, Rural resources specifically include: • Productive and scenic agricultural lands • Healthy and functioning natural lands and systems, including water resources (surface and groundwater), natural habitat areas, and associated outdoor recreational opportunities • Rural architectural, historic, and cultural resources (structures, settlements, land- scapes, rural roads, cultural traditions, and archaeological resources) In addition, rural quality oflife encompasses the sense of place and identity provided by focuses of community activity such as villages, crossroads communities, traditional local retail, churches and other institutions, etc. Preservation of treasured resources is addressed by other Comprehensive Plan elements, includ- ing the Cultural Heritage Element, Regional Open Space Element, Strategic Tourism Develop- ment Element, and Water Resources Element. A primary goal of the Growth Management Ele- ment is to manage future development in rural areas so as to reinforce and complement these resources. Key principles include: 1. Agricultural lands and the viability of the agricultural industry should be main- tained. 2. The integrity of natural resource lands and systems should be preserved and, where possible, restored. Stream cor- ridors should be a primary focus of these efforts through development of a countywide greenway/blueway network and incentives to property owners. 3. Architectural and historic resources (vil- lages and crossroads communities, rural landscapes, buildings, etc.) and cultural traditions related to a rural way of life should be maintained. 4. New development should reflect the character of traditional Lancaster County settlements and building forms. 5.5 Conclusion The Rural Strategy described above establishes a new focus in Lancaster County's Growth Man- agement program on maintaining the rural quali- ties of Designated Rural Areas equivalent to the established practice of designating Urban Growth Areas. It reflects the high priority expressed by citizens throughout the planning process on maintaining the integrity of agricultural and nat- ural resource lands. Implemented in coordination with the Urban Growth Area Strategy described in Chapter 4.0, it will help ensure that Lancaster County's rural resources, rural way of life, and a sustainable rural economy are preserved for future generations . .BabltCt!! ········· ll1e Growth 1\'1anar;cmcnr Elcmcnr Goal Develop an Implementation Plan that includes an Action Program and set of Smart Growth tools to enable the municipalities and the County to effectively implement the Goals and Objectives of the Urban Growth Area and Rural Strategies presented in the Growth Management Element Update with ongoing monitoring and needed updates to occur on a 5-year basis through the year 2030. The analysis of development trends and probable future conducted for the Growth Manage- ment Element Update reveals that the Vision of Lancaster County is at risk if the current trend of scattered, low-density development in rural areas continues over the next 25 years. The conclusion of this analysis is that existing municipal land use measures and County policies may have been largely successful to date in accommodating demands for develop- ment. However, preserving treasured and sensi- tive resources in order to enhance and maintain a high quality of life while accommodating projected growth in the future will require more comprehensive and innovative growth manage- ment measures. The Vision of Lancaster County is at risk if the current trend of scattered, low-density development in rural areas continues over the next 25 years. The Implementation Plan Outlined in this chapter contains resources and tools to carry the Vision forward. In order to fully execute the Implementation Plan, the Growth Management Update Task Force under the auspices of the LCPC will need to reorganize itself in prepara- tion for execution of the Update. Once this takes place, the Implementation Plan should proceed. The Implementation Plan is organized into four main components: 1. A County Action Program, including collaboration with and assistance to municipalities, community groups, and non-profit organizations for implemen- tation of the Update 2. A Smart Growth Funding Program that provides targeted funding for imple- mentation, including expanded and new .i5/IMl!tt' ·-····-'ll1c Growth Managcmcnr Ekmem funding programs as well as information on other funding sources (state, federal, and nonprofit programs) 3. A Smart Growth Toolbox that describes the most innovative and effective policy, regulatory, and capital investment tools available to municipalities and the County 4. A Monitoring Program that establishes an ongoing process for measuring prog- ress in implementing the Update, as well as ongoing development of the Smart Growth Toolbox. 6.1 County Actions The ability of municipalities to implement the goals and objectives of the Growth Management Element Update will depend significantly on support from the Lancaster County Planning Commission (LCPC). The County has a key role to play in implementation through the assistance it provides to municipalities and through broader initiatives that are beyond the capability of indi- vidual or groups of municipalities to address. The primary roles of the County in assisting the mu- nicipalities will fall under three main categories: 1. Early Actions 2. Longer Range I Ongoing Programs 3. On-Going Funding (addressed in Sec- tion 6.2) The following sections describe specific County steps for providing the three types of assistance, beginning with Early Actions, or steps to begin immediately following adoption of the Update, followed by Longer Range I Ongoing Actions and programs that will require ongoing support and, finally, ongoing funding programs. 6.1.1 Early Actions 6.1.1.1. Implementation Schedule The first step in the County Action Program is to establish a time frame and initial budget proposal for accomplishing the recom- mended steps outlined in this chapter of the Growth Management Element. The schedule should include the steps to be accomplished within the first three to five years, the proposed timeframe for accomplishing each step, assignment of staff accountable for each task, the estimated cost of implementation in the initial three to five years, identification of potential funding sources, and expectations for measurable results using the Monitoring process described in Section 6.4 below. 6.1.1.2. Citizen/Municipal Outreach Continuing the extensive outreach during development of the Growth Management Element Update, the LCPC should initiate a campaign to publicize the new Growth Management Element through the media and meetings with groups throughout the County. Organizations such as the Coalition for Smart Growth could play an important role in promoting the Growth Management Element Update. A Cross-Acceptance pro- cess with municipalities is another important component of the initial outreach program (see #3 below). 6.1.1.3. Cross-Acceptance LCPC recognizes the need for strong municipal participation and support in the implementation of the Growth Management Element. In the 1997 Growth Management Element Update, a detailed Cross-Accep- tance process was established to engage mu- nicipalities thoroughly in the growth man- agement process and the adoption of Urban and Village Growth Areas. While there are no new Urban Growth Areas proposed as part of the Update, some new concepts have been introduced that will require municipal agreement to proceed with implementa- tion of the Growth Management Element. In particular, the concepts of Designated Rural Areas will be a primary focus of the Cross-Acceptance process. Also the new targets for Urban Growth Areas will require the County to work with mu- nicipalities to enact ordinances that yield an average net residential density of7.5 dwellings per acre and non-residential de- velopment at intensities which maximize the use of land and infrastructure1 ,and to monitor the effectiveness of their growth management initiatives in achieving the Countywide goals. The 1997 Update established several phases of cross acceptance, including an initial mu- nicipal meeting, appointment of a Steering Committee, workshops, public participa- tion, and adoption of the Growth Areas and implementation tools. A similar approach can be followed to promote implementa- tion of the Designated Rural Area concepts by municipalities. Cross acceptance of these concepts will require significant public participation, an adoption process for Des- ignated Rural Areas, and a mechanism for modifying these areas. Similar to the recommended process for amending Designated Growth Areas which was established in the 1993 Growth Manage- ment Plan and which has been updated in this Update (See Chapter 3.3.2.), Designated Rural Areas should be reexamined by munic- ipalities and LCPC jointly every five years to ensure that they are functioning as desired. 6.1.1.4. Smart Growth Toolbox Development Develop the Smart Growth Toolbox initiated in this Update into a web-based application for ease of use by municipalities. The toolbox should include web links to resources such as the Pennsylvania Departments of Envi- ronmental Protection (DEP), Transportation (PennDOT), Community and Economic Development (DCED), etc. I Specific targets for non-residential development are to be part of the proposed Economic Development Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan and will be included in a future update of the Growth Management Element . .Bala11Ct! ········-11-ic Growth 1\fanagcmcnr Elcmcnr 6.1.1.5. Travel Demand Forecasting Model Utilize the County's Travel Demand Fore- casting Model to analyze where significant congestion may occur by or before 2030, particularly in urban areas where growth is promoted at higher densities. Use this data in the updating of the Long-Range Trans- portation Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan. Visit www.envisionlancastercounty.com to view the latest offerings in the Smart Growth Series 6 .1.2 Longer Range/Ongoing Programs 6.1.2.1. Education and Outreach The LCPC should build on the above citi- zen and municipal outreach Early Actions through an ongoing series of workshops and other events with municipal officials and citi- zens to sustain momentum, educate citizens and officials, and update them on new Smart Growth tools as they are developed and ap- plied. Examples of activities that should be part of an ongoing education and outreach program include: • Leverage Coalition for Smart Growth education and advocacy efforts, targeting Township Supervisors Association and Boroughs Association Meetings, munici- pal managers, Lancaster City Council, and municipal elected officials for education on the Growth Management Element Update and related planning initiatives. • Leverage the educational resources of the Governor's Center for Local Government Services and of organizations such as the Pennsylvania Planning Association, the Pennsylvania State Association ofTown- ship Supervisors, the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, and the Penn- sylvania League of Cities and Municipali- ties for municipal development . .15111Aht.f ·····-'The Growth Management Elcmenr • Continue the effective use of the media. • Utilize LCPC's website as a clearing- house for information related to the Update and utilize the websites of LCPC's partners by creating links to their websites. • Conduct Smart Growth Workshops through LCPC's Envision Series on topics such as use of the Smart Growth Toolbox, the benefits of density, design guidelines, strategies for rural land pres- ervation, funding opportunities, etc. • Utilize the LCPC Newsletter to impart timely information regarding planning initiatives. 6.1.2.2. Capacity Building The ability to conduct daily planning activi- ties varies from community to community. Many municipalities in the County do not have a planning staff and have limited capacity to handle much beyond day-to-day municipal operations. Implementation of the planning activities recommended in the Growth Management Update will require additional skills and resources beyond the present capacity of many municipalities. Several recommendations for providing technical assistance to municipalities to implement the Growth Management Update include continued and expanded support from LCPC Planners, a Smart Growth Circuit Rider and Agricultural Planning Specialist (see below), and the state's Peer- to-Peer Program (see below). Municipalities should also consider creating partnerships with non-profit organizations, such as com- munity development corporations, farmland trusts, conservancy trusts, etc., to facilitate shared goals. 6.1.2.3. Technical Assistance Implementation of the Growth Manage- ment Element Update will require the use of technical assistance which is recom- mended to occur in the following forms: • Smart Growth Audits: LCPC plan- ning staff should, in coordination with municipal officials and managers and/or regional planning groups, conduct Smart Growth Reviews of local comprehensive plans, regional plans, Act 537 plans, and ordinances to evaluate consistency among the different plans and ordi- nances and with the goals and objectives of the Growth Management Element. The Audit should identify inconsisten- cies among ordinances and plans and identify potential impediments that may hinder implementation of the Growth Management Element. The Audit should be followed by a prioritiza- tion ofToolbox applications to address inconsistencies and impediments. In addition, County staff should keep lines of communication open to help ensure and maintain consistency. • Smart Growth Circuit IUder: De- velop a program similar to the County's Borough Circuit Rider program that focuses on implementation of the Smart Growth Toolbox. The Smart Growth Circuit Rider can assist in initiating the Smart Growth Audits and serve as an "on-call" resource for LCPC Planners when additional expertise and assistance is required.• Agricultural Planning Specialist: Include a specialist on LCPC staff who can assist municipalities with planning issues that are specific to the agricultural commu- nity, including zoning, nuisance regula- tions, tax policies, acquisition and TDR, etc. This staff member would serve as the central LCPC internal d~partment contact for agricultural land use and economic matters and serve as the refer- ral source for external inquiries regarding agricultural-related resources in the County, and work collaboratively with the Growth Management Update Project Manager and the Growth Management Implementation Team. The Agricultural Planning Specialist would also s• erve as the department liaison to the Lancaster County Agricultural Preserve Board, Lancaster Farmland Trust, Blue Ribbon Commission for Lancaster County Ag- riculture, and other agricultural-related entities within the County (County Conservation District, Penn State Exten- sion, and the Chamber's Ag Committee, etc.) • Model Ordinances: LCPC plan- ning staff should first identify existing ordinances that are currently in use and modify the best examples as model ordi- nances, starting with the key regulatory tools (See Housing Element Update Appendix which includes an analysis of municipal zoning ordinances). Develop model ordinances based on best practices analysis, starting with the key tools fol- lowed by supplemental tools. • Partnerships/Coalition Bui/Jing: Con- tinue and strengthen partnerships with groups such as the following to support and leverage local efforts towards tool- box implementation: Municipalities Lancaster Inter-municipal Com- mittee (LIMC), Solanco Coun- cil of Governments, and other multi-municipal organizations Township and Borough Associa- tions Coalition for Smart Growth Governors Center for Local Government Services (DCED) American Farmland Trust Lancaster Farmland Trust Lancaster County Association of Realtors® Lancaster County Conservancy The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County Local water and sewer supply agencies Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) .Bahl1CtJ ········ "ll1e Growth ;\t1anagcmenr Element. Building Industry Association of Lancaster County Lancaster Chamber of Com- merce and Industry • Land Recycling I Brown.fields Initia- tive: Lancaster County's Land Recycling Program currently provides planning and land recycling expertise to facilitate the redevelopment of former industrial and commercial sites. In addition to County planners, other entities such as the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, can work with communities to identify potential redevelopment properties that may or may not qualify as brownfields, but would otherwise require land assembly and demolition assistance to improve sites for redevelopment. • Peer-to-Peer Management Program: Supplement County technical assistance through the Center for Local Govern- ment Services' Peer Match Program. The Center provides on-site professional peers to review municipal operations, provide recommendations, and assist in their implementation. Peers are usually local officials with special knowledge and expertise on the particular issue. There is no cost to the municipality for this service. • Smart Growth "Checklist": The County should provide funding opportunities to encourage adoption of Smart Growth tools by municipalities (See Section 6.2 of this chapter titled Smart Growth Funding). Funding will be prioritized for those communities that make a com- mitment to comprehensive planning and meeting the goals of the Growth Management Element Update. As an example, the Chester County Vision Partnership Program2 establishes the fol- lowing criteria for grant eligibility: 2 http://dsf.chesco.org/ planning/lib/ planning/ pdf/rier 1 man. pdf J511hJ1tt' ··· ··· lhc Crowth Man<l{?.t:mcnr Element Memorandum of Understand- ing: The municipality(ies) must enter the program by signing a Memorandum of Understanding County Consistency Review Report: The municipality(ies) must have received and reviewed the County's Consis- tency Review Report, similar to the aforementioned Smart Growth Audit. The County Planning Commission reviews the comprehensive plan, open space plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision and land develop- ment ordinance, Act 537 plan, and any other planning/regula- tory documents for consistency. Comprehensive Plan Consistency Rating: The municipality(ies) must have a comprehensive plan that has The LCPC's present Growth Tracking System must be refined to address new directions established in this Update. been determined to be "Consis- tent" or "Somewhat Consistent" with the County plan based on the findings of the Consistency Audit. Where "Inconsistency" has been determined, the municipality(ies) must first revise its comprehensive plan to bring it into consistency before proceeding to other planning and zoning documents. This may need to be modified for Lancaster County to focus first on those municipalities that are most in need of assistance in developing community plans. Implementation Grants: With a "Consistent" or "Somewhat Consistent" determination, the municipality(ies) may apply for other implementation grants to assist ordinance amendments, transportation or greenway plans, capital improvement plans, design guidelines, etc. A number of the Technical Assistance pro- grams described above, such as the Smart Growth Audits, Smart Growth Circuit Rider, Agricultural Planning Special- ist, and Model Ordinances, will require increased commitments ofLCPC staff time and fiscal resources. These increased demands will need to be accounted for in the County's budget if the Growth Man- agement Element is to be effectively imple- mented. Additionally, a dedicated source of funding for Smart Growth Implementa- tion Grants will be needed from the Coun- ty. These grants can be utilized to leverage other funding in support of implementation, in the areas of plan development/modifica- tion and capital improvements. 6.1.2.4. Modifications to Existing Pro- grams • Growth Tracking System: The LCPC's present growth tracking system must be refined to address new directions established in this Update. Key changes include: Track the number of dwelling units and amount of employment uses built in Reinvestment Areas as well as on Buildable Lands Develop better measures to track rural development, including residential units and employment uses developed inside Village Growth Areas, Crossroads Communities, Rural Business Areas, and Rural Neighborhoods; and the break- down between development related and unrelated to the rural economy/way of life • LCPC Planner Responsibilities: The duties of LCPC Planners will likely need to be restructured to focus on imple- mentation of the Growth Management Element Update, including coordina- tion among the different divisions to work with municipalities on Smart Growth Audits and implementing the Smart Growth Toolbox. It is recom- mended that some of the planners' current responsibilities be modified to better devote time to providing techni- cal assistance to municipalities. LCPC should assess how to best utilize the talents of LCPC Planners to implement the Growth Management Element by preparing a three to five year implemen- tation schedule as an Early Action item, including a proposed budget. • Lancaster County Pennitting Initia- tive: The Lancaster County Permitting Initiative is a voluntary program, imple- mented through a County/municipal cross-acceptance process that serves as a non-financial incentive for qualifying economic development projects via a co- ordinated and expedited review process. The Permitting Initiative should be evaluated to determine whether oppor- tunities exist for expanding the program to facilitate other types of development consistent with the goals of the Growth Management Element Update. 6.1.2.5. Consistency Review of Functional Elements of County Comprehensive Plan • Develop and implement a review process to evaluate the conformance of key related County and multi-municipal planning initiatives, including existing and proposed Functional Elements of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan, with the policies and strategies of the Growth Management Element Up- date. The review process should identify any adjustments to these plans that may need to be considered by LCPC as part of plan implementation. The process should also include a consistent format .Bah11Ct! ········ 111e Growth J\fanagemenr Element among the several elements that ties them together under a unified compre- hensive plan. Specifically, the consistency review should focus on the following key components of the other elements of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan: Policy Element: Review for consis- tency between the goals and ob- jectives outlined in the Growth Management Element Update, consistency in terminology (i.e. Designated Growth Aies, Core Reinvestment Aieas, General Reinvestment Aieas, Designated Rural Aieas, etc.), time horizon (2030), and consistency between recommended policies/ actions and the Implementation Plan and Smart Growth tools outlined in the Update. Transportation Element: Use the Travel Demand Forecast Model to evaluate the impacts of full implementation of the Growth Management Element on the County's transportation network. Review the Transpor- tation Element for consistency with the Growth Management Element based on the outcome of this evaluation. Especially look for consistency in apply- ing strategic transportation infrastructure improvements to Designated Growth Aieas, prioritizing improvements in Reinvestment Aieas, promoting pedestrian and other alternative modes of transportation, and promoting standards and con- cepts for well-designed, context sensitive streets and roadways. Housing Element: Review for consistency is application of growth and density targets and, in general, with policies to promote high quality and affordable housing . .B/IMhtt' ····---l lic Crowt.h !vfanap.cmcnr El.:menr Open Space Element: Prepare an update of the Open Space Element and ensure consistency with the Growth Management Element Update by targeting lands identified as Designated Agricultural Aieas, Designated Agricultural with Natural Aieas, and Designated Natural Aieas for protection. ~ter Resources Element I Waste- water Facilities Study: Prepare an update to the current Element that is consistent with the Growth Management Element Update goals of providing pub- lic sewer and water service only in Designated Growth Aieas. The updated Element should also prioritize service in areas identified as Core Reinvestment Aieas and General Reinvest- ment Aieas to promote reinvest- ment activity. One of the strongest and most recurring themes throughout the Blue Ribbon Commission for Agriculture in Lancaster County's "listening'' process was the need for appropriate tax relief as a very strong component of ensuring economic viability. Economic Development Element: Prepare a new Economic De- velopment Functional Element that is consistent with the goals of the Growth Management El- ement Update, including focus- ing employment and growth in Designated Growth Aieas, pri- oritizing investment strategies in Core Reinvestment and General Reinvestment Areas, focusing infrastructure improvements in Reinvestment Areas to stimulate growth, and adopting policies to sustain the rural economy. . . .. 6.1.2.6. Legislative Issues All of the tools presented in the Smart Growth Toolbox, described in Section 6.3 below, are authorized planning practices under the Pennsyl- vania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) or other state enabling legislation. However, land use and planning policy is not static and new tools are consistently being introduced through- out the state and nation to further Smart Growth principles. Additional planning tools that cur- rently are not fully authorized by state enabling legislation should be explored as opportunities for advancing Smart Growth in Pennsylvania. LCPC can initiate partnerships with other groups, such as those listed in Section 6.1 -Long Range/Ongoing Programs to advocate modifica- tion of existing or introduction of new Smart Growth policies to the state legislature. Addition- ally, the County Board of Commissioners should be encouraged to contact the local delegation regarding these matters when appropriate. Some examples include: • Specific Plans: The MPC currently provides for the use of Specific Plans, or detailed plans for nonresidential development of a specific area covered by a county or multi-municipal com- prehensive plan, which, when approved, supersedes all other ordinance require- ments. The Specific Plan option provides a level of flexibility and predictability in land use regulation that benefits both developers and municipalities. However, it is currently limited to nonresidential development. A key component of the Growth Management Element Update is to encourage mixed-use and higher density residential development in Des- ignated Growth Areas, which could be facilitated by the use of Specific Plans. • Agricultural Tax Relief: The Agricul- tural Planning Specialist, in coordination with the Lancaster County Agricultural. Preserve Board and the public, should work with local and state officials to identify current tax policies that hinder the growth and profitability of farming operations on preserved and non-pre- served farms. • Pending Legislation: . LCPC staff should carefully monitor pending legisla- tion which may be relevant to and/or affect the implementation of the Growth Management Element Update. LCPC staff should report on relevant legislation to the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners for their consideration. 6.2 Smart Growth Funding This Update continues to support prioritizing all County funding based on the applicant's consis- tency with The Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan including this Growth Management Element Update Priority for planning grants should be giv- en to municipalities that are most in need of plan development assistance and, capital improvement funding should be targeted to those municipalities that have plans determined to be consistent with the County Comprehensive Plan. Priority for planning grants should be given to municipalities that are most in need of plan development assistance and, capital improvement funding should be targeted to those municipalities that have plans determined to be consistent with the County Comprehensive Plan. The successful implementation of the Growth Management Element Update depends on the commitment of Lancaster County municipali- ties, with technical support and guidance from LCPC, to adopt the strategies, goals, and objec- tives recommended in the Update. However, the strongest commitment, education, and technical assistance will not be effective unless the proper funding mechanisms are in place to apply the necessary tools for implementation. It is therefore strongly recommended that the County Board of Commissioners support fund- ing for the following programs and that they tie eligibility for all other County resources for planning and community development to an applicant's ability to show consistency with the goals, objectives and strategies of the Growth Management Element Update. J5ahJU:t! ··· ···· 111c Growrh 1'v1anar-;cmcnr Ekmcnr • New Smart Growth Grant Program: Develop a new grant program tied to consistency with the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan. One possible model for this program is Chester County's Vision Partnership Program, which has two components: o Plans and Ordinances Grant Program -this program pro- vides grants for municipalities to update their local plans and or- dinances for consistency with the County Comprehensive Plan. o Implementation and Capital Improvement Grant Program -If municipalities prepare plans that are consistent with the County Plan, then they will have the opportunity to apply for County funding for implementa- tion and capital improvements. The County's New Smart Growth Grant Program would also include two components. o Plans and Ordinances Grant Program -The LCPC has re- quested that this Grant Program be jumpstarted with $125,000 in funding to help up to 15 municipalities update their plans and ordinances in 2006 consistent with the Growth Management Element Update. It is recommended that the County Board of Commissioner fund the 2006 request, along with a similar level of funding, or more, as needed, to help up to 15 municipalities update their plans and ordinances in 2007, up to 15 in 2008 and up to 15 in 2009, or until all 60 municipalities have brought their plans and ordinances into alignment with the Growth Management Element Update. J511f'Ahtt' ········· ·ihc Growth Management Ekrncnr o Lancaster County Capital Im- provements Grants: The County Commissioners should identify a dedicated source of funding to help municipalities finance capital improvements. Once municipalities have worked with the County to bring their plans and ordinances into consistency with the Growth Management Element Update, they would be eligible to apply for grant funding for capital improve- ments that can assist with water and sewer, historic preserva- tion, housing, and other capital improvements not covered under the Community Parks Initiative Grant Program or the Transportation Grant Program. A grant program of this kind is essential to the implementation of the Growth Management Element Update as it will help municipalities expand their infrastructure to adequate levels to absorb the new growth and density targets called for under the Growth Management Ele- ment Update. • Expand F.xisting Capital Programs with other Capital Improvement As- sistance: The following existing County funding programs should be rolled into the capital improvement funding com- ponent of the New Smart Growth Grant Program that is noted above: -Lancaster County Commu- nity Parks Initiative Grant Program: Provides funding for acquisition of land for natural area and open space preserva- tion and park development. Open space preservation is inte- gral to the Growth Management Element and funding should be increased from previous levels or reinforced through partnerships with agencies such as the Lan- caster County Conservancy. -Lancaster County Munici- pal Transportation Grants Program: Provides funding for implementing transportation related tools, including official maps, access management plans, corridor planning and design standards, creating or improving pedestrian and bicycle paths, and funding targeted trans- portation improvements that are based on a transportation plan. To derive the maximum benefit from this program, it is recommended that the ap- plication process be open not only to municipalities, but also to authorities and non-profit organizations that are engaged in providing transportation in various forms. Transportation planning is a critical element of growth management planning and funds should be increased from previous levels. • Lancaster County Purchase of Devei opment Rights Program: The Lancaster County Agricultural Preservation Board and Lancaster County Farmland Trust should work together to promote expanded participation by Lancaster County farmers in conservation ease- ment programs. This action requires increased commitment of funds for the purchase of development rights on farmland in Lancaster County. Preserva- tion advocates are very pleased with the Board of Commissioners August 2005 announcement regarding an impend- ing bond issuance of $25 million with a significant portion of the proceeds to be utilized for preservation purposes. • Lancaster County Legal Fund: The Board of County Commissioners should establish a fund to assist municipalities who, in the face oflegal challenges, must defend those comprehensive plans and ordinances that have been determined to be consistent with this Update. Defending legal challenges to plans and ordinances that are consistent with the Growth Management Element Update could be a financial hardship on a mu- nicipality, especially one with a limited budget and professional staff. Those municipalities that implement this Up- date should be supported by the County. • Assist with Other Funding Sources: There are many alternative funding programs available to municipalities, multi-municipal organizations, counties, authorities, and non-profit organiza- tions for Smart Growth planning and implementation. At the state level, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Develop- ment (DCED) and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation offer the most comprehensive and extensive planning grant and loan programs for urban revitalization, affordable housing, historic preservation, infrastructure and transportation improvements, planning and zoning updates, etc. For agricultural, open space, and natural feature preserva- tion, various programs are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (D EP), the Pennsylvania Department of Conserva- tion and Natural Resources (DCNR), and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA). Various planning funding programs are also available at the federal level for implementing the urban and rural strate- gies. Sources include the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Transit Administration, the US Department ofTransportation, the US Department of Agriculture, the En- vironmental Protection Agency, and the National Park Service. Specific state and federal funding pro- grams are listed as resources in Appen- dix B, the Smart Growth Toolbox. This information will need to be updated on an ongoing basis to keep pace with changing funding programs. .Eala11ct1·····--·111e Growth ;\fanagcmcnr Elcmcnr The Smart Growth Toolbox is available on www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning. Private, nonprofit funding sources in- clude the Lancaster County Conservan- cy: and the Lancaster Farmland Trust. The Lancaster County Conservancy ac- quires open space and preserves natural lands for recreation and educational use. The Lancaster Farmland Trust preserves large farm tracts through purchase of development rights and easements. Charitable foundations such as the Wil- liam Penn Foundation, Heinz Founda- tion, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation are other sources of potential funding. Alternative funding programs, par- ticularly at the state and federal level, are very competitive. LCPC can assist municipalities in their efforts to undertake resource development, rec- ognizing that most municipalities can't afford to hire their own full-time grant writer. Some suggested ways to help municipalities with resource develop- ment include: • Incorporate workshops as part of the Envision Series to educate communities about the different program requirements, applica- tion processes, and what they can do to have a competitive advantage in terms of grants. • Partner with the Lancaster County Foundation to encour- age another local source of funding for municipal imple- mentation activities and to en- courage technical assistance on grant writing for municipalities. • Municipalities should be en- couraged to pool/share revenues where possible to help leverage outside funding and to address common operating/mainte- nance expenses . .i511Mntt' .......... lhc Crowth Managcmcnr Elcmem • Municipalities should be encouraged to pool resources where necessary to hire or con- tract with grant writing profes- sionals. The funding strategy outlined above will require a dedicated source of local funding from the County similar to the $25 million bond issuance which the County recently agreed to fund. Given that the Growth Management Element Implementation Plan will be pursued in 5-year increments, the issuance of a future bond{s) tied specifically to the Growth Management Element Update is needed to support the above funding strategy which can leverage additional needed funds to ensure full success of the Update. 6.3 Smart Growth Toolbox The Smart Growth Toolbox presents a wide variety of policy, regulatory, and investment strategies that can be applied by municipalities, with LCPC support, to implement the goals and objectives of the Growth Management Element. The Toolbox organizes the tools according to the key issue areas identified in Section 1.3, tying them directly to the goals and objectives of the Urban Growth Area and Rural Strategies. The in- tent is that municipalities will choose those tools that are most relevant to their individual needs. The toolbox is further organized by subcategories that address the level of responsibility associated with the various types of tools: • Planning I Policy: Tools that involve municipal, County, and/or state initia- tives or coordination with respect to tasks such as more detailed planning, grant opportunities, modifications to taxation systems, etc. in support of the goals and objectives of the Growth Man- agement Element. • Regu.latory: Tools that are the direct responsibility of municipalities to adopt and enforce, such as zoning and design standards. • Capital Improvement: Tools that involve direct municipal capital expen- ditures for acquisition of land or infra- structure improvements and may require supplemental funding from the County and/or other sources. Appendix B presents the detailed toolbox, including the name and a brief description of each tool, "best practices" example(s) of com- munities that are achieving success with each tool, contact information for cited examples, and potential funding sources to develop the tools. It is intended not as a finished product, but rather as a "work in progress" that will continue to be developed as implementation of the Growth Management Element Update moves forward. For example, the best practices examples require further development to comprehensively address the list of tools. The toolbox is presented in four tables. Tables B-1 and B-2 provide lists of Key Tools that will be most effective in implementing the specific goals and objectives of the Urban Growth Area and Rural Strategies, respectively. These tools are recommended for highest priority consideration by municipalities. Tables B-3 and B-4 identify supporting tools that will also be useful in imple- menting the goals and objectives of the Urban Growth Area and Rural Strategies and should be given secondary priority. Because there is often overlap in the application of certain strategies, some of the tools are listed more than once. Also, as previously mentioned, some of these tools are in current practice in Lancaster County. A key component of the implementation strategy is to conduct Smart Growth Audits to ensure that current municipal tools are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Growth Management Element. Another crucial element of the implementation strategy is the development of a plan monitor- ing system. The toolbox is not meant to be a static mechanism, but one that can be regularly updated to maintain innovation and effective- ness. The Growth Management Element itself will require a regular monitoring process to track progress through performance measures ("Growth Management Indicators") and periodic plan review. Section 6.4 outlines a recommended monitoring process. 6.4 Monitoring The Lancaster County Community Indicators Project was initiated to establish specific com- munity goals and a valid, reliable method to measure progress towards those goals. A similar and corroborative effort can be used to measure the progress toward achieving the goals and objectives of the Growth Management Element Update. Community indicators, as applied toward the monitoring process in implementing the Growth Management Element, are numeric measures reflecting trends in growth and development, economic growth, resource preservation, and housing affordability. These indicators ca n be analyzed with respect to the goals and objectives to generally measure the success of the imple- mentation program. The proposed monitoring system is comprised of three parts. • Growth Tracking System: The first part is refinement of the LCPC's present Growth Tracking System to monitor 1) success in achieving the new Growth Targets and 2) the availability of Buildable Lands within Urban Growth Areas to meet projected demand.3 • Population Targets: The second part in- volves development of a set of recommended Population Targets that distributes projected 2030 population growth by Urban Growth Areas and Rural Areas to be consistent with the Urban Growth Area Strategy of direct- ing 85% of new residential development to Urban Growth Areas. 3 A marker factor of rWO times the amount of land necessary to accommodate demand over the next five-and ten-year period is recommended in order co allow the marker co operate free of constraints chat would inflate housing prices and/ or exert increased pressures for development in rural Lancaster County. This factor will be evaluated over rhe rimeframe of this Update co determine its adequacy . .Bahl~t! --······ 1l1c Growrh ;\fanagcmcnr Elcmcm • Growth Management Indicators: The third consists of a list of indicators combining data from the Growth Tracking Report, Popula- tion Targets, and data modified from the Lancaster County Community Indicators Project into a set of Growth Management Indicators that can be used to measure broad progress in achieving the goals and objectives of the Growth Management Element. 6.4.1 Growth Tracking System The County's current Growth Monitoring system has been an effective mechanism for measur- ing growth and development trends in the County since 1994. As previously mentioned, this system is in need of enhancement to address specific directions set in this Update, including development in Reinvestment Areas as well as on Buildable Lands within Urban Growth Areas and more refined tracking of rural development. In addition, a monitoring system is required to en- sure that sufficient Buildable Lands are available within Urban Growth Areas to meet projected demand. The following is a recommended out- line for enhancements to the Growth Tracking System:: 6.4.1.1 Monitoring System for Buildable Lands 1. Measure the rate at which Buildable Lands are being absorbed by all urban- izing uses (residential, employment, institutional, dedicated open space, multi-use centers, etc.) at least every five years. 2. Project demand for Buildable Lands for the next five-and ten-year period. 3. Compare availability (defined as fully serviced Buildable Lands without en- vironmental restraints) with projected five-and ten-year demand. (Avai lability should be at least twice the demand to prevent market restraint.) 4. Establish a methodology for tracking redevelopment and reinvestment. 5. Track zoning in Growth Areas in order to determine consistency with density targets. J511/;,hcg ····--'foe Gmwrh Management Elcmenr 6. Report findings from the monitoring process to municipalities and the pub- lic. If availability is less than twice the demand, begin a process of increasing development capacity to accommodate the demand through an update to the County Growth Management Element. This process may include increasing the allowable density, identifying additional infill and redevelopment opportunities, expanding Urban Growth Areas or a combination of all three. 7. As a long term strategy, develop a system of real-time data that tracks growth and development as it occurs, such as the number of building permits issued. Oth- er sources of data should be researched for real time employment tracking. 8. As a prelude to implementing the moni- toring system, the County should work with municipal and multi-municipal governments to prepare build-out analy- ses of Buildable Lands. These analyses should incorporate Act 537 planning and programming to establish the basis for Buildable Lands over time. Munici- palities should also prepare a build-out analysis of rural areas under current zon- ing on a case-by-case basis. 2.2.2.2 Refined Tracking System for Rural De- velopment and Land Use If the Growth Management Element is success- fully implemented, there will be significantly less development (44%) that will need to be accom- modated in rural Lancaster County. Nevertheless, 15% of residential units (and 34% of employ- ment growth) will be located in rural Lancaster County. The following is a recommended out- line for tracking development outside of Urban Growth Areas: 1. Track growth type (residential, commercial, industrial, intuitional, farm related, etc.) in each type of rural designation -Resource- Based Designated Rural Areas (Designated Agricultural Areas, Designated Agricultural with Natural Areas, Designated Natural Resource Areas) and Rural Centers (Village Growth Areas, Crossroads Communities, .. Rural Business Areas, and Rural Neighbor- hoods. 2. Track provision of public water and sewer to development in Rural Areas. 3. Tracking growth type in areas outside UGAs that are not designated Rural Areas 4. Tracking the establishment of Designated Rural Areas by municipalities. 5. Track development potential and density in Rural Areas. Large-lot residential or other forms of development not directly related to the rural economy or way of life should be prohibited in resource-based Designated Rural Areas. Residential development in Village Growth Areas should occur at an average density of 2.5 units per net acre.4 6.4.2 Population Targets Section 2.5 characterizes the Probable Future for Lancaster County as a depiction of the pattern of future development if recent development trends continue through 2030. Continuation of the trend indicates that 76% of future residential development will occur inside Growth Areas, resulting in a more scattered, land-consumptive development pattern if no new planning, regula- tory, or policy changes are enacted in the next several years. After careful analysis as described in Chapter 4.0 {Urban Growth Area Strategy), a new target of 85% of new residential units in Urban Growth Areas is proposed to counteract this trend. To provide a picture of how the 85% target trans- lates to a more tangible representation of growth, and to provide a general yardstick by which to measure progress toward the 85% goal, a set of Preliminary Population Targets will be calculated for each Urban Growth Area in the County on a regional or multi-municipal basis. Population Targets represent a recommended redistribution of the projected, countywide population growth from Rural Areas to Urban Growth Areas for 4 The net density of 2.5 dwelling units per acre will accom- modate approximately 35% of the projected housing growth outside Urban Growth Areas to 2030 on lands designated for residential uses in the 32 existing Village Growth Areas, assuming that sufficient infrastructure is in place and regula- tions are adjusted to achieve the new target density. the years 2010, 2020, and 2030. That is, the total projected population growth for Lancaster County as a whole will not change, but munici- pal population projections will be redistributed to areas where new growth should occur, {e.g., Urban Growth Areas), and from areas where new growth should be limited {e.g., municipalities containing extensive Designated Rural Areas). 6.4.3 Growth Management Indicators The information provided in the Growth Track- ing System and the Population Targets can be combined with additional data, including those currently used in the Lancaster Community Indicators project, to form a set of Growth Management Indicators. The purpose of these indicators is to measure progress toward the goals of the Growth Management Update according to the Urban Growth Area and Rural Strategy goals identified in Chapters 4.0 and 5.0, as follows: 6.4.3.1 Urban Growth Area Strategy Goal: Direct more development into Designated Urban Growth Areas through reinvestment and new development that improves quality of life by respecting and reinforcing existing community forms and values. 1. Growth Management Indicators: • Proximity to population target inside Growth Areas • Total acres developed inside Growth Areas. • Number of building permits issued inside Growth Areas. • Average density of new residential devel- opment inside Growth Areas. • Number of municipalities using consis- tent planning methods to implement Urban Growth Areas. • Consistency between Act 537 Plans and Growth Areas. J5ah!U:t! ········ 111c Growth i'vlanagemenr Element 2. Urban Revitalization Indicators: • Vacancy rate for retail, office, and manu- facturing space. • Proximity to population target inside Core and General Reinvestment Areas 3. Housing Choice Indicators: • Improve ratio of housing types (multi- family and single family) • Number of building permit issued inside Village Growth Areas • Average density of new residential devel- opment outside Growth Areas • Average density of new residential devel- opment inside Village Growth Areas • Number of municipalities using consis- tent planning methods to implement Designated Rural Areas • Increase affordability factor (reduction in 2. Farmland Preservation Indicators: cost burdened households) 4. Economic Stability Indicators: • Change in per capita real estate tax capacity by type of municipality • Change in per capita commercial/indus- trial real estate tax capacity by type of municipality • Percentage of total assessed property value that is tax exempt • Meet employment targets for Urban Growth Areas-including Reinvestment Areas--and Rural Growth Areas 6.4.3.2 Rural Strategy Goal: Sustain a rural way of life by maintaining the integrity of agricultural, natural, and historic lands and resources and the viability of the rural economy. 1. Growth Management Indicators: • Proximity to population target outside Growth Areas • Total acres developed outside Growth Areas • Number of building permits issued out- side Growth Areas .B/l/aht,g ··-lhc Growth Managcmcnr Elcmenr • Total acres in agricultural use • Total acres of agricultural land preserved by permanent easement • Total acres convened out of agricultural use 3. Agricultural Heritage Indicators • Total number of farms selling produce directly to the public at roadside stands and farmers markets 4. Open Space Preservation Indicators • Total acres per capita of park land and open space available for public use • Total acres per capita of park land and open space permanently preserved 5. Water Quality Indicators • Miles of County streams listed as "Im- paired Waters" • Percentage of County streams maintain- ing "High Quality" and "Exceptional Value" designations • Number of municipalities that permit private on-lot wells and do not require regular testing 6.4.3.3 Urban and Rural Strategy Areas The following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the goals of both the Urban Growth Area and rural strategies: 1. Transportation/Traffic Congestion Indicators • Average time spent in daily "commute" from home to work • Ratio of registered vehicles to public road mileage • Vehicle miles traveled • Date from the MPO's Congestion Man- agement System 2. Alternative Forms ofTransportation Indicators • Number of employers with van or car pool incentives or programs. • Number of persons commuting to work alone • Annual transit ridership • Number of persons walking or biking to work 3. Historic Preservation Indicators: • Percent of buildings identified as historic that are subject to review before modifi- cation or demolition • Percent of resources, including buildings and sites, considered historic according to criteria described in the Lancaster County Cultural Heritage Element 4. Economic Sustainability Indicators • Number of jobs by occupation and industry sector • Dollar value of production by industry sectors 5. Work-Force Development Indicators • Total number of adults 25 and over with some form of post-secondary education 6. Regional Cooperation Indicators • Number of community projects that involve two or more municipalities or agencies In addition to these indicators, the Monitoring system should measure cooperation and Cross- Acceptance between municipalities and the Goals and Objectives of the Growth Management Update. Two methods of measuring Cross-Ac- ceptance are to: 1. Monitor the tools adopted by municipalities from the Smart Growth Toolbox 2. Conduct regular Smart Growth Audits to measure consistency This monitoring should occur approximately every five years. The five-year review period also coin- cides with how often the toolbox should be evalu- ated and updated for currency and effectiveness. A good example to utilize for the Monitor- ing System is the Chester County Landscapes Progress Report5• As part of the comprehensive planning process, a progress report is published every year to measure success toward the goals and objectives of the plan. The report monitors indicators similar to those listed above from the Lancaster Community Indicators Project. The progress report also keeps track of municipal membership in the Vision Partnership Program and grant recipients, as well as the results of municipal consistency review reports. The report also reviews the status of the plan func- tional elements, County implementing projects, municipal activities supporting Landscapes, regional planning efforts, and planning efforts in surrounding counties. Although the Land- scapes Progress Report is prepared annually, a progress report for the Lancaster County Growth Management Element may be more effective if 5 http://dsf.chesco.org/planning/lib/ planning/ pdf/tech_re- port04. pdf .Ea/a11Ct! ·-···· -llu! Growth 1\fanagcmcnr Elcmcnr published once every five years to provide time for the most tangible results. The results can be the basis for any needed changes to the Growth Management Element in the future to ensure Lancaster County remains on target in achieving and sustaining its Vision of a balanced communi- ty where urban and rural both thrive. 6.5 Conclusion The long-term Vision of Lancaster County is at risk if the current trend of scattered, low-density development in rural areas and suburban-style development patterns in Urban Growth Areas continue over the next 25 years. Full implemen- tation of this Update is necessary if we are to pre- serve Lancaster County's treasured resources and enhance our quality of life while at the same time accommodating projected growth and growing the local economy. J5/lhl1tt! ·········"I he Crowrh lv1anagcmcnr Ekmcnr This Implementation Plan contains resources and tools to carry the long-term Vision of Lancaster County forward. The Implementation Plan identifies an Action Program, a set of Smart Growth tools to enable the municipalities and the County to effectively implement the Goals and Objectives of the Urban Growth Area and Rural Strategies, and a Monitoring System which will report on the success of implementation on a 5-year basis through the year 2030. In order to fully execute the Implementation Plan, the Growth Management Update Task Force under the auspices of the LCPC will need to reorganize itself in preparation for execution of the Update. Once this takes place, the Imple- mentation Plan should proceed. Glossary of Key Terms A Act 537 Official Sewage Facilities Plan is re- quired for all municipalities by the Pennsylva- nia Sewage Facilities Act. Act 537 requires that all municipalities develop, revise, and implement Official Sewage Facility Plans. A fundamental part of this Act 537 Plan is the identification and documentation of the sewage disposal needs in a municipality. The purpose of this document is twofold: first, to provide methods that clearly identify and document existing wastewater disposal needs and second, to provide general guidance for summarizing and presenting the identified needs. Agricultural Security Areas are intended to promote more permanent and viable farming operations over the long term by strengthen- ing the farming community's sense of security in land use and the right to farm. Agricultural security areas are created by local municipalities in cooperation with individual landowners who agree to collectively place at least 250 acres in an agricultural security area. Agri-tainment is 'agri' culture plus enter'tainment.' Agri-tainment consists of en- tertainment attractions that provide additional sources of income to farmers. Today, the eco- nomic existence of many family farms is being threatened by the modern global agricultural economy. To offset the loss of traditional farm income; many farms are taking advantage of their unique nostalgic, rural and outdoor appeal by developing entertainment attractions. These options range from such strategies as U-pick-it or pick-your-own, petting zoos, hay rides children's play areas and children's discovery farms to desti- nation mazes, school field trips and unique eating destinations. Agri-tainment is also referred to as agritourism (See below.) Agritourism refers to tourism based on attract- ing visitors to farm operations. It is comprised of businesses such as crop and animal farms, U-pick operations, wineries, aquaculture and for-fee fishing operations, Christmas tree farms, herb J5111Ahtt' --'ll1c Crowth Managcmcm Elcmem farms and greenhouses, maple syrup and cheese producers, and farm stands. B Blue Ribbon Commission on Agriculture in Lancaster County was established by the Lancaster County Commissioners in 2005 to address the need to coordinate and formulate ef- fective and innovative ways to keep agriculture in Lancaster County, which represents at least 11 % of our economy. This commission was made up of a diverse group of leaders in the community representing various agricultural, academic and economic disciplines with diversity in education, culture and geography who sought innovative and successful ways to "Keep Lancaster County Farming. "The commission held a series oflisten- ing sessions around the county to hear the ideas of county residents get input on opportunities to ensure sustainable agriculture in the county. The Blue Ribbon Commission for Agriculture in Lancaster County has identified the top recom- mendations which, when implemented, will in- crease the likelihood that Lancaster County will have a strong and viable Agricultural Industry for future generations. Brownfields are real property, the expansion, re- development, or reuse of which may be compli- cated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. (US EPA definition) Blueway is a blueway is a network of canoeing and kayaking water trails (similar to a hiking trail for canoeists and kayakers). An ideal blueway includes an abundance of scenery and wildlife as well as easy access. Buildable Lands are those areas within Urban Growth Areas which have not yet been converted to an urban pattern and are not constrained from such development by environmental conditions. There are approximately 3 1,000 acres of Buildable Lands in Lancaster County's Urban Growth Areas. c Concentrated Building Area: Presently un- developed land within an Urban Growth Area . that has the physical characteristics and available infrastructure to accommodate more intense development. Concentrated Building Areas are Buildable Lands that can accommodate more intense development patterns due to the avail- ability of the following infrastructure: Utilities: Located within water and sewer service areas Access: Has ready vehicular access to the upper level transportation network and potential public transit service Concentrated Building Areas can accommodate high-density residential zoning by right, Mixed- Use Centers or a combination of both. Capital Improvements are permanent addi- tions to a community's physical assets including structures, infrastructure (sewer and water lines, streets), and other facilities such as parks and playgrounds. The cost of land acquisition, design, construction, renovation, demolition, and equip- ment are all included when calculating capital expenditures. Capital Improvements Planning: A multi-year (usually for five years) scheduling of public physi- cal improvements, based on studies of available fiscal resources. Capital Improvements Planning involves direct municipal capital expenditures for acquisition of land or infrastructure improve- ments. Capital Improvements planning deals with the purchase or construction, major repair, reconstruction or replacement of capital items such as: buildings, utility systems, roadways, bridges, parks, landfills, and heavy equipment which are of high cost and have a useful life of several years. Central Lancaster Region includes the mu- nicipalities that comprise the Central Lancaster Urban Growth Area: Lancaster City, Lancaster Township, East Lampe.ter Township, East Hemp- field Township, West Hempfield Township, Man- or Township, Manheim Township, Millersville Borough, Mountville Borough, East Petersburg Borough, Pequea Township, and West Lampeter Township. Cluster and Small Community Systems are two types of wastewater systems that could be appro- priate for rural settlements. Serving fewer than fifty residential properties, cluster systems can be owned and managed by homeowners associa- tion, owned by homeowners but managed by the municipality, or owned and managed by the mu- nicipality. Usually, an agreement is reached with the local government to assist in the management at a minimum. Small community systems serve fifty to several thousand residences and should be owned and operated by the municipality. A variety of alternative collection, treatment, and disposal methods are permitted by PA DEP, have been used in other rural Pennsylvania communi- ties, and can be considered on a case-by-case ba- sis to serve settlements in rural Lancaster County. Community Indicators, as applied toward the monitoring process in implementing the Growth Management Element, are numeric measures reflecting trends in growth and development, economic growth, resource preservation, and housing affordability. These indicators can be analyzed with respect to the goals and objectives to generally measure the success of the imple- mentation program. Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who become "share-holders" of the farm or garden. These share holders pledge in advance to cover the an- ticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production. Members also share in the risks of farming, in- cluding poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests. By direct sales to community members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing. Community Wastewater System is any system, whether publicly or privately owned, for the col- lection of sewage or industrial wastes of a liquid nature from two or more lots, and the treatment and/or disposal of the sewage or industrial waste on one or more of the lots or at any other site. .Bt1hl1t8 ·········"Hie Crowrh 1\fanagcmcnr Element Comprehensive Plan is a land use and growth management plan prepared by a municipal plan- ning commission and adopted by the governing body which establishes broad goals and criteria for municipaliry to use in preparation of its land use regulations. Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) is an animal feeding operation that also has more than 1,000 animal units, berween 301 and 1,000 animal units and that may or does discharge {to a surface water of the United States by one of the methods covered by federal regula- tions or has been designated a CAFO by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) on a case-by-case basis after inspection byUSEPA. Conditional Use is a use permitted in a particu- lar zoning district pursuant to the provisions in Article VI of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. Consistency Review is an internal review pro- cess to ensure the consistency of Comprehensive Plan elements and other Counry plans, projects, and funding programs with the Growth Man- agement Element. Crossroads Community: A compact gathering of generally 20 to 50 dwellings with a distinct identiry in a rural area, rypically at a crossroads. A Crossroads Communiry often has a central gathering place, and may have a few supporting commercial or public uses. Where appropriate these communities may be the focus for a limited amount of development as an alternative to rural sprawl. Only development that is compatible with the traditional character and small scale of these communities, and which is feasible to sup- port with rural infrastructure, should be permit- ted in these centers. The locations of Crossroads Communities identified in rhe 1997 Growth Management Element Update are shown on the Growth Management Framework Map. Cultural Heritage Resources include buildings, structures, objects, sites, districts, settlements, landscapes, historic cemeteries, historic roads, rural roads, cultural traditions, and archaeologi- cal resources. J5111AJu.t'' ·······-'Jhe Grnwth Managcmem E.lcmenr D Density: refers to the number of housing units allocated per unit of land. Gross Density refers to the average number of housing units allocated per gross unit of land {i.e. the total area within the deeded properry lines of the development site without exception and inclusive of streets, rights-of-way, etc.}. Net Density is determined by dividing the ag- gregate number of residential units within prop- erry lines by the total number of acres within the same properry lines. Because the land area measured is within residential property lines, all other lands such as streets, common open spaces, and utiliry rights-of-way are excluded from the acreage calculation. Designated Growth Area is a region described in a municipal or multi-municipal plan that has the following characteristics: • It is appropriate for future development and includes Lancaster Ciry, a borough, or village as a core. • Residential, mixed use, commercial, industrial, and institutional development is permitted or planned for. • Public infrastructure services are pro- vided or planned for with sufficient capaciry to carry the intended densiry and intensiry of development. Two rypes of Designated Growth Areas have been established to date in Lancaster Counry: Urban Growth Areas and Village Growth Areas. The Urban Growth Area Strategy focuses on Urban Growth Areas (Village Growth Areas and several other rypes of Rural Centers are addressed by the Rural Strategy}. Designated Rural Areas are areas within which rural resources, rural character, and a rural way- of-life are to be sustained. Three rypes of Rural Area designations are proposed for Lancaster Counry: Agricultural Areas, Agricultural with Natural Areas, and Natural Areas. Designated Agricultural Area: Land containing the greatest intensity of agricultural resources and uses within Lancaster County, which should be managed to preserve productive farmland, promote a healthy agricultural industry, and maintain scenic and historic rural landscapes. Designated Agricultural with Natural Area: Land containing agricultural resources and uses mixed with a significant proportion of envi- ronmentally sensitive resources, which should be managed to preserve productive farmland, promote a healthy agricultural industry, maintain scenic and historic rural landscapes, and protect natural resources. Designated Natural Area: Land with high scenic, recreational, and natural resource value, and land with environmental constraints such as steep slopes, wetlands, floodplains, etc., which should be managed to protect natural resources. Developed Lands are those sections of Urban Growth Areas that have previously been built in an urban or suburban pattern. These lands include Lancaster City, the boroughs, and built patterns, both older and more recently con- structed, within the townships. Developments of Regional Impact (DRis) are an important concept that should be used in implementing multi-municipal plans. In 2000 Pennsylvania amended the Municipalities Plan- ning Code (MPC) to enable municipalities to regulate "development of regional significance and impact," defined as follows : any land devel- opment that, because of its character, magnitude, or location will have substantial effect upon the health, safety, or welfare of citizens in more than one municipality. Dwelling Unit (See Housing Unit) E Effective Agricultural Zoning defines a mini- mum lot size viable for agricultural use, coupled with prohibitions on subdivisions and other development not related to agriculture. Environmentally Sensitive Resources include steep slopes, stream corridors, floodplains, wet- lands, and hydric soils. Exceptional Value Waters are surface waters of high quality which satisfy Chapter 93.4b (b) of the PA Code (relating to anti-degradation). F Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is a method of measur- ing the intensity of development for non-resi- dential purposes. The FAR is determined by dividing the total floor area of a building by the total net area of the site on which it is located. Functional Elements of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan focus on specific planning topics and include Cultural Heritage, Housing, Transportation, Water Resources, Regional Open Space, and Strategic Tourism Development Elements G General Building Area: Presently undeveloped land within an Urban Growth Area that has less available infrastructure (water, sewer, transporta- tion access) than Concentrated Building Areas and thus may not be appropriate for the highest intensity uses. Greyfields are aging strip malls and shopping centers. Greenway: A continuous corridor of open (green) space that is preserved and not developed (except for construction of walking/biking paths or utilities). Greenways are usually connected in a network of open space that links different activities and uses, offering benefits such as recre- ation, bicycle/pedestrian movement, and natural resource preservation. Growth Management Framework Map provides a generalized representation of the Councywide Vision as expressed in the key spa- .JJala11Ct! ··-······ 111c Growth Management Elem.::nr tial concepts described in Chapters 4.0 (Urban Growth Area Strategy) and 5.0 (Rural Strategy), respectively. This map is intended for use as a guide in more detailed planning and implemen- tation efforts. Growth Management Policy Framework de- fines the desired future of the County and poli- cies to achieve it as established under Revisions, the Policy Element of the County's Comprehen- sive Plan. Growth Targets for new development in Urban Growth Areas are identified in this Update. These targets have been expanded to address employment uses and Reinvestment Areas. They are intended as countywide targets for growth management and tracking purposes; actual buildout at the local level is expected to vary based upon conditions within individual Urban Growth Areas. Growth Management Indicators can be used to measure broad progress in achieving the goals and objectives of the Growth Management Ele- ment. These indicators rely on data from the Growth Tracking Report, Population Targets, and the Lancaster County Community Indica- tors Project. H High Quality Waters are surface waters having quality which exceeds levels necessary to sup- port propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on the water by satisfying Chapter 93.4b(a) of the PA Code. Historic Resources include villages and cross- roads communities, rural landscapes, buildings, and cultural traditions. Housing Unit is a residential property. It can be either a single-family owned or rented unit or a multi-family unit that is owned or rented such as a condominium or apartment, respectively. Housing types consist of single-family detached, semi-detached/townhomes, and multi-family units . .J5Alaht.! ··-·· lhc Crowt.h Managcmcnr ~lcmcnr Infrastructure is the basic facilities and equip- ment necessary for the effective functioning of a community, such as the means of providing water service, sewage disposal, electric and gas connections, and the street network. Transporta- tion, water supply, and wastewater disposal are key infrastructure systems. Intensity: The degree to which land is used, gen- erally measured by a ratio of the type of land use to the amount ofland devoted to that use. K Key Focus Areas are priorities identified by the public and incorporated into Revisions, the Policy Element of the Lancaster County Com- prehensive Plan. The six Key Focus Areas are: 1. Protecting and preserving our natural and cultural heritage 2. Revitalizing our urban communities 3. Developing livable communities 4. Creating a sustainable economy 5. Celebrating, investing in, and mobilizing the talents of our human resources 6. Promoting strong leadership, awareness, responsibility, and involvement in com- munity issues L LancasterProspers is a strategic plan for county- wide economic development completed by the Economic Development Company (EDC) of Lancaster County and the EDC Finance Corpo- ration in 2003. The plan has the following pur- poses: to identify the critical challenges threaten- ing Lancaster County's prosperity, to develop a new economic vision for Lancaster, and to create a countywide economic development strategy to serve as a roadmap for the region's future. M Mixed-Use: Refers to development projects or zoning classifications that provide for more than one use or purpose within a shared building or development area. Mixed-use allows the integra- tion of commercial, retail, office, medium to high-density housing, and in some cases light in- dustrial uses. These uses can be integrated either horizontally or venically in a single building or structure. Mixed-Use Center is a concentrated area of development within an Urban Growth Area that has a designated primary use indicating the pur- pose of the center while permitting and encour- aging a range of other complementary uses. It has a limited and bounded area of high intensity relative to the surrounding lands. Mixed-Use Centers include, but are not limited to, Housing Mixed-Use Centers, Employment Mixed-Use Centers, and Retail Mixed-Use Centers. • Retail Mixed-Use Center is intended to prevent a pattern of continuous roadside retail by concentrating general retail activity in designated centers. The primary use in Retail Mixed-Use Centers is General Retail. The secondary uses are residential, transient residential, employment, parking (including Struc- tured parking), and open space. The minimum intensity of development for Retail Mixed Use Centers should be a square footage of general retail that is equal to 75% of total building coverage (not including structured parking} • Housing Mixed-Use Center will have residential as its primary use and local retail, institutions, employment, and open space as secondary uses. The mini- mum spatial requirements are the 50% of the land area be devoted to residential use and 10% of the land area be devoted to open space . The minimum.intensity of residential development should be: 15 Dwelling Units (DU)/ Acre. • Employment Mixed-Use Center will have employment as its primary use and residential, transient residential, food service, retail and services supporting the primary use, institutional, parking, (including structured parking), and open space as secondary uses. The minimum intensity of non-residential develop- ment should be a Net Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for primary uses (not including structured parking):-1.0 Multi-Municipal Plan is a plan developed and adopted by any number of contiguous munici- palities, including a joint municipal plan as au- thorized by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Plan- ning Code, except that all of the municipalities participating in the plan need not be contiguous if all of them are within the same school district. N Natural Area is land with high scenic, recreational, and natural resource value and land unsuitable for development due to environmen- tal constraints such as steep slopes, wetlands, floodplain, etc. Natural Areas should be permanently protected and incorporated into an open space/greenway network that extends inside and outside of Urban Growth Areas. Natural Gems are high priority preservation areas of Lancaster County identified by the Lancaster County Conservancy based upon GIS analysis of seven environmental attributes: water bodies, wetland, forestland, grassland, geologic features, plants, animals, and adjacency to other preserved tracts. 0 On-Lot Disposal System is a system of piping, tanks or other facilities serving a single lot and collecting and disposing of sewage in whole or in part into the soil. On-Lot Disposal System Ordinances protect public health from diseases, prevent future sew- age treatment problems, and protect the quality of surface water and groundwater that can result from malfunctioning on-lot treatment systems . .Bah111:t! -······· 1he Growth ;\fanagcmenr Element p Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) empowers cities of the second class A, and third class, boroughs, incorporated towns, townships of the first and second classes includ- ing those within a county of the second class and counties of the second class through eighth classes, individually or jointly, to plan and govern their development. Population Targets represent a recommended redistribution of the projected, countywide population growth from Rural Areas to Urban Growth Areas for the years 2010, 2020, and 2030. That is, the total projected population growth for Lancaster County as a whole was not changed, but municipal population projections were redis- tributed to areas where new growth should occur, (e.g., Urban Growth Areas), and from areas where new growth should be limited (e.g., municipali- ties containing extensive Designated Rural Areas). The outcome of these calculations was translation of the municipal population projections to new preliminary targets that result in 85% of the countywide population increase and new housing units occurring in Urban Growth Areas. Prime Farmland is agricultural land that contains soils of the first, second or third class as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource and Conservation Service's county soil survey. Probable Future is a depiction of the pattern of future development in Lancaster County if the 1994-2002 land development patterns were to continue through 2030. It is presented in terms of the acreage needed (land demand) inside and outside growth areas to accommodate projected new housing units, commercial and industrial employment, and other (institutional/public) uses if the expected growth were to be accommo- dated in the same physical patterns as occurred from 1994 to 2002. Public Infrastructure Services include sanitary sewers and facilitates for the collection and treat- ment of sewage, water lines and facilitates for the pumping and treating of water, parks and open space, streets and sidewalks, public transporta- tion and other services that may be appropri- ated within a growth area, but shall exclude fire protection and emergency medical services and any other service required to protect the health an safety of residents. Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) is a voluntary program typically used by governmen- tal jurisdictions to maintain land in agricultural or conservation uses by compensating private landowners for the value of the development rights on the property. PDRs allow properties to remain in private ownership without being developed in the future. R Redevelopment: Refers to public and/or private investment made to re-create the fabric of an area, replacing old buildings or structures with new ones. Redevelopment can help to meet market needs for residential and/or commercial development in older parts of the Town, but needs to be carefully managed. Reinvestment means building within Developed Areas by recycling abandoned or underutilized properties, by converting existing buildings to new uses (e.g., factories to lofts), by revitalizing older areas (e.g., traditional shopping districts), and by developing infill properties. Developed Areas include two types of Reinvestment Areas, Core Reinvestment Areas and General Reinvest- ment Areas, which are defined as follows. • Core Reinvestment Areas include Lancaster City and the boroughs. They are the focus of a Reinvestment Strategy directed toward sustaining the quality of life in older communities by maintain- ing sound neighborhoods, viable local retail centers, expanded employment opportunities, sound institutions, and public places, all supported by a growing tax base. • General Reinvestment Areas are Devel- oped Areas within Urban Growth Areas that are located outside the Core Rein- vestment Areas. General Reinvestment Areas can also participate in the benefits . .. of the Reinvestment Strategy. However, many of the more recent developments fall into this land category. Therefore, the capacity for reinvestment in terms of abandoned and underutilized properties or properties available for conversion is not as high as in the Core Reinvestment Areas. ReVisions is the adopted Policy Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan. Right-to-Farm Law provides a defense to nuisance actions if: the agricultural operation has been operating lawfully without a complaint for one year or more prior to the time when the operation is claimed to be a nuisance; or the agricultural operation has adopted and is operat- ing in compliance with an approved nutrient management plan. The policy behind the Right to Farm Law is to reduce the loss of agricultural resources by limiting the circumstances under which agricultural operations may be the subject of nuisance suits and ordinances. The RTF Law helps to protect farmers from newcomers who want to challenge the way farmers have operated. The RTF Law provides farm families with a sense of security that farming is a valued and accepted activity in their communities. Riparian Buffers are strips of grass, shrubs, and/ or trees along the banks of rivers and streams fil- ter polluted runoff and provide a transition zone between water and human land use. Buffers are also complex ecosystems that provide habitat and improve the stream communities they shelter. Riparian buffers help catch and filter out sedi- ment and debris from surface runoff. Depending upon the width and complexity of the buffer, 50-100% of the sediments and the nutrients at- tached to them can settle out and be absorbed as buffer plants slow sediment-laden runoff waters. Wider, forested buffers are even more effective than narrow, grassy buffers. Rural Business Areas are existing developed areas with undeveloped lots or the potential to expand or add uses where additional develop- ment could be accommodated rather than sprawled throughout the rural areas. A Rural Business Center would be established through infill and, as appropriate, limited expansion of the existing use(s). Examples include clusters of industrial, commercial, employment, or service uses; concentrations of recreational or tourist uses; and mixes of these uses. Rural Neighborhoods are areas of existing residential development or subdivisions with undeveloped lots or adjacent land that would be appropriate to accommodate a portion of a township's future land use needs. The purpose of Rural Neighborhoods is to focus future residential development in areas where it already exists, on land that is currently subdivided, or on land adjacent to or between existing subdivi- sions. Rural Neighborhoods should be limited in scope and developed in a compact pattern with a defined edge. Rural Neighborhoods are not intended to attract growth, but to accommodate growth that would otherwise occur as rural sprawl in a compact area. Rural Neighborhoods will be designated and land use targets set on a case-by-case basis through municipal and multi-municipal plan- ning processes. Rural Centers are a new concept for managing growth in rural Lancaster County introduced in this 2005 Growth Management Element Update. Rural Centers are areas of existing development to which new development not directly related to the rural economy and rural way-of-life is to be directed that otherwise would occur as scattered sprawl in Designated Rural Areas. Four types of Rural Center are proposed: Village Growth Areas as presently designated through municipal and multi-municipal planning processes and three new types to be identified on a case-by- case basis by municipal officials -Crossroads Communities, Rural Business Areas, and Rural Neighborhoods. Rural Centers are not intended to stimulate growth in rural areas, but rather to "capture" development that would otherwise oc- cur as "rural sprawl." Rural Economy refers to the economic/busi- ness activities supported by Lancaster County's rural areas. The predominant uses relate to rural land, including agriculture; other resource-based economic activities such as timbering, mining, and hydroelectric power generation; and outdoor recreation and tourism based upon natural, scenic, .Ea/a11tt! ········· 111c Growth JV1anagcmcnr Element historic, and cultural resources, rural enterprises such as light manufacturing, and local retail uses catering to the needs of rural residents. The agricultural industry is the sector most important to the Rural Strategy because of its physical extent (approximately 63% of the land in the County is in agricultural use), significance in the overall economy (it represents approximately 11 % of output from all economic sectors in the County), and because of the value placed on farmland preservation by the citizens of Lancaster County. It includes both farming and the farm-support busi- nesses and related infrastructure that are necessary to maintain a viable agricultural base. Rural Enterprises are light manufacturing facili- ties which are located both on and off farms in rural parts of the County. Rural Residential Zoning provides for develop- ment of residential units on a minimum lot size of one acre up to a maximum of 10 acres, which has been generally recognized as the minimum farm size. Rural Resource-Based Tourism focuses on are large rural and natural landscapes, generally outside of established Urban Growth Areas. Preservation of the natural, cultural, and historic resources of these areas is paramount. The towns and villages within these designated landscapes could serve as gateways for interpretation and provide limited visitor services and facilities. The types of attractions and services most appropriate for these sensitive landscapes include agri-and eco-tourism based opportunities included but not limited to B&B's, country inns, farm stays, farm markets and roadside stands, wineries, outfitter services, campgrounds, scenic roads, and bicycle routes Rural Strategy places a new emphasis on sus- taining the connection of Lancastrians to rural land and resources through implementation of a comprehensive strategy at the countywide and municipal levels. The purpose of the Rural Strategy is to maintain for future generations the resources and traditional ties to the land that define Lancaster County's rural character. J5111Ahtt' ·······The Crowth Management Elcmcm s Service Area is a designated area where public sewer or water services are currently provided or planned for the future and outside of which such public infrastructure services will not be planned for or provided. Service Delivery Facilities are physical sites from which County, State, and Federal public and social services are provided to residents of Lancaster County, or which serve as a home-base of operations for services which are provided in the field by County, State and Federal employees. Sense of Place is the sum of attributes of a locality, neighborhood, or property that give it a unique and distinctive character. Smart Growth Smart Growth sustains the local economy, enhances the character, vitality, and liv- ability of the community, maintains or improves the quality of the environment. In Lancaster County, Smart Growth is growth that enhances our quality of life, is based on a solid growth management strategy, and is defined according to six Key Focus Areas. Smart Growth Audit is a process to evaluate the consistency of local and regional comprehensive plans, Act 537 plans, ordinances, etc. with the Growth Management Element of the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan. Smart Growth Toolbox describes the most innovative and effective policy, regulatory, and capital investment tools available to municipali- ties and the County. The Smart Growth Toolbox initiated in this Update will be developed into a web-based application for ease of use by munici- palities. The toolbox will include web links to resources such as the Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) Transporta- tion (PennDOT), Community and Economic Development (DCED), etc. Special Exception a use permitted in a particular zoning district pursuant to the provisions of Ar- ticles VI and IX of the Pennsylvania Municipali- ties Planning Code. Specific Plan is a detailed plan for nonresidential development of an area covered by a municipal or multi-municipal comprehensive plan, which when approved and adopted by the participating municipalities through ordinances and agree- ments supersedes all other applications. Steep Slopes range from 15 to 35% and above. Steep slopes pose significant constraints for both agriculture and urban development. Much of Lancaster County's forested land coincides with steep slope areas. T Traditional Neighborhood Development is an area of land developed for a compatible mixture of residential units for various income levels and nonresidential commercial and workplace uses, including some structures that provide for a mix of uses within the same building. Residences, shops, offices, workplaces, public buildings, and parks are interwoven within the neighborhood so that all are within relatively close proximity to each other. Traditional neighborhood develop- ment is relatively compact, limited in size and oriented toward pedestrian activiry. It has an identifiable center and a discernible edge. The center of the neighborhood is in the form of a public park, commons, plaza, square or promi- nent intersection of two or more major streets. Generally, there is a hierarchy of streets laid out in a rectilinear or grid pattern of interconnecting streets and blocks that provides multiple routes from origins to destinations and are appropriately designed to serve the needs of pedestrians and vehicles equally. Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) is a regulatory technique designed to protect sensitive land areas by allowing the development rights on properties in such areas ("sending zones"} to be transferred to properties in designated "receiving zones," which are allowed to be developed at a higher density than otherwise would be permit- ted by the underlying zoning. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is one of the products that the federal legislation requires a Metropolitan Planning Organization to prepare at least every two years. The purpose of the TIP is to list transportation projects for which federal funding will be sought over a three-year pe- riod. The TIP should reflect the region's priorities, represent a consensus among state and regional officials, show a direct relationship to the regional transportation plan, be financially constrained, and conform with federal air quality regulations as they relate to transportation. Treasured Resources are the natural, archi- tectural, cultural, and historic resources which help to define Lancaster County's rich heritage. Specific examples include the traditional archi- tecture, historic properties, and historic districts designated in some of the older communities which contribute to the strong sense of place. As a pattern of denser development occurs in the Urban Growth Areas not only must these treasured places be preserved within the changing form but new ones with a distinctive sense of place should be created. For example, a wooded area set aside as open space may be even more treasured in an emerging environment, where it affords a rare and precious contrast with its new urban surroundings. Similarly, historic buildings can be integrated into contemporary develop- ment patterns through adaptive reuse. u Urban Growth Area: An area that is designated as appropriate for future development and in- cludes a city or borough at its center, developed portions of townships, and enough development capaciry to meet future land use needs over a 25-year period without constraining the develop- ment market. Development in Urban Growth Areas should be provided with a full range of public infrastructure and services, including both public sewer and public water service. Residential development in Urban Growth Areas should occur at an average net density of 7.5 dwellings per acre and non-residential development should occur at intensities which maximize the use of land and infrastructure. Urban Growth Areas are J51-1/a1u:t1--··111c Crowth 1\fanagcmcnr Element given official standing by their incorporation on Future Land Use Maps and through adoption in County and local comprehensive plans. Urban Growth Area Strategy focuses on direct- ing more development into designated Urban Growth Areas through reinvestment and new development that improves the quality oflife by respecting and reinforcing existing community forms and values. The objectives of the Urban Strategy are to 1. Make currently designated Urban Growth Areas sufficient to accommodate projected growth to 2030 by increasing the density and intensity of develop- ment to meet the new targets set in this Update. 2. Encourage development patterns in Urban Growth Areas that are compatible with existing character, promote livable communities, and focus on Mixed-Use Centers as defined in the Urban Growth Area Strategy. 3. Promote Reinvestment that comple- ments the existing physical and social fabric in Developed Areas within Growth Areas. 4. Provide for housing choice and afford- ability through a variety of smart growth planning tools and techniques. v Village Growth Area is an area that is desig- nated as appropriate for future development and includes a traditional village core, adjacent devel- oped portions of a township, and additional land to absorb a portion of a township's future land use needs over a 25-year period while maintain- ing village scale, character, and a defined edge. Development in Village Growth Areas should be provided with public sewer and/or public water service where appropriate and feasible. The target net density for residential development in Village Growth Areas is 2.5 units/ acre, on average. Non- residential development should occur at intensities which are compatible with the character of the Village. Both residential and non-residential development should be designed to be compatible with and complement the traditional, pedestrian- J511tAhtt' ········· lhc Crowt:h Manar.cmcnr Elcmcnr friendly character of the village through features such as grid street patterns, sidewalks, buildings pulled to the street with parking behind, and com- patible architectural scale and mass. The Growth Management Framework Map il- lustrates Village Growth Areas that are presently designated by Lancaster County municipalities. It also indicates the locations of villages identi- fied in the 1997 Growth Management Element Update that have not been designated as Village Growth Areas. These villages should be consid- ered for Village Growth Area designation in mu- nicipal and multi-municipal planning processes. w Wellhead Protection is a pollution prevention and management program used to protect under- ground based sources of drinking water. z Zoning: Regulatory mechanism through which a municipality regulates the location, size, and use of properties and buildings. Zoning regulations are intended to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the community, and to lessen congestion, prevent overcrowding, avoid undue concentration of population, and facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sew- age, schools, parks, and other public services. II Table 8-1: Urban Growth Area Strategy-Key 'TooJs Goal: Direct more development into designated Urban Growth A.reas through reinvestment ;;1nd new development that improves quality of life by respecting and reinforcing existing community forms and values. Objective 1: Make currently designated Urban Growth Areas sufficient tQ accommodate projected growth to 2030 by increasing the density and intensity of development. Key PolicylPlanning Tools: 1'-1. ~~1' ~7Plannlng l.-2. Build-Out Analysis h3~ Qagifa:l lmQrovemen,t ··rog(am l>escripti,on Requires maintain d approxima e.v-ery five to.ten years) wastewater facilities plaps - indioating when and where ~blict, "'a;Stewater tacilitie$ And po:va\~ on-lot systeJTJ§ w:m be provided'~ Process by which a community tests out its existing regulations to analyze its possible ·future when all land, both vacant and redevelopable, is developeq to the maximum extent allowed under law. A m4lti .. ye~r plan adopti'd :O,y a municipalify th Ell sCh.ecf1..1Jes all planned expenditutes on infrastr:uctore and other oapttaf impmvemegts,, Inoluping,,PossiRl~ ljnan~ing coptigns. Warwick Township -Buildout Analysis • OCEO -Land Use Planning and Technical Assistancf! Program (LUPTAP) http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?type1D=2 • DCEO ,. Local Municipal RfJSQurces and Development Progrl!m (LMRDP) http://www.newpa.com./programFinder.aspx?typetD=2 Table B-1 : Urban Growth Area Str'C:\tegy-Key Tools 1-4. Comprehensive Planning 1-5, Muftf.r\/tunicipal Planning A decision-making tool for officials and citizens in guiding future growth and developmen1 on a long range (20-30 years) pl·anning horizon. The comprehensive plan includes a plan for land use, housing , transportation, economic development. natun1t and cultural resources, etc. Community visioning is an essential element of com rehensive tannin . A plan developed and adopteq bj afl}' nurnoer ,af contiguous m4nic1eat(ties, rncladh~g joiflt municil?al plan as auf y the MPC, exi ' municlpaliti~s ~ pfqn neecf not be co ous, if au of them are within 1he:same school disfri.ct. • Ephrata Borough Comprehensive Plan .. DCED • Land' Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUFYrAP) http:J/www.newpa.com/pfogramFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCED -L.oca/ Municipal .Resources and t>evetopmen( Program (LMRPPJ http://www.newpa .Mm/programFinder.asoX?tvpelD=2 Table B-1: Urban Growth Area Strategy-Key Tools 1-6. Official Ma~ 1-7, Ur:ban GroWth Areas " Tools; i -8. Incentive Zoning Official document adopted by a municipality that maps eXisting and proposed streets, pedestrian easements, open space and other public lands or easements. The adopted map officially reserves the land for future public purpose. Land within Urban Growth Areas is targeted to absorb 85% of all residential devetoprqent and 66% of all employlJlerll in ltle CotiritY Residentral densities o:f ~tteasi., 7 }S units per net acre are targeted for Urba.n Growth Areas and 2:5 units per net acre for Village Growth Areas. Growth Areas are also. target~d for planne'd infrastructure (roads, water, a11<;t sewer) improvements to guide rowth into these areas. Developers are encouraged to develop smart. growth .projects, including infill development, adaptive reuse, mixed use, and • Strasburg Borough Official Map (2002) • East Cocalico Township Official Map .see Table 4-1. Adopted Urbal'I Growth ~ea:; • MountJoy Borough • Lancaster County Transportation Grants Program http;//www .. lancastercountyheritaqe.com/planning/cwp/vi ew.asp?a=3&q=268796:#TabJe • DCED -Land' Us.e Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP) http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCED .. Local Municipal Resources and Development Program (LMRDP) htt :/lwww.new a,com/ ro ramFlnder.as x?t elD=.2 • DC:ED<· Land Use P,Jan11ing andT~hnlt;al AsSistance P(!>fJRlm (LUPTAP} hftp';//www.newpg,WffilprQSJram'Fiader.asex?typefD=2 • Dt;;pD>-Local Mf.micj~l.~~urc;es iVJd Ojve/opmentT'rQ!Jtam (l..IWRDP/ htto;//www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?tvpefD=2 • DCED -Land Vse Planning an'd Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP) http://www.newpa.com/programF.inder.aspx?typelD=2 Table 8-1: Urban Growth Area Strategy -Key Tools providing a percentage of • DCED ·• Local Mu.nicipal Resources and affordable tiousing through Development Prqgram (LNIRDP) incentives such as density hf1p:/lwww.newpa.com/programF-ii1der.aspx?typelD=2 bonuses, relaxation Of parking and other development standards, fee waivers , etc. 1-~. Increased Height Zoning re_gulatfons \hqt:~Jlow ror +' QG@ .. 4t11dQ~elj1f11Jing:'iJf!!1ciTechnicaJ Limits higher Mifdfng heights tO' intreas~ ~1Sfanct P'91Jl/ftrl (LJJPFN& density and encourag&growth 1n htt~/1WWW.liewoa.oom/i:!rQgramFmder.as12l?t~oe10=2 reinvestment areas. • DCED -Loc;al M"nicipal Resources and De11elopment ProgRl.m (LMRDPI ·~-""" htf-e:;f/www.newgs.:com/~rogramFmder .. asw@v~ffl=2 1 10, Innovative I • DCED • Land Use Planning and Technical f Jexible Zoning Assish1nce Program (LUPTAPJ http://www.newpa:com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCED -Local Municipal Resources and Devefopment Program (LMRDPJ 1l~Q:{Jwww,new12i.CO!D/12rogrna1Finder.as12x?t)lQeJD=2 • Conservation Allows sutxlivision of smaller lot • West Cocalic;:o Development sizes than typically alfowed with a Township minimum open space requirement (usl!ally 50%) and protection of natural resources. Tab'e B-1 : Urban Growth Area Strategy-Key Tools • Better Site A package of environmentally· • East. Hempfield • Builder$ for thft Bay Design (13SD) sensitive development techniques Township h«n~l/WWW.bliildersforthe,bay ,net. that can help reduce the • West Hempf(eld environmental impacts of new Township commercial and residenti.al • Manor Township developments. The 22 model development principles that make • Lancastercounty up BSD are fha product of Hie Planning Center for Watershed Pr-otection's Commission 1991 National Site Planning • Building Industry Roundtable. Associ~tion Qf Lancaster County •Form Based Codes that limit regulation to • Ephrata-Borough Development building type rather than use. Retail Overtay Codes Emphasis is placed on design District compatibility standards to reflect neighborhood scale, parking • LouisYille-standards, and pedestrian Jefferson County, accessibility. KY • Plann ed Zoning tool that allows developers • City of Lancaster Residential greater flexibility by removing -J=.leXible Development many conventional zoning Residential (PRO) restrictions. encouraging large-Development scale developments that Option incorporate a variety offand uses • East Cocalico and provide a full range or Township vmage residenfial types to serve the Overt,ayZon~ residents of the districts, Table B-1 : Urban Growth Area Strategy-K'ey Tools • R1.Jpho Township v\llijge ·overlay zone • Traditional Type of development reg~tations • West ~amMter Neighborhood that allow for compact N~ighborhocid Development neighborhoods With Oe5ign interconnected streets, small Ordinance setbacks, sidewalks, and a central • Waiwick mixed-use core of community Township village facilities. Overlay Zone • Manoi; Township Planned F<.esrdential Oevetopmerit ordinance .. Transit Oriented Sim!lar development pattern to • Eliiabetntown • Penn/JOT -Tral1$PQrtation E,nlumcements program Development Traditional Neighborhood aorough ftQ:l/ftf!.dot:state.f:.!a.ysl~ublic/Buceaus/C.Ddm/WEB/HTS Development, with development Moµnt ;Joy %20-%2()SRTS; TEr.2005-0~.0<:lf concentrated within lS-mile. of a Borough • FHWA-TEA•.21 transit node. ·htt~:l!www.fhwa:dot.gov/tea21 /ihde.x.htm • Ff A • Transit Planning and Research hl1R~l/12.46.245.1 131R1s/11Qrtal30/CA1'ALOG.PROGRAM T EXT R:PT.SHOW'll2 ru:g 11a1:1tes=;12tog 11bt&Q arg values=2 0.5'14 Table 8·1: Urban Growth Area Strategy-Key Tools 1-11, Mini-Max Zoning Sets minimum as well as maximum density requirements, 1-12. Mixed-Use Zoning Allows a mix of residential, commercial , and employment uses in close proximity, allowing more convenient access to services and promoting walkability. 1-i.3. Specific Plans 1-14. Transfer of Development Rights A detailed plan for nonre-sideniial development of an area covered by a municipal, multt-municip~I. or county comprellensive plan, wlii~h WheJl c:ipproved "and acjopted by the pa iftelpating. 'municipalities thro4gh ordinan~$ end agreementssupe~edes all othe applications. Zoning tool that directs growth to preferred locations (UGA's) through the sale and purchase of development rights. Development • City of Lancaster -Mixeq .. Use District •Manheim Township; •Warwick Townshi ; • DCED .. Land Use Planniqg itnd Tcechnical' Assis,tanc~ Program (LUPTAPJ http;//www.newpa.com/proaramFinder.aspx?type1D=2 • DCED ·Local MUnl~l~esodn:es and Development Progtitm (LMROP) hitp:J{www.newpa.com/brooramF.inder.aspx?typeJD=2 • DCED -Land Use Planning· and Technical Assistance Program (L,UPTAPJ http;//www.newpa.com/programFJnder.aspx'.?lvpelD=2 • DCED -Local Municipal Resoarces and Development Program (LMRDPJ http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DC,PD .. Land U$BJ'lanniog and Te~Jznlcal A;ssJmnce Progra11f.(LUPTAP) tlttp:l/www.newpa.cornlprogramFinder.aspX?typelD=2 • DCED • LQ(:al Munlc;ipal Resgurces and ~VJJ/op~nt Rr~ (bl!flRpHJ http:llw:Ww.newpa.<:om/pr<mramFrntter.asm?!typelD=r2 • DCED -Land Use Planning and Technical AssiStance Program (LUPTAPJ http://WWW.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCED-Local Munici I Resources and Table B-1: Urban Growth Area Strategy-Key Tools rights are established for a given piece of land and can be separated from the title ofthat property. These rights can then be transferred to from a Resource- Based Rural Area to a UGA or between locations within a UGA. Key Capital Investment Description Too&! 1-15. Strategrc Infrastructure· i mprovements Promotes economic development by investing in monicipaflregional infrastructure proje~ that attraa new busin~sses, such as road improveme · s, sewer and watef supply, 1echnology infrastructure (cell towers. fiber optics), transit etc. •' West Hempfield Township • Op~r Leacock; Township 5 and 1oy~arRoad Maintem:\fl9' Ff("9gram Development Program (LMRDPJ http;//www .newpa.com/programFihder-.aspx?typelD=2 • Lanca$tef County Tnmsporta.tlon Grants P1ogram bttp://Www.lancastercountyberitage.comlplanning/,ewptvi ew.asp?a1=3&q=2$879§#Table • DCED,-ColJ!munity,Revftal/u.tf91J l!rQlllilffJ (CRP) http:/Jwww.newpa . .com/proaramFinder.asp~ypelD=2 • DCED -<U~n Development Program (UDPJ httr;Vtwww.newpa.comtpfoaramAndetasoxztypelD=2 • DCI;D .... 8qslness In Oµr Sites Br.fnts and Leans t!Up:l~newpaJi<>W/Prow:amm~~er.aspx?typel0:3 11 DOED -lnfrastrucwre Development Program http:/Jwww.rtewpa.com/proaramFinder.aspx7tvpelD53 • PenqDOT -TtifflSR,Orfi!tion Enhancements Program I Hometown Stre&t$1&1fe Routes to School gp:l£fft<191:§!Sl!e.Qa.9.§!pubfic/BuFeaus/CQdmM/EB/HTS %20: 20S TS-TE.-2005.ae. r IJ • US DOC -Gran• for Public Works and Economlc- Develoentent Facilities bftp:t/11.'46.24'5.1 ;r3tpfsloortal307CATALOG.PROGRAM TEXT RPT .SHQWln am names=proa nbr&p am va 1ut~s=11 300 -. FTA -Federal Trans!f.t Capital lnyestme(),t Grants http://12.46'.245.113/plsloortal3'0/CAT ALOG.PROGRAM TEXT RPT.SHOW1p ard' names=proo br&p arg va ll..le~Q.,500 • FTA iransltRlantilng and Research tf,AA!/112.4§.245.173/p!sfPflrtal30/CA T ALOG.PROGRAM TEXT _ RPT.SHOW?Q am names=prog nbr&p arg va rues=20.514 Objective 2: Encourage development patterns in Urban Growth Areas that are compatible with existing character, promote livable communities, and focus on Mixed-Use Centers as defined in the Urban Growth Area Str.ategy. Key Polley/Planning Tools: 1-16. Capital Jmprovemenr Planning 1-17. Historic Preservation Planning De,scription See 1-3 above. In coordination with Lancaster County's Cultural Heritqg'e Pla.11, identifies sites and buildings of • PHMC -Certified Local Government Grant Program http:/Jwww.artsnet.om/phrnc/grants.htm • PHlfllC -Keystone Historic Preservation Grant historic significance for preservation, including application. of historic district ordinances, rehabilitation grants, and federal tax incentives. 1~18. Lano Use & PJan to oQuide Mure Jan:d use and Transportatfon associated transportation nf!eds Corridor Planning (access points, sidewalk improvements, etc.) in atl existing corridor. i ' 1; I ' l • • • -• • .. • • Program http:/twww.artsnet.om/ptimc/ar.ants.htm PHMC • Pennsylvania History and Museum Grant Progtam http:/fwww.artsnet.om/phmc/grants.htm US NPA -Save America's Treasures http:/11.2 .46.24S.173/pls/portal30/CAT ALOG.PROGRAM TEXT RPr.sHOW?p arg names=prog nbr&p arg va lues=.1-5. 929 DCED -Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP) . http://WwW.newpa.com/program Findet.aspx?tyEffllD= l L:am;aster Co,t111ty Transpoltidio.ff Grants E'ft!fgt8m htto:tlwwW.lancasteroounijherttage,comfDfanningtcwp/yi ew.aso:?a=3&g=2681QS#Tabre PertoDOT-Tra1J$pprtatlqn EQ"'ancemeots:' prognqy I JIOJPetoWn SUeefs/Safe R"ou(j$ to Schqpl U,p:lltte.dotstate.pa.uslpublic/Bureaus/C,pclm/\IVEB/HT§ %20..%2<JSBJ'.S::re:~2oe5:0@.l)df DCED ·Land Use P'lannlng andTechnicaJ Assistance Pt:9fltam (Ll.IPTAPJ ljttp!l/www.11!WQ1.COm/programFinder.asp&?tvQ!ID= t DCED .. Local Municipal Resources and Development PtogRlm (LMRDP) bltp'./IW\\ ~ ,rie»\Jl.a.cotn!Pmgra1nfigdcr.asp,x'ltvoolD-'=2; FH'«,A-TEA•21 http;/~r1tJwa.dot.gey/te321linde>e.htm 1-19. Official Map l-20. Open Space Planning See 1-6 above. Rrovides a framework for future growth by prioritizing where_ open sppce shoutcl b~ ~ed (q:g. where open space shoulti be available for development. • Lancaster County Transportation Grants Program http:/twww.lancastercounfyheritage.com/planningfcwp/v\ ew.asp?a=3&g=2§8796#Table • PennDOT -Transportation Enhancements Program I Hometown Streets/Safe Routes to SchQO/ ftp:/fttp.dot.state.pa.us/public/Bureaus/Cpdm/WEB/HTS .%20-%20SRTS-TE-2005-06.pdf • DCED -Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program [LUPTAP) .http:/twww.newpa·,com/pr.ogramFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCED -Local Municipal Resources and Developmem Pr-ogram {LMRDP) http:L/www.newpa.co.m/programFinder.aspx?type~D=2 • L:abcast~ Coo~ Com unlty:Parks lolt1ati.ve Grant Prograr;n p,a~.a, J. °Kadel -~el~co,tanr.a;;ter._M.lJS, • DCNR;· r;.ommdiiify onservatlon PattnetShip,s P¥O.IJ!Bm bt@/twww.dcnr.slate.oa,us/growinggreener/gg- grants.aspx • Q,CED-J:.an~ Use Pii'np'M.Jg aQf!TecholealAssistant~e Prpgram {LUPTAP) " htfp://www.newoa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2. • DCED "' Lqca/ Municipal Resources alfd Development Program (LMRDPJ http:://W,WW.pew~'(;O p(qgramfinder,a~px?typelD=2 • us llPA -Rwersl-Tniils ahd ecmservation Assistance littp:f/12.4~t245. f73fpls/pgrtal3-0ICAT AlOG.PROGRAM TE>Q" RPT SHOW'? a nbr& a va 1-21. Urban Growth Areas Toots: Access Management Stanctarqs 1-23. Context Sensitive Design Standards i-24. istonc Rres~f'Vation C>fdlnances See 1-7 above. Descri ·on The systematic control of the location , spacing, design , and operation of driveways1 median. openings, interchanges, nd street connections to a roadway . It also involves roadway design applications, such as median treatments and auxiliary lanes> ahd 1he appropnate spacing of traffic signals. Development guidelines that ensure visual quality of new development consistent with existing neighborhood character. Protects historic -character ~tqug ttesign;ation a ·Afstoi'le distft~Cf> special resoll~ 11reps. • ,PennDot Access Man~geme~ od~f Ofdln,ance lues=15.9 ?I • Lancaster CountJ( TransportatitM Grants P1ogram httR:/lwWw Jancastercountvhe!'itage ,com/otanninglcwplvi ew.aso~a=3&<e2S:8'1qe#i'able' · • PennDO'r -Transpotta6on Eilfulncements P1ogram I Hometown Streets/Sifte. Routes to School ffp://fto.dot.state.pa.us/put>lic/Bureaus/OOdm/IJ\IEB/HTS %20-%20SRTS-TE;2005-06.pdf "" fHWA -TEA·M bttm//WwW,fhwa.dot.gov/tea21J1ndex.htm • DCEO ·Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Pragram fLUPfAPl hUp:l/Www.rlewpa.comlpi:ooramFinder.asox.?tvpelD=2. • DCED -Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPT AP) .h'ttp://www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?fypelD=2 1-25. Innovative / Flexible Zoning • Conserva1ion Development •Form Based Development Codes • Planned Residential Devefopment PRD • Traditional Neighborhood Development • Transit Oriented Development Re,gulations us~all)'. lnch.iQe specific design st~ndatds that protect buildjng Integrity, p!es~e historic structures, ensure compatibility between new development c;tnd exisUng strUctures, and preserve scenie corridors. See 1-1 0 above. HeritFtge Cdnse at1ott ats.tnct On1inan e • Manheim Township Aistorie Dis'trict OWriay • PHMC • Ke~ne Historic Pres.ervatiofi Grant. Program http:/.Jwww.artSnet .. am/phmc/grants.hfm • us NPA -'Save America's Trea$ures http:f/12 .4~.245.173/pls/portal30/CAT ALOG. PRO<SRAM . TEXT RPT.SHOW?p ..arg names=proo rtbr&p :am va lue~15.929 • DCED -Land Use Planmn11 and Technical Assistance PJ"Ogram (LUPrAP) bttp:/JWwW.newpaaOOmlorooramfjnder,aspx?tyoe!D=2 • DCED -Lout Munl~I ReSQllcces and Development 'pjogtam (LMRIJl!J htto!ltwww.newoa~cofnlprogramFihder,asmc?typelD=2 1-26. Park.land Dedication Ofdinances Key Capital Investment Tools: 1-27. strategic Infrastructure Improvements 1-28. Traffic Calming An otdinance that requires all resident1al subdivisions to ded{cate land or pay in-lietJ fees for any qet increase in residenlial units, Description See 1-15 above. Include changes in street "design, such as incorporating traffic circles to replace traffio ligtrts'Orstop signs. shorter turning radii, speed humps, narrower streets, or curves in roadways to slow 1raffic speeds in residential neighborhoods. Olher measures directly address the pedestrian, such as raised crosswalks, lanoscaped islands between opposing lanes of traffic, ar'!d fewer road lanes. • City of Lancaster ~ East Lampeter TQ~Shlp • ManQr Tow0$hip • Lanca$ter County Transportation Grants Prog~m htto:l/Www~lancastercoyntyberttage.comtalanolnglcwp/vi~ ew.iasp-?a=G&q=268796#1able · • PennDOT -Tra11$f!011ation Enhancement's Program I Hometo.wn Str6ffts/Sate·RouteS to School ftp:f/ftp.dot.state.pa.us/publicJBureaus/CpdinMJEB/HTS %2~%20SR:"J"S-TE-2005-06.Ddf ,,. FHWA r-TEA.·21 http:/twww.fhwa.dot.gov/tea21 /index.htm • DCED -lnflaStructure Oevelopment Pt:og~m http:Jlwww.newpa.GOm/DroaramFinder.aspx?typelD=3 • DCED .. Land Use Ptan11ing andTe<.:holcal J.tssistan: PrpgmmtLUPTAP. Dttp:t)www.newoa.com/prooramFin er.aspx?typel0=2 • DCED ·Lo~ MU!}lcJ.pal Resources and Development Progta(Tf'({.MRDP) http://www..newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 ~ Objective 3: Promote Reinvestment that complements the existing physical and social fabric in Developed Areas within ~ Growth Areas. Key Policy/Planning Tools! 1-29. Abandoned I Underutilized Land Inventory 1-30. Historic Preservation Planning 1-'3L Main Str~et I Bm Street Programs Description A list of abandoned and underutilized properties that can be prioritized for redevelopment activity. The inventory shoutd include a descrfption of e.xistthg com:litions, inctuoina use, environmentaf issues, assessment, etc. See 1-17 above. A local publtc-private pa,.nershiR designed to help a community's downtown economic development (Main Street) and downtown residential neighborhood (Elm" Street) efforts throµgtr : 1) establishment of a local or9anizatio11 dedfcated to downtown r~vitalizatio11 and.2l rnal)agement of downtown • Elizat>f:tht9Wll Main .street Program • DCED • Business (n"Ollr sites Gr;mts and Loans f:irtl):JNJWW,newoa.comtproaramFinder.asp~ypel0=3 • DCED -Land Use Planning and Tecllnical Assistance 'fOgram (LUPTAPJ http:/Avvffl,newpa .'Camlprogr-amFinder.aspx?t'fpelD;:az • DGED • .. L.Qcal MJJllic#pal Resour~es and Deve/QPIJJJ!nt Program (LMRDPJ f:lttp://Www.newp~.cofnlprogramFinder.aspx?typelDc.2 • DCED .. Community Revitalization Program (CRP) btlp://Www,newpa.com/proaramFindeLaspx?tvpe D=2 • ~~ED.-~fn Street P.ro~ram httg://Www.newpa:coni/proorar!U?inder.aspx?typelD=.2: • DCED Elm Street Program httpU/WWw.newpa.com/program'Finder.aspx?typelD=2 1-32. Property Recycling -Browilfields I Greyflelds Redevelopment revitaliz1:1ffon by hirtng a fulf..lima professional ctowntown coordinator~ Promotes urban revitalization by limiting the environment&"l liabillty associated with revitalizing old industrial and commercial sites and providing incentives for these properties to be returned to productive use. GreyfieJds redevelopment involves reuse of underperforming or underutilized properties tha.t are not contaminated but may require substantial reinvestment. • City ofLancaster- Lancaster Industrial Park; • Manheim Borough -Greentree Busine.ss Center; • East Hempfield Lowes Columbia Ave. US ~A • Brow11fields Assessment and Cleanup Cooperative Agreements vyww.co.lanc_9.ster.pi!.t.tS/plannJng Keyword; Land Recycling. -PENNVEST -Browr>fields Remediatiofl Loan Program www .pennvest.state.pa. us/pennvest • HUO • CDBG/Brownffelds Economic Development lnlttative http:f/12.46.245 .. 173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.f'ROGRAM TEXT RPT.SHOVV?·p am names=prog nbr&p arg va Jues=14.246 • DCED ~Business in Our Sites Grants and ~oans http:/Jwww.newpa.C()m/prograrnFinder.aspx?typelD=3 • DCED -Industrial Sites Reuse Program http://Www_newoa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=3 • DCED -Infrastructure Development Program .http://Www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?tvpelD=3. • DCED .. Urban Development Program (UDP) http://Www.newoa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2. • US DOC • Grants for Public Works and Economlc Development Faf;i/itief. http://12A6.24S.173/pls/pbrtal30/CAT ALOG.PROGRAM TEXT RPT.SHOW?p arg names=prog nbr&p arg va lues=11 .300 II • Keystone Oppqrtunity Zones Defined-parcei.. specific areas w'itn greatly reduced or no taX' burdeJ) for property owners, residents and tJusinesses • Land Value A l'ax that imposes different rat~s Taxation on land (higher tax rat~} than buildings and improvements {tower tax rate). itTis gives a tax break o notneowners and biJsinesses while discouraging landowners from leaving properties vacant while waiting for land values to rise. • Tax Abatement Encourages reinvestment by allowing businesses to phase-in new 1axes that would otherwise be assessed to their pro erty • City onanQaster - Lancaster Industrial Park • City of L~ocaster'- 8hoads Enerpy • Manheim Borough -~reentrc:re Business Center • Ephrata Boroootl- fOrrper Mountafn Springs t{ot~ City 'Of Lan~r: l.ERTA Pr,ogr'am • DCED-Keystone Oppot!1Jnlt¥ Zone bttp:/lkoz.newpa.com/docsJKOZ Guidelines pdf ... •Tax Increment Financing 1-34. Urban Growth Areas Tools: 1-35. Adaptive Reuse 1-36. Context Sensitive Design Standards 1'-37. :EX'~dited Review PracJ3sS because of new building constructiori Used to pub,Jicly fina11ce neected public improvements and enhanced infrastructure in re]nvestment areas. The cost of improvements to the area is repaid by the conlributlans of future tax revenue$ by each participating taxing unit that revies taxes against the property. See 1-7 above. Descrli on Through use of zoning incentives, developers are encouraged to pursue adaptive reuse ofvacantor underutilized structures. See 1-23 above. Faster reviW/ grooess o~opo~ Lancaster OOUIJ~ !Qt:Ojecls that a e cornQlianl; Wltb Perm.'ttlng l~w: -DCED -Housiqg & Redevelopment AssJStanoe btto:/twww.oewpa.co!'n/oroaramFinder.aspx?typetD=2 • us'boc • Grants tOr Public Works an Economic Development F~cilities http:J/12.4£.245.173h>IS/portaf301G*TALQG.PRQGRAM . TEXl" RPT.SHOW?p am 'flames=prog Vibr&p arg va !ues=11 .300 • lil!ED ... Lan.d UR PJifnnlng.an Techo'/J;t, Ass1Sta#cB Ptogram (taJPTAEf) 1-38. Historic Preservation Ordinances 1-39. Incentive Zoning 1-40. Increased Heigt1t Limits 1-41. Infill Oevel()pment Standards 1-42. Innovative I Flexible Zoning • Conservation Development " Form Based Development Codes • Planned Residential smart COdes a11a smart 91owtJ1 g0als and olajectives. See 1-24 above. See 1 ~8 above. See 1-9 above. itirough llse of zoning incentives, developers are encouraged to pursue "infill development" (development of vacant or underutilized parcels wJtt}in existing urban areasthat are already lafgeJy «tevel(>ped). S()me contextua1 design standards should be in place to maintain existing cotnmunlt.y char~cter. See 1-10 above. Manlieim Barougn .. ffiimnutoil liu'tSt Rrojett • DCED-Land Use, PTann ng and Te~hrileal./fssistance Program:(LUPTAP) http:/Jwww.newpa,comtprogramFiader,aspx?typel~=2 '9 DCED • LOJAJ/ JtAunlcJpaJ Resources anti Development Rrogram (LMRDfl) http://wWW.newpa.comlproaramFinder:.asoxfltvpelD=2 Development RD • Traditional Neighborhood Development • Transit Oriented Devetoement 1-43. Rehabilitation Building Codes 1-44. Specific Plans 1-45. Transfer o.f Oevelopment Ri hts Hey Capital /lfVestment Tools: 1-46. Special Improvement Districts Updating or creating, building codes that en_courage rehabilitation and reuse of existing buildings. See 1-13 above. See 1-14 above. Description An organizational and financing tool using a self-imposed 1ax by local businesses in partnership with the muntcipality to provide specialized services such as sidewalk maintenance, street cleaning, physical jmprovements, security, special events, and marketing and business t TheNewJe~ R~nabjr atio'n Subcode • The. Maryllind Building Reh8bil~o.n ©Qd~ PrQttam • City of Lancaster -Downtown Investment District (DID) • QCEO -~nd t!se R . l)lling a qTecJ!nic;alAssl$tance Progm(ff (LUPTAP} tittpVJwww.hewpa.cornfprogramF.illder.asµX'?typelD=2 • OCED -L.Qcal Municipal Resources and D'evelopment f!rogram (l-MRDP) h~~i/tWwW,newpij,~prQ@l;amfinder,aspx?typelD::2 • DCED -Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Pr.ogram (LUPTAP) http://www.newpa.rom/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCED -Local Mµnicipa/ Resources and Development ·Program (LMRDP) http://www,newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 .1--47. Strategic !nffastrocture improvements 1-48, Vacant Property Acquisition promotion . See 1 .. 1,s-aoove~ Purchase of vacant property or buildings using public fun$ or private land trusts for the purpose of redeveloping reinvestment a.reas. Municipalities can work with LCHRA's Vacant Property Reinvestment f>rogram and the Lancaster County Vacant Property Investment Board for property acquisition assistance. " DCED .. communjty Revitalization Program (CRP) ~ttp://w~.new12,a·._com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=? • DCED -Urban Development Program (UDP) http//www.newQa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD;:=2 • US DOC -Grants for Public Works and Economic Development Facilities http://12.46.'245.173/pls/portal30/CAT ALOG .PROGRAM TEXT RPT.SHOW?p arg names=wog _nbr&p ar,g va lues=11.300' Objective 4: Provide for housing choice and affordability through a variety of housing programs. 1-49 , Ernproyer Assisted Housing 1-50. HOME Program Description Partnership between industry and ,government to provide prograll)S" that help obtain housing by offering discounted point& .. nd · !osjng post as$i tanelef Provides local governments wjth Joan assistance and technical ass stance to expand the supp{y of •--------------- • J..ancaster Ceunty Home Improvement Program • F•lfllie ltire -Et!Jel<JY~ /4$$hfted Hot;ISing http://www_fanniemae.com/global/pdf/housing'eommdev/ solutions/ea:h.pdf • DCEP -HOMEPrugram http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 ------·--·-----------· decent and affordable housing for low-and very low-income Pennsylvanians . '• 1...-51. Homebuyers The Lancaster County Housing :i. "L:ant;a$ter Housing Opportunity Partrier.;h'i/i Assistance and Redevelopment Authority htto:/fwWw.lancJ!stilr:liQU§i[!g.ora/CommuniW%20Home provide funcling to the Lancaster btlyer%201 nitiative .htm Housing OpportunilY Partnerstrip for the Community Homtbuy~r Program, This program assistS eligible applicants with the down pHymtmt and clo!iiny co::.i!i associated with purchasing a tiome. __, 1-52. Housing and Provides state-funded grants for • DCEO -Housing & Redevelopment Assistance Redevelopment community revitalization and httQ :/lwww.new~a.cortV~rogramFinder.as~x?ty~elD=2 Assista;1ce economic development activities Program that occur on a local level. 1-53. Jobs-Housing Provision of smart growth grants to Balance Rewards communities as a reward for increasing the amount <>( hOUstl'\Q permitted in jol;rriGh tocations or for expanding employment opportunities thrnugh new rel~il. office, or light industrial structijres within or in clos~ proXi.mity tp residential areas. Communities may use these fundsto support infrastructure needs or the development of public amenitie~ in these new areqs. 1-55. lnclusionary Z-0'ning Key CapitatJnvesrment Tools: 1-56. Community Land Trusts D~sc • ·on See 1-8 above. Requires that some portion of • Mount Joy BorolJ(Jl1 every new hQusing deve1opment (e .g. 20% of'units) is offered ct< a price-that will be affordab~to low- income residents. Description A nonprofit trust that owns the land and permits the resident owner to retain title to the house, representing a more affordable approach to home ownership. Regulations place limits on the arnount of profit that can be earned by a single home owner over a period of time. In places where housing prices are rising quickly, this program helps to keep the housing affordable for future urchasers. • DGEO -1..;Jnd UsB Planning and Technical As$1Stltnce /Jrog[flm (LUPTAPJ bftp:f1www.newpa.com/prngramFinder • .aspx?typelD=2 • DCED -Local f'1urilclpal Res.cilirces and De'llelopment Progtam (LMRbP) http:Jtwww.newpa.eomtqrogramFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • FannieMae -Community Lancl Trust http://www.fanniemae.com/housingcommde\//solutions/I ,andtrust.jhtml?o=Affordable+Housing+%26+Communit y+Oevelopment&s=Affordable+Housing+Salutions&t=C ommunity+Land+ Trust Table B-2: Rural Strategy -Key Tools Goal: Sustain a rural way of life by maintaining the integrity of agricultural, natural, and historic lands and resources. Objective 1: Implement a comprehensive strategy to sustain and connect the rural community, rural r~sources, and the rural economy. Key Po/ICy!Planning Taohi: Description 2-1. Build-Out AnaJysis Process PY which a communiC}'. tests ouUts existing regulationsto analyze its possible future when all land, both vacant and redevelopable, is developed toth&- maximum extent allowed under law. 2-2. Comprehensive • DCED. Ujnd lisfJ' Plllnl#ng and Technk;al Ass'/sta'n-ce Pr'°!fram'(LUPTAP) htfQ://wy(w.newpa.contprooramFinder.aspx'?typelD=2 • D<ZED .. Local ftlllmiclpal ResoiJrces cwd Development Program {L.MRDPJ http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=Z "'' Planning ~ A decision-making tool for officials and citizens in guiding future growth and development on a long • DCED • Land Use Planning and Techn.Jcal Assistance Program (LUPTAP) http://www.newpa.corrt/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 ~ ..... ~ ~ ;.; ~ 2-3. Rural Centers 3 r. :::: range (20-30 years) planning horizon. The comprehensive plan includes ci plan for land use. housing, transportation, economic development, natural and cultural resources, etc. Community visioning is an essential element pf comprehensive planninQ. A new concept for mapagin • DCED -Local Mµnicipa/ Ri:sources and Developme11t Program {LMRDP) http://www.newpa,com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2· Table 8-2: Rural Strategy -Key Tools .. Village Growth growth in rural Lancaster County introduced in this 2005 Growt Management Element Upaate. Rural Centers are areas of ~)dstfng development to whii;h new development not directly relatect to the rural economy and rural way. of-life is to be directed lhat otherwise would occur as scattered sprawlin Designated Rural Ar.ei:ls . F01,1r types of-Rt.tr~! Centers are proposed : 1)Village Growth Areas as presently design&ted through mun{cip~I and multi•munioipal .plaoning processes and tti~e,.new tyµ® tP' be identified c>n a case-by.--Gase basis by munlcipal officials\ 2) Crossroads Communities, ~} Rural Business Areas: and 4) Rural Neighborhoods. Rural Centers are not Intended to stimulate growth in rural areas, but rathe r to ~capture· development that woulo otherwise occur as ~rural spraw.I. Tnese conceptj3 are described in detan in Chapter 5.0 (Rural Strategy). Presently designated throut)h muni.cigal and multi-municit>§I See Tablt¥5-1 . O~signawt ~ilrag Assistance Program (LtJPTAP) http1{www.newpaJ:Qm/programFinder.aspx?t.ypelD=2 • DCED -LoCJtl Munfplpal ResOtJrces a d DeveloppJ~n,t Progtam (1-MRDPJ http://wWW.newpa.oomfprogramFinder.aspx!?typelD=-2 • USQA -Eund Fpt Rural Amflrica: Re!if@~h. Education, and ectensfon Activities htl0;/112.46.245.173/pls o9rtal30/CA TALOG.PROORA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?p arg names:::Prog nbr.&p arg values=i0.224 0 3 r, 2 Table 8-2: Rural Strategy-Key Tools Areas planning processes, V'G'Jfs cons1st of a traditional village core, adjacent devefoped portipns of a to nship, anq ditional land to accommodate a portion of a township's Muce lanq use needs- while maintaining viUage scale and character. Ttie target density for VGA's is 2,5 units/acre, on average. • Crossroads A form of Rural Center that may Communities accommodate a portion of a township's future land use needs ;{ carefully managed to maintain the traditional character and scale Gf these nistoric communltie~. Growth A~ Sea-Table &I. Crossroads Commurrit~ • Rural Busjness Areas Rural Busrness Areas are exi tlng developed areaswith und'~veJopeg · lots orthe potential to expand or add uses where additional development could be acGommodated ratttertl:lap sprawled throughout the ntral areas. A Rural Business Center would be established through Infill and. as appropriate, limited expansion of the existir'lg use(s}. Rural Business Areas wl I be designaJed on a 9aSA·bY"G8~ basiS through munlci~I flM muttt-- m1.inici~al plann{n_g pr9c~es. • GreeJJtree. Ba Tawnsfi\p (potentlaO • PA 72/TU,{npike lnte1cti~oge, Raphb Township O><>tenti~Q 2-4, , Rural Neig.bborhoods Designated Rural Areas Rural Neighborhoods are 1}reas of existing residential developmenlbr sut>ONlsrons with un'deveJo~ lots: or adjacent rand thaf would be appropriate to accommodate a portmn of a township's future land use needs. The purpose ofR11ral NeighbprhnOd is to fOGUS f~1,1~, residentiaf development in areas where 1t already exists, on latid that is currently. subdivided, or on land adjacent to or between existing subdivi,sions. Rural Neighborhoods should be limitep 1n scope and developed il1 a compact pattern with a dElfined edge around the center. Rural Neighborhoods will be designated on a case-by-case basis through municipal and mulfi.manlcipal planning processes. Include Agricultural Areas , Agricultural wjth Natural Areas, and Natural Areas (see descriptions below). Designated Rural Areas should be ide.11tified through municipal and multi· municipal planning processes using criteria defined in the Growth Management Element Rural Strategy. These areas should be maintained as rural uses through • Greentree, f3art TownsniJ} (potentlaO , • Octoram Pines Colerain Township (potential} '-·-------'-'+ • DCED ~ Land Use Planning ;md Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP) http://www.newpa.cornlprogramFinder.aspx?typelD=2 ,. DCED • Local Municipal Resqurces and Development Program (LMRDP) . http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • USDA -Fund For Rural America: Research, Education, and Extension Activities http:J/12.46.245.173/pls/portaJ30/CAT ALOG.PROGRA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?p arg names=prog nbr&p arg values::;10.224' • Designated Ag ri cultural Areas • Designated Agricultural with Natural Areas • Designated Natural Areas tools such as agricultural and conservation zoning, lransferable Development Rights, Purchase -of Deve lopment Rights, open space land acquisition, etc. Contain the greatest jntensfty of agricultural resources and uses irl Lancaster County. and should, be managed to preserve productive farmland. promote a healthy agricultural Industry. and mairrtalri scenic and historic rural landscapes. Contain agricultutal resources and uses mixed with a ·significant proportion of environmentally sensitive resources, and should be managed to preserve productive farmland and sensitive natural features while precluding uses incompatible with agricultural and natura l resource preservatfon. Areas with high scenic, recreational. and natural resource value, and should be managed to protect natural resources. .. ,,,,:,,.,,::;'&-·:·~"~:;~~-" 2-.S, LESA A'Ssessment LClnd Evaluation and s~e ·• Lancaste~~nly @ PA Assessment -a poinl·based approacfl for rating t@ refatl\le: _ ,.... dams Cou(I p~ 2-6. Multi-Municipal Planning ~ 2-7, Open Space ~ Planning ~ importance of agnc1,dtura1 land resources based upon specffic: measurable. features, irtC1fLd1ng $OiL quality, Tann size wq.ter ~esouroe availability. etc. A plan developed and adopted by any number of contiguous municipalities, including a joint municipal plan as authorized by the MPC, except that all of the municipalities pa11icipati11g h1 (he: plan need not be contiguous, if alt of them are within the same sotiool district. Provioes a framework for future growth by prioritizing where open space should be protected and Where open sp,acesho9ld: be available for deve(opmerit. • Conestoga Valley Re,gional Plan; • Octoraro RegJonal Plan · • Lititz Warwick. Joint s rategic Comprehensive Plan • Strategic Comprehensive Plan forthe Cocalico Region • Strasburg Regional Comprehensive Ptan • DCED -Land Use Planning and Technjcal Assistance Prog@m (LUPTAP) htte://www.newpa.co:m/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCED -Local Manicipal Resources ancl Development Program (LMRDP) http://www,newpa,oorn!programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCEO -Shared Municipal Services Program (SMSP) http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.ase,x?lypelD= • Lancaster counf}I; Communft.y Parks Initiative Gr.ant Program • fJ9Nlfl-~ Commllbl'X Conservation P;trtnel'$hlps Pmgralf1 tl@~//www.dcnr:state.pa.us/qrowlnqgreener/gg ~arants.aspl< • DCED • Land Use Planning and Technical A$cSistance Program (LUPTMJ) ~ttp:fJWww .naw~~:comlpregram8inder.aspx?twelD=4 .• OCEQ. -L C~l.M ni~h R~ces if[Jd Tools: Descri ·on 2-8. Agricultural Requires land to. be put into aatlve Mitigation Program agricultural production fn exchange for 1.1,rban develop~, 2-9. Agricultural Security Areas Provides protection from local ordinctnces that restrict farm practices (I.e. nuisance ordinances) ano limits Jand condemnation procedures. ASA desi.gnation does not restrict development to agriculture, .but is a prerequisite for inclusion in the· county's Ag Preservation Program. • OCED -Land Use Planning al'Jd Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP) htto://.wyf«.newpa.com/ptogramfinder.aspx?typel0=2 • OC1$D .. Local Nfunicipii( Resources and Development Program (LMRDPJ htto:ttwww. newoa.:comlorooramFinder. aspx!?typel()::.ca, • DCED -Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program {LUPTAPJ http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCED • Local Municipal Resoarces and Devefopment Program (LMRDP) http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • USDA -Fund For Rural America: Research~ 6iucation, and Extension A<;tivities http://1 2.46.245,173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.PROGRA M TEXT RPJ.SHOW?p arg names=prog pbr&p arg values=10.224 2-10~ ~grtcultural Zon_ing: • Effective Agricultural Zoning • Exclusive- Agricultura! Zoning 2-11. Conservation Zoning 2-12. Natural Resoufce ~ Protection ~ Ordinances ~ ! ;i r,, c: ..., 0 ~ ;.. • FJoodpfaln ~ Protection '" ;::J Ordinance ~ " 3 ,.., ;::J Restricts land ta agric1:11tural u.se while permitting residential development at very low deoslties (ideally 1 unit per 2:5 ta 50 aCf'.es). Restrict land to o~ly agricuftu~I uses. Requires preservation of sensitive environmental features ar'ld open space within development plans in exchange for relaxation of zoning standards, including smaller lot sizes than typically allowed in rural areas. DCED • Cand Usa Planning find Technical ~lsta~e P-r09ramfJ..UPTAPJ tttlp;/tw;ww.newpa,oofillproara!n[:;inder .asp~vpbll'.l=fl • OCED • Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAPJ httpJ/www.newpa.oomtprogramFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCNR • Community Conservation Partnerships Program http://www.den r.state. pa. us/grow.ingqreener/qg- g rants. aspx • OCED La net Use J?Janning atid Technical Assistance Progr~m (LUPTAPJ hfto:l/www.newpa.COmtproqramFinder.aSpx?fypel0=2: • DCHR • Communijy Conservation Partnerships 'Program http://www,dc.or.state.pa,us!growinqqreener/gg- grants.aspx • Habitat Protection Ordinance • Ripari(ln Corridors Ordinance • Steep Slope P.rotectrorr Ordinance • Tree Protection Ordinance 2-13. Transfer of Development. Rights ------Regulations that llmlt deve[oproent withfn or near natural ha~ts, Regula!ie>ns that set ~uffe~ ftom rivers and streams, res1tieting development from buffers and requiring planting of filtering vegetation . Regulations ltiat resttict development 00 Slopes between 15 and 25%. RegUlations that limit clearjrrg of trees of a c~rtain sjz,e lo a specified pernentsge, Zoning tool that directs growth to preferred locations (UGA's or Rural Cettters) through the sale and purchase of development rights. Development rights· are established for a given piece of land and can be separated from the title of that property. These rights can then be transferred to a Rural Center or a UGA. J lnve$lment Descri on • Manheim Township; • DCED -Land Use Planning and Technical • Warwick Township Assistance Program (LUPTAPJ http~/fwww.newpa .com/prooramFinder.aspx?typelD=2 •Thurston. County, WA •Town of Hatfield. MA •New Jersey Pi11elancts • Lancaster Farmland Trust http;/fwww.savefancasterfarms.or:g/savelanc/site/default .asg , 2-14. Dedlcated Conservation Easements 2-15. Open Space Land Acquisition 2-16. Purchase of Development Rights • Fannland ~ Preservatiori ~ .. Open Space ~ Preservation Voluntary dedication open space or agricultural easements to a public entity or qualified private land conservation organization. The landowner still owns the property, however, the land must remain in farming or open space in perpetuity. Purchase of properfy' using pulJliC fur1ds or private land trusts for the pu rpose of preserving pt1blic open pace, Allows landowners to sell development rights to either the County's Agricultural Preserve Board (Conservation Easement Program) or a quallfied prfvate land conservation Of'Qanizatlon. The landowner still owns the property, however, 1he land must be maintained in fanning or op~li space in perpettJity. • Lancaster County APB • Town of Dunn. WI • Peninsula Townshipy Ml • Lancaster County Conservancy http://www.lancasterconservancy,orn • Lancaster Farmland Trust http :ftwww .savelancasterfarms .. org/save lanc/site/defau It .asp • la(J.Castet coul'J!¥: COIJsflVSnt.V Nto'/.'/www.lancasterconservancy:om • OCNR • community conservation PIJftnershJps PcQgram httPYIWWw.dcnr:.state-.rfa.tis/growlnggreener/ga .. grants.asox • Lancaster County Purchase of Development Rights Program Richard Doen,ges -doengesr@co.lancaster.pa.us • Lancastfir Fa,,nla(ld TtL1st http:f/www.savelancasterfarms.org/savelanc/site/default .asp • Lancaster County Conservan.cy http:rtwww.lancasterconservancy.org • USDA -Farm ~nd Ranc/1 Lands Protection Progr;1171 hUp://12.46.245 .173/pls/portaf30/CAT ALOG.PROGRA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?p am names=prog nbr&p am vatues=10.913 Objective i: Protect agricultural, naturalr historic, and scenic re~ources within Designated Rural Areas, Key POncy/Planning Tools: 2 -17. Des·ignated Rural Areas 2-18. LESA Assessment 2-L9. l:.ocal Agricultural Advisory Boards Tools: 2-20. Agricultural Mitigation Program See 2-4 above, See 2-5 above. A local board design~d to provide for cltiz.en input in poli<>y areas of developing agrfcufture & agriculture-related planning obJeGtives, imptemeniatio11 of objeetives .. promotion of agriculture related activities, & assessment of local laws & policy affecting a riculture. 2-21. Agrlcultural See 2 ... 9 above. Security Areas 2-22 . Agricultural See 2-1 O above. Zoning: • Effective Ag ricultural Zoning • Exclusive Agricultural Zonin 2-23 , Local Right-to- Farm Ordinances 2-24. Stormwater Management BMP's 2-25, Transfer of Development Ri hts Key Capital investment Tools: 2-26. Ded icated Conservation Easements 2-27. qpen Space Land • Polk County, OR Protects agricultural operations by • City of Davi , CA providing owners with a defe(lse against potential nuisanc~ suits that migt}t be b[9ugnt agalnst toe farm, Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stormwater include techniques designed to minimize the impact of development on surface water quantity and quality. Examples of BMPs include retention basins, infiltration basins, sand filters, biofilters, grassed swales and riparian buffers. pervio-us pavements and walkways, curb-less streets, and pollution prevention praottces, among others. See 2-1.3 above. Description See 2-14 above. See 2--1.5 above. • Lancaster County Model stonnwater Management Ordinance • DCED.· Land Use PhJnnlng and Technical 'Assistance Program (LVPfljP) tlf4$)/WWW.newp~,'QOmlprogramFtlld@r,aspx?typ~fD=2 • DEP-Watershed Grants http;/Jwww.dep.state,pa.us/growgreentw.atershedprotect ion/default.htm • USDA • Watershed Swveys and Planning http://12.46.245,173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.PROGRA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?p arg names=proq nbr&p arg values=10 .906 • PENNV~ST Jnfrastr«c-ture J..oans http:/twww.pennvest.state,pa.us/pennvest/site/default.a .§Q ~ A~uisition ~ ~ 2-28. Purchase of ~ Development Rights . • Farmland Preservation •Open Space Preservation See 2-16 above. 2-29, 'local Agricultural See 2·19 above. Ad isory Boards 2-30. Tax triceritive Policies; • Agricultural Enterprise Zones/Rena1ssa nee Zones • Farm Building Exemptions Programs that support agricllltural industry by establishing zones that are exempt from state and focal taxes and may include grants fo.r starting or expanding farm operations. Allows a property tax exemption for construction of agricultural structures and buildings. Properties are ex.empt from any increase in the property's assessed value resulting from the im rovement. • state of Virginia • State of Michigan • state of New York • DCED -Land Use Planning <1.nd Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP) http://www.newpa.com/program~inder.aspx?typel0=2 ,,. J(i 2-31. 2-32. 2-33. ~ ~ 2-34. ~ 2-35. ,_J =-r; ~ 0 ~ ,...; ~ ?;:: ;.; :::: ;.; a~ ,., ;; r; :::: r:1 ~ r, ~ • Tax Abatement in exchange for term easements • Tax Freeze Provisions TOOIS: Agricultur~I Mitigation Program Agricultural Security Areas Agricultural ZQning: • Effective Agricultural Zoning • Exclusive Agricultura~ Zoning Conservation Zoning Natural Resource: Protection Or.dinaoces • Floodplain Protection Ordirtance ., Habitat Protection Allows for tax abatement on permanently protected farmland . Freezes school tax assessments on permanently protected farmland. D See 2-9 above. see 2-10 above. See 2-11 above. See 2-t2 a~ove. 'Clifton Park, NY Council Rock School District Bucl<s CoU PA ~ ~ ~ ~ -l " r-3' ~ :;;- s: "' :::; "" 7" r, 3 n ~ ~ ~ :j n 2 Ordinance « Riparfai'l Corricfors Ordinance • Steep Slope Protection Ordinance • Tree 'Pmtection Ordinance 2-36. Stormwater See 2-24 above. Management BMP's 2-37. Transfer of See 2-13 above. Development Rt hts Key c.pffal Investment Description Tools: 2-38. Dedicated See 2-14 above. Conservation Easements 2-39. 0pen Space Land See 2-tS above. 'l\,'cquisition 2-40. Purchase of See 2-16 above. Development Rights • Farmland Preservation • Open Space Preservation ~ Key PO/icy/Planning Toots: 2-41. Comprehensive Watershed Planning Tools: 2-42. Conservation Zoning Description Plans for all water resource issues (quality and quantity for surface water and groundwater including drinking water supplies, wastewater and sewage, and s1ormwater issues} hoflstically on~ watershed basis, Measures include wellhead protection ordinances, riparian buffers, BMP me~sures for .stormwater, recreation and trail development, etc. See 2-11 above. S 2-43. Natural Resource See 2~t2 above. '"' :r~ Protection 3 r, ::i • Lititz Run watershed Association • Little Chl<lf ues. ~tecsllect Assoc{atlcm • DEP-wa rshed Grants htteiflwww.dep.§tate;p&,.us/growgreentwatershedprotect ig'n/defau It. htm .. DlEP-New or Innovative Technology Grants http://wWW.dep.state.pa.us/gr.owgreen/NewTechnology} defauit.htm • USDA -Watershed Surveys and Ptannmg http://12.46.245.17a/ols/portal30/CATALOG.PROGRA M TEXb RPT<SHOW?p arg names=oroa nbr&p am values=1'o _900 • USDA ,. Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention http~ll12.46'.245.173/pls/pertal80/CATALOG.PRGGRA M TEXT RPi,SHOW?p arg names=proo nbr&P arg values=10.904' • PENNVES"fr.Jpfrastr.uctpre Loaos http://www.pennvesf.Sfilte.pa.us/pennvest/site/derault.a ~ Qrdinances • Floodpl9in Pmtectioa Ordinance • Habitat Protection Ordinance • Riparian Corridors Ordinance • Slide~ • Steep Slope Protection Ord.inance Tree Protection Ordinance 2·-44. Transfer of See 2~13 above. Development Rights Key Capital Investment Desctlptlan "TOOIS: 2-45. Dedicated See 2~14 above. Conservation Easements 2~46. Open Space Land See 2-15 above. Acquisition • .. 2-47. Purcpase of Development Rights •Farmland Preservation •Open Space Preservation See 2-'16 above, Objective 3: Minimize scattered development in rural areas by focusing .growth in VHla.ge GrQwth Areas, Rural Centers, and Crossroads Communities. 2-48. Act 537 Planning Requires municlpalities to mafntain current wastewater facilities plans (updated approximately every1i\te to ten year5) -indicating when and where public wastewater1acillties and private on-fot systems will be provided. • Regional Act 531 Plan tor Donegal Regjon • (;eorg~o'Wn. Batt Towns'hip • DEt>. Act 63T, SeW;lge. Faclllaes Pla,of!lng Grants httb:J/www .dep.state.pa.us • DCED ... Land Use Planning alffl Technfca/ A.$$f$tance. Program (LUPTAP) http;JlwwW,nawpa,_comtprogramf.'lnder.aspX1lYPe1o~ • DGED .. Local ltfun1ClpalRes00,roes a(ld DeVeloP!1Jent Program (LMRBPJ httttt/WwW.newpa.GOmtprooramFinder.aspx?tvpelD=2. 2-49. Capital lmprovement Program 2-5'0. Village Growi h Areas TQOl.s: 2-51. Alternative Wastewater Systems A multi-year plan adopted by a municipality that schedules all planned expenditures on infrastructure and other capital improvements, including possible 11nancing options. Land ta~eted for developmen within the County's established. Villages. Land within Village Growth Areas fs targeted for densities of 2.5 units per acre and pranned infrastructure (roads, water, and sewer im rovement&, Wastewater disposa l systems appropriate for rural settlements, including clus1er and small community systems. Cluster systems serve fewer than fifty residential properties and can be owned and managed by homeowners association, owned by homeowners but managed by· the mun icipality, or owned and managed by the municipality. Small community systems serve fifty to several thousand residences and should be owned • Ephrata Borough; • Manheim Borough; • Upper Le~cock Twp; • Warwick Twp • US Department of Agriculture W~ter and Waste Oisposa! Program; • Upper LeacocK Township • DCED -Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program -(LUPTAPJ http://www.newpa.com/prograrnFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • 'DCED -Local .Municipal Resoqrces anct Development p;ogram {LMRDP) http:J/www. newpa .oom/programFinder.aswatvoolD=2 , .DCED -Community Revitalization Program (CRP) http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • OOED -'CandttJsfr'Filanttlng a(ld Technical Assistance PrOJJram (LOPTAP) . htfpjtfwW:W,r:iewpa.comfprogcamfinde:t\aspx~typef 9 =2' • DCED ·Local Mtmk:ipal Resoarces and D~velQpt1.1e11t (!cogram (LMRDPJ http:Jtwww.ne..y(?a.co(J1/programFinder.aspx'?fypel0=2 • DEP-New or Innovative Technology Grants http://www.dep.state.pa.us/g r-0.wgreen/NewT echnology/ default.htm • USDA • Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities http;/712.46.245;173/pJs/portal30/CA T ALOG.PROGRA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?p aro names=prog nbr&p arg values=10.760 • PENNVEST Infrastructure Loans http;/lwWW .pennve{it.state. pa. us/pennvest/site/d efautt. a ?.Q. • .. .. 2-52. Conte~ Sensitive Oesigp .Sland;:irds .~ 2-53. Innovative I Flexible Zoning • Conservation Development • Form Based Development Codes • Planned Residential Development (PRO) and operated by the municip~litX:- D~velopment guidelines that ensure visual 9oU~lity of new development consistent with e.xisting neighborhoaq characten ·-- Allows subd ivision of smaller lot sizes than typically allowed in rural areas with a minimum open spaae requirement (usually 50%) and pmtection of natural resources. Codes that limit regulation to building type rather than use . Emphasis is placed on design compatibility standards t<' reflect neighborhood scale, parking standards, and pedestrian a ccessi bil ity. Zoning tool that allows deveiopers greater flexibility by removing many conventional zoning restrictions encouraging large- • DCED -t.;and Use Ptimn/_ltg a{19 Techflfcal As-sistarw-e Pi<i,f!fllm (l:.(iFTAJa nttb:Jtwww.n~Rii.COJ'.!l{Rf99U1!Jlfinde13.as12.l<'?'ly;gel1'=-2 11,. DCED ·Local Municipal ResOUlces and Development Program (LMRDPJ jlttp:l/wWW.n.ewpa.com/prqgramFjnder.asmqtypeJD=-2 • DCED -Land llse Planning and Technical Assistance Progrttm (LUPTAP) httg://www.new12a.QQrolProgramF'inder.!:!spx?ty:gelD=2 • DCED ~ local Municipal Resources and Development Program (l.MRDP) htt1:1://W'NW.new1:1a.comt1:1rogramFinder.as1:1.x:?ty:1:1elD=2 • West Cocalfco Township • Louisvill&"-Jefferson County, KY II City Of Lancaster- Flexib.fe Resfdential Development Option I • Traditional Neighborhood Development • Transit Oriented Development 2-54. "Mini-MaxZoning scale developments that incorporate a variety of land uses and provide a full range of residential types to serve the resfdents of the districts. Type of development regulations that allow for compact neighborhoods with interconnected streets, small setbacks, sidewalks, and a central mixed-use oort:l uf communify facilities. Similar development p&ttern to Traditional Neighborhood Development, with development concentrated within ?h mile of a transit node. Sets mfnimum as well as maximum density reQuirements. • EliiabetJ')tOWl'J Borough • Mount. Joy Boroug:h • PennDOT ~·Transportation Ephancements Program 'ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.lls/publicJBureaus/Cpdm/WEB/HTS %20-%20SRTS-TE-2005-06.pdf • FHWA -TEA-2.f http:/ twww Jhwa:dot.gpv/tea21 /index. htm • FTA -Transit Planning and Research http:J/12.46245. 173/pls/portal30/CAT ALOG.PROGRA M TEXT RPT.SHbW?e arg names=prog nbr&p: arg values=20.514 ' DtED -Land Use Pla®/Ag and Technlcal Assistance Prog01m (!UPTAPJ htto://www,.newpa.comlprogramFinder.aspx?typelo~2 • DeED -LocilMMn(~ipal ~e~rces anct D~~efopment.PqlJlm (LMFJ.DPJ .l1ttp:/LWww1newpa.oomrprogramF:jndel' . .aspx'?typefO;::Z ,., • ., • 2-55. Stormwater See 2-24 above. Management BMP's 2-56. Transfer of See 2-13 abQve. Developmer)l Rights Key Capital ltWestment DesctfplJon Tools: 2-57. Strategic Infrastructure Improvements Promotes economic development by investing in municipal/regional infrastructure projects thatattract new businesses, such as road improvements, sewer and water supply. technology infrastr:oct1.1re (cell towers, fiber optics), transit, etc. • Lancaster County Transportation Grants Program .httg:Jtwww.lancastercountyhe.,ritaqe.com/plan_ning/g}Jpjy i~w.asp?a=3&g=2M796#Table • DCED • Community Revitalization Program (CRP) http://www.newpa.~ln!prograrnFinder.aspx?tvpelD::2 • DCED • Urban Development Program (UDP) http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD:=2 • DCED -Business in 'Our Site,s Grants and Loans http;//www.newQa.com/programFinder.asex?typelD=3 • DCED • l.nfrastructute Development Program http:J/www.newQa.com/erogramFinder.aspx?tl£pel_D=3 • PennDOT -Transpc-.>rtaticm Enhancements Pmgram I Hometown streets/Safe Routes to School ftp://ftp.dotstate.pa.us/public/Bureaus/Cpdm/WEB/HTS %20-%20SRTS-TE-2005-06.P.df • PENNVSST Infrastructure Loans http://WwW,pennveststate.pa.us/pennvest/siteldefaulLa .m • US DOC .. Grants for Public: Works and Ec'Onomic 2-58. Act 537 Planning See 2-48 above. 2-59. Capitar See 2-49 above. Improvement Program Tools: 2-60, Alternative Wastewater Systems 2-61. Context Sensitive Descri ion See 2-51 above. See 2-52 above. Dev.elopment Faci/ltf.es htte://12A6.2~5.173/pls/portal~O/CATA~OG.Pf3,0GRA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?p ar9 names=Pfbg nbr&p am values=11 .300 " FrA • Federal Tran~it Capital lnvestme,nt Grants http:/f12.46.245.173/plslportaJ30/CATALOG.PROGRA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?e am names=prog nbr&p arg vallles=20.500 • FTA ·Transit Planning find Research http:/112.46.245:~ 73fpls/po_rta130/CA T ALOG.PROGRA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?p· arg names=prog nbr&p, arg values=20.514 es Design Standards 2-'62, !nllovafive I See 2-:53: above. ,Flexib!e.~oniog • Gonserv~tion Development • Form Based Development ~odes • 1;radifional Neighborhood Development • Transit Oriented Development 2~63. Transfer of Developmenl Rigtits See 2-13 above. Key Capital I~ DesCtfRt/tNJ: TOOis: 2-65. Act 537 Planning See 2-48 above. ~ ~ :I:' ~ -l "' C) .... 3 ~ '.7 .;., "' :::; "' TO r, 3 " ;;;; ~ ~ =' r; = .., • see '2-49 above, J<e Tools: Descd on Rotebtlal Ii 2-67. Alternative See 2-51 above. Wastewater Systems 2-6S. <$01ttext Sensitive See 2~52 above Design srandards 2-69. Innovative I See 2-·53 above. Flexible Zoning • Conservation Development • FormBased Development Codes • Planned Residential Development PRO • Traditional Neighborhood Development • Transit Oriented Development .2-70, i<S,t,ormwater See 2~24 above . Management aM°?'s 2-71. Transfer of See 2-13 above. Development Rights Key Cipital Investment D~ Tools: 2-72. Strategic See 2-57 above. Infrastructure trnprovements Objective 4: Maintain economic links to the land by supporting the agricultural industry and other components of a healthy rural economy. Key Po ¥/Planning Tools: Description 2-73. t\grit:ultural Economic Development Plan 2-74 . Capital Improvement Program 2-75. Community SuppoJted Agriculture A long range plaQ lbat envi~ioos the growth an~ sf;(stainat>iliW oftlie agricultural economy,setling goals and objecUves througJl policy development. See 2-49 above. Community of Jnc,ilviQuals wJ:\O pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes the community's farm. Typically, ''share-l)ol<t~rs·• of th~ ral"m or garden pledge in advan~ to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. • Regional Ecoq,omio Oeve .nt Resource-B~ed lndustrtes on MaTyland'~ Upper Eastern Shore * country Lane PoD/(ly Leola, PA countryf~n~@reqro :se.ntt , Gf;>odWill at Homefield CSA and Voc;atiQnaJ Profnm Mllle~vilfe • 717'~871..-3110 www.homefields.org • Herrcasjf.e Fwro • PDA -PA Grows Prop.ram http://www,aqrteu1ture(st~te .. pa.us,aqriC!:Jlturelcwpi'view, asp:?a=3'&Q=133584 , USDA • Fund for Rural America: Reseiirch, Educatfpn, and EXtension Adfvltles pttp://12.46.245.11S/plS/portaJ80/CATALOG.P~OGRA M J:T RPT fHaw?p am names=proQ nbr&p. am val e ;::1-0.22 • USDA wRurat Business OppQrtunf~ Grants. http://12.46.245.173Jp!s/portaJ30LCA fALOG.~ROGRA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?p arg names=prog nbr&p arg Qalues=t0.773 • PDA -PA G(ows Prog{am htfp~//www.agricutture.state.pa.us/agricutture/cwplview. asp?a=3&0=133584, 2-76. Designated Rural See 2-4 above. Areas HpltW , PA '717 -284lp203 haeusa1~x.;~t ..-New Comfort HomestQd Peach Bottom. PA 71 'Z·l>4S-4<ln brabsQ~ephc.net • Scaracrow Hill Community Parm Ephrata, PA 717-733.-3202 httg:/twww:scarecro whill.cam 2-77, Rural Economic Development Programs Funding and suflpo1t programs f:.'.eudoun Goun~.Vl that implement economic development of rural business and industry, including but not limited to agricultural industries. • PD'Jt -PA Grows Program hf!Q'Jlwww.aQriculture.state.pa.us/agrleultt1re/cwp/vie,w. asp?a=3&Q=139584 • USDA • Fund fQr Rut.al America: Research, Educatio,,, and Extension Acti,V;ties '6ttp:l!i2.46:24§;173/pls/portat30/CATAti:lf&.PROGRA M TEXT RP:T.SHQWlp am names=praa nbr&p am values=10.224 • USDA • Rural BUs/treSB-Oppottunlty G(al11S http:ll12.46145.173Tpls/pottal36/CAT ACOO.PROGRA NI TEXT RPT.SH00(?p am pames=pooq nbr&p ..am values=10.'773 8 r, 3 <> ::> 2-78. Tax Incentive Policies: • Agricultural Enterprise Zones/Renaissa nee Zones • Differential Assessment (Clean & Green) • Farm Bu ilding Exemptions Tax Abatement in exchange for term easements Tax Freeze Provisions 2-79, Traffic Impact Studies (Commu nity-wlde) See 2-30 above. Rather tnan assessing traffij:: impacts related only to specific development projects, a traffic impact study based .on a municipal I regional future land use Plan wfll provide a more efficient comprehensive approach t() assessing the need for targeted transpo(lation lmpro~ments. • State of New York • Clifton Park, NY • Council Rock: School District~ Bucks Count .. PA • Lancas~rCounty Ttansportation Grants' Program http:/{Www.Jancastercoyntvherilage.com/planning/GWplv iew.aso?a=3\g=268796#Iable • PennD@T -Transpgi1cftion EtJfJ~naem'flnts Pl'Oflfci(11 I Hometown Slieet$/safe Rolites fo Schoof ,ft!'.)'.//flp.dotestate.pa.usfpubliC'.IBureaus/Cpdm/VVEBIHTS jyo20-%20SRTS-JE-2005-06,pqf • (JCED • Land U~e Planning if.rid Tech~ical ASsiSfance Program (L'VPTARJ httQ']lwWW .newpa.com/prpgramfinder .asp~voelD=2 • DCED • L.QcaJ Muntclpa/ ~esourtes and Dev.ero ent tam l.MRDe Ke R Tools: 2-SO. Agricultural Security Areas Agricultural Zoning; • Effective Agricultural Zoning • Exclusive Agricultural Zoning 2-81. Agri--tourism Ordinanoes 2-82. Farm Support and Home Occupation Provisions See 2-10 above. Ordinances that recognlZe and regulate tourism as a use related to agriculture. Allows certain business activities to be undertaken in residential and agricultural districts, usually with performance standards that reduce nuisance violations (lighting, signs, emissions, noise, • CleKalb. lL •Peninsula TQWOShip, Ml • De'Kalb, IL • Pe.ninsula Township, Ml DCED -La11dUse Planning ant;I Tschnicaf Assistance Program (LUJ7TAP) http!l/www.newpa.'tt)m/program'Finder.aspx?typelD=2 • DOED • Local Munjcipal Resources and Pil.VelopmenJ Rt99ram (LMRt!JPJ lrtto:Ltwww.newoa.CQm/programFinder.aspx?typelP=2 • USDA -Fund Fol Rural America.: Rvearcti, Educatiott and ertensian ActNities btlo:/112}l§.2.45!173/pls/portal30/CAT ALOG.PROGRA "rlJl TEXT RPT,Sff0Mp am games=orog; nbri&p am vatues=a 0.2241 • DCED -Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP) http:/fw'WW.newpa.corn/programFinder.aspx?tvpelD=2 •· ·PCED • Local Municipal R~sources and Development Program (LMRDP) and truck traffic). 2-83. Local RighHo.,,, See 2...23 ~nave. Farm Ordinances Key Capital Jnvestment Description Tools: 2-84, Ded cated See 2-14 above. Conservation Easements 2-'85. Open Speice Land See 2-15 above. A,c;qulsition 2-86. Purchase of See 2~16 above. Development Rights • Farmland Preservation •Open Space Preservation Table B-3: Urban Growth Area Strategy-Supporting Tools http:/fWww.newpa,com/programFinder.aspx?tvpelD=2 • USDA -Fund For Rural America: Research, Education, ahd .8densio11 Activities hUp:/l12.46.245.173fpls/portal30/CAT ALOG.PROG RA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?p arg names=prog nbr&p arg values=10.224 Goal: Direct more development into designated Urban Growth Areas through reinvestment and new development that improves quality of life by respecting an.d reinforcing exi$ting community forms ana· values. Table B-3: Urban Growth Area Strategy -Supporting Tools Objective 1: Make currently designated Urban Growth Areas sufficjent to accommodate projected .growth to 2030 by increasing the density and intensity of development. Tools: 3-1. Act 537 Planning s-2. Land Use & Transportation Corridor Planning OescriptJ011 Requires municipalities to maintain current wastewater facilities plans (updated approximately every five to ten years) -Indicating when and where public wastewater facilities and private on-lot systems wlll be provided. PJan to guide future land use an'd associated transportation needs (access points, sidewalk improvements, etc.) In an existing corridor. • Regiona l Act 537 Plan for Donegal Region • Georgetown. Bart Township • East cocaliooPA 272 Corridor Asses&111ent Policy • DEP .., Act 53T, Sewage Facilities Planning Grants http:/twww.dep.state.pa.us DCED -Land Use Planning and Technical Assistartce Program (LUPTAPJ http://WWW.newpa.comtprogramFinder.asp1<?typelD=2 • DCED • t..ocal Municipal Resources and Developmeflt Pl'ognim (LNIRDPJ http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2. • Lari.caster County Transportatton Grants Program http~/!www.lancastercoontyherltage.com/planning/cwp/v iew.asp?a=3&q=26.8796#Table • PennDOT -Transpottatlon Enhancements Program I Hometown Streets/SJlte. ROl.#8$ toSchooJ ii 't.state. «u usic. s .5'020-2GSRTS-E-00' . . • o"cEp ~ Land Use Planning af)d Technical sistance. Program (LUPTAP) t ~/Jwww.n .com' ramFinder.as x?t elD=2 ' pt(ED • /,,.ocal Mutficjpa/ Res0qu:es aQ.(I Ueve{opment Prpgram (LMRBR} .fittp;//Www.newpa.oomlprogramlfinder.aspX:?lypelD=2, Table B-3: Urban Growth Area Strategy-SQpportltlg ·roots .;!wA-1~1 -·~-~ ·~ y ffi.'tlhw/w .fhwa .ddt1govfteai11index: htm ,. -3-3. Property Recycling Promotes urban revitalization by • City ofl~noaster-• DEP~ PA Brownfields Inventory Grants -Brownfie!ds I limiting the environmental liability L-anMster lndostrial httg :/ /'WwW,deQ,state .Qa . us/der;!/degutate/a irwaste/wm/I Greyfields associated with revitalizing old Park· andrecv/lnventoty/e1Q.ht1!! Redevelopment industrial and commerclal sites • Mantieim Borough -• EPA .. Brownfi~lds A$sessment and Cleanup and providing incentives for these. Greentree Business eooperative Ag~ements properties to be returned to Center; bUQ://12:.46'.2451173/pls/,go.rtal30/CATALOG .PROGRA productive use. Greyfields • Lowes Columbia M T!;XT RPT.~t:!QW1t! arg names=Qrog l]br&g arg redevelopment involves reuse or Ave. varues;::;66.818 underperforming or unc:terutilized • HUD -CDBG/Brownfields Economic Development properties that are not Initiative contaminated but may require httQ:fl12.46.245.173/gls/gortal30/CATALOG.PROGRA substantial reinvestment. M TEXT RPT.SHOW?e arg narnes=12rog nbr&g am values=14.246 • DCED ~Business in Our Sites Grants and Loans httQ:/fWww. newQa .co mf QrogramFinder.asgx?tygel D=:3 • D.CED -Industrial Sites Reuse Pro.gram htt1:1:fiwww.new1:1a.com/1:1rogramFlnder.as12:.x?tvr;!elD=3 • DCED • Infrastructure Devel(Jpment Program httg://www.newQa .com/grogramFinder.asQx?1yQelD=3. • DCED -Urban Development Program (UDP) httQ:/twww.new12a.com/QrogramFinder.as12x?tyQelD=2. • US DOC -Grants for Public Works and Economic Develqpment Facilities hltQ;//12.46.245.173/Qls/gortat30/CATALOG.PROGRA "M TEXT RPT.SHOW?Q ar.g names=erog n'br&Q arg Table 8-3: Urban Growth Area Strategy-Supporting Tools values=11 .300 __ ,, 3-4. Tax Incentive • DCED • Land tlse Plamting and Technical Policies: ' Assistance Program (LUPT~ btto'.//www.newBMiQmlorooramFlnder.as(2x?tYQelD=Z. i • DCBD -Local Mun clpal Resou~s aJJd i Development Program (LMRDP) h1tP:J/www.oe.w~a.com/erggramFinder.as2x.?t~~ID=.2 • Keystone Defined-parcel-~pecific areas WUh City of Lancaster-• /)CED-Keystone Opportunity Zone Opportunity greatly reduced or no tax Qurden Lan~ter lnClustfial b!fi!:llkQii,n~WBS!1~mlg2&§/KOZ Gu~elines, odf Zpnes for property owners, residents an({ ~ark. businesses~ • eity'bf J..ancaster- Rhoads E.nergy ! • Manheim Borough - i Greentree .EJusiness Center • Ephtata Boroug - ft>nner Mountain Sprihgs Hotel ' Land Value A tax that im oses different Fa es Taxatron on land (high~r ta~ rate) thag buildings and tm13rovements (low,er tax rate}. This 9fves a tax brealdo homeowners and businesses while discouraging landowners from leaving prQperties vacant while waiting for land values to rise. Taple B-3: Urban Growth Area Strategy-Supporting Tools 3-5 . -. T(l'X Abatement • Ta)( Increment FinancinQ Traffic Impact Studies (Commtinity-Wide) Encourages reinvestment by allowing businesses to phase--in new taxes that would otherwise be assessed to their prope y be:c§use of new buifding constroction. Used to publicly finance needed public hTJprovements-and enhanced infrastn.icture n reinvestm~nt area&. the cost.nf impr:o\!emet1lS,fo the area is repaid by the contribufie.ns of Mure t8i1 revenues by each parf~pating taxing unit that levies wees agairist,ttie pr ~tmy. Rather than assessing traffic impacts related only to specifi'c development projects, a traffic impact study based on a municipal I regional future land use plan Will provide a more efficient comprehensive approach to assessing the need for targeted transportation improvements. •· Lancaster County TransportatiDn Grants Program http:/twww.tancastercountvhernage.com/planning/cwp/v ieW.asp?a=3&g=268796#Table • PennDOT -Transportation Enhancements Program I .Hometown Streets/Safe Routes to School ftp://ftp.dot.state .. pa .usl.public/Bureaus/Cpdm/WEBIHTS %20-%20SRTS-TE-200:5·06.pcff • DCED • Land Use Planning and Technical Ass'istance Program (LUPTAP) http://www.newpa.com/programF1nder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCED • Local Municipal Resources and Development Program (LMRDP) http;//www.newpa.com/prograrnFinder.aspx?typelD=2 ., FHWA -TEA·2'1 Table B-3: Urban Growth Area Strategy-Supporting Tools 3-6. Water/Sewer Supply Coordination SuppottJng Regulatory Tools: 3--1 , f;xp,edited Review Process 3-8, Offsite Stormwater Mitigation 3-9, Rehab'litatlon Building Codes Coordination between the local ot regional authorify responsible for water/sewer supply and the goals of lhe rnuntpipaliw to pm~rty place utilities and facilitate directin. growth, Description Faster review process-Qftpw1>9s~ projects fhat are compliant with smart codes and smart grQwth goals and objectives. Allows urban developers to contribute ta stormwater mitigation that serves the entire drainage basin. Offsite mitigation makes smaller infill projects more feaslble and provides an opportunity to locate mitigation facilities in a way that can serve multiple projects. Updal{119 or Qreatil)g buil\1.ing codes that encourage: West Lampeter Township http:/twww.fhwa.dot.gov/tea21/index.htm • PENNVE.ST lnftastri.lctute L1;?ilns htto://www.pennvest.state.oa.us{oennvesUsite/default.a a DCE;D -1..anfl UsJt·flann/JJg apd:Techpical As~lstance Pt'9{Jram rLtJPTAPJ httQJtwww.newpa.gomfprooramFinder .asp~ypelQ::.2 • DCED • Local Mflnlclpal Resources and DWfllOpment Fr9tl"m (LM.RDPJ httf>:JIWww.ne't(Pf..OOQ'flQ!9o{ifDEindar,a~px'?.f.vgero=e • DEP-Watershed Grants http://wNw.dep.state.pa.us/growgreen/watershedprotect ion/defau It. htm • USDA -Watershed Sutveys and Planning http://12.46.245.173/pfs/portal$0/CATALOG.PROGRA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?p ara names=prog 'llbr&p arg values=10.906 · • PENNVEST Infrastructure Loans http://www.pennvest.state,pa .us/pennvest/site/default.a ~ .. DC'SO -Land Use:P./ilnrtlngNJdTe~bnfcal ~§f.ince Pr"'1tflm (LUPTAP) Table 9 .. 3: Urban Growth Area Strategy -Supporting Tools 3-10. storrnwaler Management BMP's Suppol1ing Capital Investment Tools: 3-1 ~. Communit~ uand Trusts rehabilitation :and reuse of e;cistiog buildings. Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stormwater include techniques designed to minimize the impact of oevelopmen.t on surface water quantity and quality. Examples of BMPs inch.ide retention basins, infiltratJo:n basins, sand filters, biofilters, grassed swales and tiparian buffers, pervlous pavements and wall~ways, curb~Jess streets, an.ct pollution prevention practices, among others. A nonprofit trust. that owns ttl~ land anc:l permits the resident owner to retain title to ttte house, representing a more affordable approach to home ownersttjp. Regulations place JiiTlits 0 'the amount of profit that can be earned by a single home owner over a period at tiflle. lo p]i!~ Subcode .-Th Maryl~nd Building Reh'abiliJ~ti6n Code gram, Lanca$ter county Model Stor.mwater Manageroent Ordinance Jrttp:Nwww.newpa.oomtpro,gramFinder.aspx?typelD=2 " DCED • Local Municipal Resources a(Jd De'Velopment RrQIJram (LMR,De) ntto:1!www,rrewp1i.:®mtproQramFinder.aSpx?lypelD=2 • f)EP-Waters/Jed Grants http:/fwww..dep.state:pa.us/growgreen/watershedprotect ion/default.htm · • IJSDA • Watershed Surveys and Planning htte://12.46.~45'.17'.3lpls/portaJ30/CATALOG .PR0(3RA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?p arg names=prog nbr&p arg yalues=10.906 • PENNVEST Jnfrastrucwre Loans http:/twww.pennvest.state.pa.us/pennvest/slte/default.a fill Table 8-3: Urban Growth Area Strategy-Supporting Too(s 3-12. Historic Preservation Easements wher-e housing prices are rising. qufckty, this pl'()arcam helps to keep the hOusing affordable for future purchasers A voluntary legal agreement that protects a significant historic, arohaeologlcal, or cultural resource. • PHMC -Keystone Hist-0ric Preservation Grant Program http:/'/WwW.artsnel.org/phmc/grants.htm • US NPA • Save America's Treasures http://1.2.46.245.173/pJs/portal30/CAT ALOG.PROGRA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?p arO names=prog nbr&p arg values=15.929 Objective 2: Encourage development patterns in Urban Growth Areas that are compatible with existing characterr promote livable communities, and focus on Mixed-Use Centers as defined in the Urban Growth Area Strategy. Description Provides ~nding fqr m'unioiPallY$S' to impJement the County's Bike and Pedestrian Plan. • Pin.hDOT-'f.,Gfnshortatlon f Hometo'Wn Str&e't$/Safe R s to School ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa ... us/public/ByreaustCpclm/WEB/HTS %20-%.20SRTSJE:2005-06.pdf http :Jtwww .dcnr.§!Qte.m.Y.s/9!;9'«[,099reener. gg- grants;aspx • DCRR • Commcm'ity CanseFVatlon Partnerships Program http://www.denr.state.pa.us/growinggreener/gg~ grag'ts.asgx • QS,Neft"" Riveqt~ns rmd'Q,,Qn;set:VatiQll: /§JI.nee Table 9 .. 3: Urban Growth Area Strategy-Supporting 'Tools 3-14. Green !3uilding Technology 3-15. Traffio Impact Studies " C0,mmunit -wide Environmentally sustainable building design that includes use Of energy efficient materials, recycled materials, solar energy, and structural and mechanical components t.hat save utfllty costs over the life ofthe structure and have minimal impact on the environment. See 3-5 above, DesCTiptJon 3-16. ADA Accessibility lnchJdes req uirements in all new developments, infill projects, and street and sidewalk construction,, Street crossings should be developed to help people navigate to a crossing point easily identify ttp:fr12.46.245'!'173/pls/portataOICAtA:LOG.f:lROGRA M TEXT RP"f. HOW?P arg names=proa nbr,&p am values=-15.-921 FHWA -TEA .. i1 htto~.1hwa.gdt.gov/tea211index.htm • PENNVESTtiJ~ctute L'OapS hlip://wWw.penn"VeSt.slate.pa.us/pennvesUstte/default,a ~ • DCED ,. Land Use Planning .anct Technical Assistance Prqgram (LUP'fAP) http://yrww.newpa.com/proqramFin~er.aspx?typelD=2. • DCED -Local Municipal Resources and /)evelopment Program (J..MRDP) http://Www.newpa .com/gfogramFinder.aspx.?tvpelD=2 • PA Access Grant Ptogram http :/twww. neW[>!i .COrnlprogramFinder.a§Px?t)£Pel 0=:2 • DCED -Land Use Planning ~nd Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP) http://www.newpa.com/programfinder.aspx?typelD=2 ~ • ., Table 8-3: Urban Growth Area Strategy -Supporting Tools 3-17. Context-Sensitive Solutions for Roq;dwa,y Oesiqn 3-18. Crime Prevention through Environmental Design \3-lQ. .Dark Sky Protectron / l1gtit Trespass 3-20. tmpact Fees the entry and exit ofthe crossing, and avoid bartiers. Design standards for transportation 'facilities that consider pfes~Natjon qfhistooo, scenic, and environmental valties along with mobility, safety and economics. Focuses on the importance of surveillance, boundary definition. access control, territoriality, and the relation between land use and activity locations in building and site design. Regulations that prot:ent agaii:ist llgfiting nuisance by requinng ~n outdoor light fixtures to direct lJ.11 illuminatfan ontp the parcel Wilt:)~ installed and sets a light trespass "spill" limit measured in fqot candle~. Pennsylvania Act 209 legislation permits municipalities to assess transportation impact fees in accordance with an adopted municipal transpbrtation impact fee ordinance. Impact fees are ·• DCED • Local Municipa.I Resou1ces and Development Program (LMRDP) _,http:/fwww.newpa;.cornlp~'?oramFinder.aspx?fypelD=2 • DCED ·Land se Planning tfnd Tech'11~1 Assistante Program (LUPTAP} ttAA://wWNi..newP§.s:Qmlm;ggramEinder.a~9'x?typelD=2 • DCED • Local MUnlcipal Resources and Development Ptogwn (UdRDPJ ,http://wwW.newpa.CQm/programF.inder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCED • .Land Us*?. Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP) http://www.newRa:-@m/programflnder.aspx?typelD;::2· • DCED -local Municlpa.I Resources and Development Program (LMRDP.) http;//www.newpa.com/programFlnder.aspx?type10=2 t DGED • Laqd Usd Planq/,Qg amt T.eC/Jli[cJ&i ASsistance PIQ911Ulf (L(JPTAP) httD://www.newoa.com1oroocamFinder.aspx?tvoelD=2. ~ DCED • l.bcal Nlllnlc;Jpa,I Resources and D vetopment Pfbgtam (LMRDP) httft:/lwwwioewDa.comtprooramfind.er.aspx?typelD54 • DCED • Land Use Planning and Technical As$istance Program (LUPTAP) http://www.newpa.com/program'Finder.asp:x?typelD=2 • DCED • local Munit;ipa.I Resources and Development Program (LMRDP) http://www. newpa.eom/programFinder.aspx?tvpelD=2 I Table B-3; Urban Growth Area Strategy-Supporting Tools payment from a developer to cover the cost of providing transportation improvements related to a development project. 3-2:t. Infill Development Through use of zoning incentives. Standards develope·rs are encouraged to pursue ~infill development" (development of vacant or underutllized par.eels withm existing urban areas that are afreadyJa©elY de~to~). Some: contextual de-sfgn standatds shourd be in place to maintain existJn. communil character. 3-22. Mini-Max Zoning 3-24. Rehabilitation Buildini:i Codes 3-25. ~cenic Corridor Sets minimum as well as maximum density requirements. Allpws a mi~of residential, commernial, and employment 'i.1$E$ in ciose proximity, allowing more convenient access to services and promoting walkability. See .3-9 above . Protects sce,Tfic visfas along roaa of Lancaster - · -Us-e PiSfrJCt D~EO. .-DCED • J.,and Use Plllnning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAI?) http://wWw.newpa.com/progtamFlnder.aspx-. ype!D=-2 .,, llCED • Local Mcmiejpal ResOQrces and P~f9JIP1~nf Pfollram ~f!) tlM~&/ww.oewpa.®rnlorogramFin.der,asoX:?tyoe1C:;::2i • DCED -Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP) http:Jlwww .newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typel [}=2 • DCED -Local Municipal Resources and Development Program (t..MRDP) http:/fwww.newpa .com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 !'i BcED ~ La.nd l.1$\'PlaMi119 .afl!l '(schnical A slstance Prc.>gTBm (J..UPrJ(P) httn~tfwww.newDa.corotprooramFinder.aspx?typet0=:2 • DCED -Local Munlelpal Resourees and Development Program (LMRDPJ http:/twww.newpacomtptooramFlnder.aspx?typel0-4 ~ USDOi -Ntlllona.l $cen1toS,Wa,ys Program Table B-3: Urban Growth Area Strategy-Supporting Tools Qverlay Districts 3-26. Specific Plans 3-.27. Stormwate Management BM P's ca . I segment$ by applyingspecial design standards, s:uch a,S setbacks , design ,guidelines, signage1 and buffets along the corridor. A detailed plan for nonresidential development of an area covered by a municipal, multi·municipalJ or county comprehensive plan, which when approved and adopted by the participating municipalities 1hrough ordinances and agreements supersedes all other applicatiohs. See 3-10 above. Jittp:tzwww.bywavsnnliner.om!Qran1s1 • lanc~ter CountY Tran$poJ'fil.tjM G:ranl$ Program hflP:/Jwww.lanca~tertountyheritage.coih/planninglcwplv iew.asp?a=3&q=26&796#Table • PennDOT -Trans.pQ~n EiUJan~ements Program i H,011J1to T( Sfiuls/Silfe Routes to School ftb:/lftp,dot.state.pa:us/publiC/Bareaus/CQdmlWEB/HTS %20-%20SRT$-TE-200S-06.pdf • QCED ·Land Use Planning and Technical AsslStance Program (WP-TAP) h@'J/wwyf.nmvpa.comlpr99ramfinder.aspx?typelb=; • FHWA-tEA-~1 http:INN!w.fhwa.d'nt.govfjed1/inaex.htq\ • DCED -Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP) http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2. • DCED -Lpcal Mµnir;ipal Resources and Development Program (LMRDP) http://www.newpa,ro;m/grogramFinder.aspx?typel.0=2 Table e .. 3.: Urban Growth Area Strategy-Supporting Tools Investment Tools: 3-28. Special Improvement Districts An organizational and financing tool using a self-imposed tax by local businesses In partnershfp with the municipality to proVide specialized seivices such as sidewalk maintenance, street cleaning, physical improvements, security, special events, and · marketing and busihess romotion. City of Lancaster - Downtown lnve.stment DistriGt (010) • DCED • Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance PrQgram (LUPTAPJ http:/twww.newpa.<?Omloroqramfinder.aspx?tvpelIJ=2. • DCED, • Local Municipal Resources and Development Program (LMRDPJ http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.asp:x?typelD=2 Objective 3: Promote Reinvestment that complements the existing physical and social fabric in Developed Areas within Growth Areas. $~ng PolkylPlannlng Toots; 3-29. Alternative Transportation Modes Des<;ciption Encourage trans~ use.and expansion ttirough conce(ltratlon of development near1rans~ stops; retocation or establistJing t or stops to areas with hiQtr 9 S1 mixed use developmeot, and pedestrian or bicycle access; targeting oftra0$it based on economic factors such as rreigtlt>orhoods wJth higher percentages oJ yOllnQ' people, students, and ek:lerty Citizens; ~nd strategic routing decisions that • Mo1-1nt~Jo aoro1-1g)j LapcastfV County Transportation Grants Program btfp://wWw.lancastercountvhemaqe,com/olanniog/cwp/v iew .-asp'?a=3&g=268796#Table • ~~DOT -Tff!MJ'f'tfl!!ion Enhancements Program I Rcimetown stfijts/Safe' Routes to Schoof fU:!;//fte.cf ot.state .PJI .usJoublic/Bureaus/CRdm/\IVEB/HTS %20..%20SRTS· TE-2005!06.pdf ej! FTA • F$al Transit Capital Investment Grants http://12'..46.245. 17$1Q1sJno1tal30(CATAbOG.PROGR<A M TEXT RPT.SH<:>WN am oames=proo nb'r&p am yalues=20.500 • FTA -Trans:it. Planning and Research • ,,. 3-30. Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning 3-31. Oommunlty Development Partnerships 3-32. Shared Municipal Revenue J-33. Shared Municipal SeNices help to ameliorate tne effects of regional Jobs~housing imbalances, See 3-13 above. Involves a combination O'[ agencies. communities, and citizens to work, fund, or champion a common cause, st.1ch as affordable housing and urball reinvestment. These conglomerations allia11ces usually include business organizations, civic associations, public-private partnerships, coalitions, and community based organizations and financial institutions, A cooperative agreement between multiple municipalities to share .all or part ofthe revenues derived from taxes, fees , and special charges to promote cooperaHan and equitable distribution in the delivery of municipal services. Promotes cooperation between munici alities to Increase the • DCED -Shared Municipal Services Ptogram (SMSP) http:ltwww.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 SUpporting Regulatory Tools: 3-34 Crime Prevention t)lrough Environmental Design 3 -35. lnclusionary Zoning efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of municipal services at the locai level. Description See. 3-18 above. Requires that some portion of every new housing development (e .g. 20% of units)) is offered at a price that will be affordable to persons earning less 1han 100% of the median household income in Lancaster County_ 3-36. Mini-M.ax Zoning See 3-22 above:. 3-37, Mixed-Use Zoning See 3-23 above. We.st ~rnP~~r 3-38 Offsite Stormwater See 3-8 above. 'Mlti,gation _..._. ___ , . ...,T~c .. wnsrup 3-39. Stormwater See 3-10 above. Management BM P's Supporllng capital Descript#On Investment Tools: 3-40. Oommurnty Land Tws •· DCEP •. Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP) http:/twww.newp.a .. com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCED -Local Municipal Resqarces and Development Program (LMROPJ http:/twww.newpa.com/programJ=inder.aspx.?typelD=2 3-41. Community Parking Facilities 3-42. Histortc PresecvatiQn easements 3-43. Strategic Infrastructure Improvements Development of publicly owned and operated parking facilities to remove or significantly reduce parking requirements for infill and/or new mixed use developments. A voluntary legal agreement that protects a significant t>istoric, arc_l\aeo1ogioa!i or cyltural resource. Promotes economic development by investing in municipal/regional infrashJcture projects that attract new businesses, such as road improvements, sewer and water supply, technology infrastructurs (cell towers, fiber optics)~ transit, etc. • DCED ~ Infrastructure Develwment Program htip:tflNww.newpa.com/ptogram'Flnder.aspx?typelD=3 • ·ocED ,. Local f.{funicipa/ ResoQrces and Development Program (LMROP) http://www.newpa.comtprogramFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCED -Urban Development Program (UDP) http://Www. newpa.comtpr.ogramFinder. aspx?typelD=2 • DCED -Commt,mif¥ Revita/iza,tion Program (CRP) http:/Jwww.newpa.'C6m/program'Finder.aspx?typel0=2 • PHMC. -ICe,}(St~ Hist¢~ Pruewatlon Grant PR>9film Jl1tprllwww .a rtSnetiOm .phmGlgrants.htm • U$ N~A • SaY&Americ~~ Treasutes http"./J12.AS.245,17-9/p15/portai301CATAlOG..PROGR'A M TEXT RPT,.SHOW?p am oames=prog nbr&p am values=3 5.'929 • Lancaster County Transportation Grants Program bttp:/twww.lancastercountyheritage.com/planning/cwp/v iew.aspia=3&g=268796#Table . .. .. DCED .. Community Revitalization Program (CRP) http;//www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typellJ=:2 • DCED -Urban .Development Program (UDP) http://www.newpa.com/programfinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCED • 8usiness in Our Sites Grants and Loans http;//www.newpa.com/programFinder.asgx?typelD=3 •, DCED -Infrastructure Development Program http:ltwww.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?t ypelD=3 • PennDOT-Transportation Enhancements Program I Hometown Streetsi.Safe Routes to School 'ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa .us/public/Bu rea usiCpd m!WEBIHTS %20-%20SRTS-TE-'2005-06'.pdf • PENNVESTJnfrastructure Loans http://WWw.pennvest.state.pa.us/pennvest/site/default.a §Q • US DOC-Grarlts for Public Wotks and Economic Development F<tciljties http://12.46245.173/pls/portal30/CAT ALOG.PROGRA M TE:XT RPT.SHOW?p aro names=prog nbr&p arg values=11 .300 • FrA -redera/ t,-ans/.t C<tpital Investment Gr.mts hffp://12.46.245:173/pls/porta!30/CATALOG.PROGRA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?p :arg names=prog nbr&p arg values=20.500 • FTA -TransitPJanni11g amJResearch httP:l/12..46.245.173/pfs/portal30/CAT ALOG.PROGRA M TEXT RPT.SHOW?p arg names-=prog nbr&p a.rg valoes=.20.514 Objective 4: Provide for housing choice and affordability through a variety of housing programs. 3-44, Brownfielcts for Housing Initiative Provides state-funded grants for affordable housing activities in previously developed areas to those counties that administer Act 137 Affordable Housing Trust Funds • DCED~ Brownfields forHouslng Initiative http://www.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 3"'45. PetlJISylvania A,ccess Gl'ant ?~~ra'W ProvJdes low-and moderate".'( incoll)e persons With peTlJla disabilities: in,~r~sed aooes in their wrrent horoe by undertaking medlftcations to the home . Table B-4: Rural Strategy -Supporting Tools Goal: Sustain a rural way of life by maintaining the i!Jtegrity of agricultural, natural, at1cl historic lands and resources. Objective 1: Implement a comprehensive strategy to sustain and connect the rural community, rural resource$, and the rural economy. Tools; Gorri'prefle nsive Wafershed Planning Description '1'1s~ues (qusinty-and qt.fan~ft r(~ce · water and 9rouodwater including drinking wafors:cipplles, wa~tewater and sewage, and stormyrat~ issues}jlolisti ~~ basis. Meas udf! we e proteetlon ordinances. riparian buffers , BMP measures for stormwater. recreadon and trail development. e(c,, ;'"l!llt2! Run '" Waterstietf' Association • ~lttl~ C11lqli~$:, Watershed .ASSoeJatlbrr • DEP-Nf!w or, /(1tie}ytUve Technology Grants nttp;llwWWJ!ep,slil'te .pa.llS/grOWgra.en/NewTeclinorooyl ldera:utfttttm 6 • t/SOA -Waters/fed Sqrveys and Planning 'http:t112.4a.24S. t73/plslf>Orlal30{GATAL~:RROG~M ... TEXT_RPT .SHq~p-~rg_names=~r'OY.:_nbr&p_~tg_ v atu¥=i1 Q,~06 ~··tJS h .. 'rEXT' Table B-4: Rural Strategy -Supporting Tools 4-2. Cultural Heritage Planning 4-3. Historic Preservatic:m Ordinances The Lancaster County Heritage Tourism Program facilitates preservation planning practices at the munfcipal le vel. Prattfces include preservation o.f cultural landscapes. greenways, etc. Protects historic ch@rac ectttrougti designation of historic districts or special resou(ce areas. f{egul~tions usually include specific design standards ihat protect building alues=1 o.M4 • PENN\lEST lntrMttucture Loans http-':f/WWW.penn,wst.state.pa:.usfpennvestisite/defaulla sp,;, • PHMC • Certified Local Gover.nment Grant Program http://www.artso!'lt.org/phmc/grants,htm • PHMC -Keystone l/istoric Preservation Grant Program http://www.artsnet.org/phmcfgrants.htm • PHMC • Pennsy/Vania History and Museum Grant Program · http://www.artsnet.org/phmc/grants.htm • US NPA -Save America's Treasures http://12'46.245.173/pls/portal30/CA T ALOG.PROGRAM TEXT RPT.SHOW?p atq names=prog nbr&p arg v altJes=15.929 • DCED • Land Use Planning and Teclmical .AssiStaflce Program (LUPTAP) http://www.newpa .comtprogramfinder.aspx?typelD=2 • eHMC • Certified L,.ocal Government Gtilnt Program http:/twww .. artsnet>.org7phmc;lgrants.htm ti l!HMC • f(e.Y$R>i1e lflstor(c Pmervafion ~t Ftrog'lilm ---~~--_.,._ _http:1/www.artsnet,om/phmc/grants.htm Table 8-4: Rural Strategy -Supporting Toals integrity, :preserve tllsforlc, . ~·· eHMC-~nmik~la'JlfstOJYapd M~~mGrant I structures, ensure compatibility Pt.ogram between new development anti htt~://WWW.artsnet,org/~hmc/orants.htm existing structl!res, and preserve • U'S NP.A • Save 4,mprica's TTffflSUres scenic corridors, htt~f//f-2.~§,245Jj!3l~oof!il~CATA!..~,PROG~M "'TSGT '.131!'1.SHClWhl a\11 oames=12foa obr&f:! am v stues:=;,15f929 • DCED ·Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAPJ httg;[IWWW:.OeWQ.i1.cornlomgtamfijngec.Ho~?t~~IQ=2 '" ~ ·~ " h • 4~4. Scenic Corridor Protects scenic vistas along road .• lJSDOT -National Scenic Byways Program Overlay Districts segments by applying speciar l:Jtt12://WVvw.bYY!'.a~sonline.org/arants/ design standards, .such as • Lancaster County Transportation Grants Program setbacks, design guidelines, htb2Jtwww.lancastercount~heritage.commlanning/cwe/vi sign age and buffers along the ew.aSQ?a=3&g=268796#'T'able corridor. .. PennDOT -TransportatiQ11 En/Jancements Prog~rn J Hometown Streets/Safe Routes to School ftQ:l/ftQ.dot.state.Qa.us/Qublic/Bureaus/CQdm/WEB/HTS %2.0-%20SRTS-T6-2005·06Jx:lf • OCE.D • t.a11d Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP) http://www. new12a .com/QrogramFinder.aspx?i}!pelD=2 .-FHWA -TEA·21 http://www.fhwa .dot.gov/tea21/index.htrn I' Objective 2: Protect agricultural, natural, historic, and scenic rasourc~s within Designated Rural Areas, ~Resource Areas Taats: 4-5. Comprehensive Watershed Planning 4-6. Cultural Heritage Plannin Supporting Regulatory Tools: 4-7. Agricultural Buffer Requir,ements 4-8. Historic 4-9. Preservation Ordinances Description See 4-1 above. See 4-2 above. Description Requires a transition area between urbani?ed areas and .agriqultural uses to reduce Impacts en residents (spray drift, noise, odor, dust) and on agncult1,1ral operations (theft, trespass, restrictions on farming practices). See 4-3 above. See 4-4 above. • DCED ... L.and Usec Planning .and Technical AsslstatlCl:J Prqgnrm (LUPTAP) trttj,?'.ff/www;.newoa;con11programFinder.aspx1fypel0=2 4-10. Comprehensive See 4-1 above. Watershed Planning 4-11. Cultural Heritage See 4-2 above. Plannfng Sllpporting Regulatory Description Too/$: 4-12. Agricultural Buffer See 4-7 above. Requirements 4-13, rMtorfc Preservation Ordinances 4-14. Scenic Corridor Overlay Districts See 4-3 apove~ See 4-4 above. Cultural Heritage See 4-2 above. Plannin . Supporllng Regulatory Description Tools: 4-15. Scenic Corridor Overlay Districts See 4-4 above. Davis, CA ~ ~' ~ Objective 3: Minimize scattered development in rural areas by foctising growth in Village Growth Areas, Rural Centers, and Crossroads Communities. Tools: 4-16. Comprehensive watershed Pl,annin 4-17. Historic Preservation Planning Description See 4-1 above. In coordination with L ancaster County's Gultu.ral Heritage Plan, identifies sites and buildings of historic significance for preservation, including application of historic district ordinances, rehabilitation grants, and federal tax incentives. • PHMC -Certified.Local Government.Grant Pragram http://www.artsnet.org/pbmc/grants.htm • PHMC -Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program http://www.artsnet.om/phmc/grants.htm • PHMC -Pennsy/vahfa History and Museum Grant Program httP://www.artsrret.org!phmc/gtants.htm • US NPA • Save America's Treasures hUp://1 2.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.PROGRAM TEXT RPT.SHOW?p am names=prog nbr&p ara v alues=15.929 • DCED -1-Qnd Use Plann(ng and Technical Assistance Program (LllPTAP) http://Www .new pa .com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 4-'LB. Context-Sen$itive Solutions for ~a:adway Design 4-19. Dark Sky Protection I Light Trespass 4-20. Rfstoric Preservatiqn Ordinances 4-21. Vesting Easements Design standards for transpartatiqp facilities that consider presel'Vation offlistoric;, scenic, and environmental values along Wifh mo.l)ility, safety and economics. Regulations that protect against lighting nuis.ance by requiring all outdoor light fixtures to direct all illumination onto the parcel where installed and sets a light trespass "spill'' limit measured in foot candles. See 4-3 aMve. Offers incentives to landowners in the form of density bonuses to keep land in rts current use and compensate and encourage landowners to postpone the sale of land for development. This tool is not intended to provide permanent land protection orto permanently prevent land from being converted into developed uses. Instead , itis intended as a non-cash tool that can be used to prevent premature sales for development and ost one land conversions. The • ®:Ii~,, L.and Use Plannihg and Tef;hniCitl fSlstance Prog~tJPTAJ!) . . ~ btt01/Nf'NW4le)t{pi.coroaramfinderN§Q,W?!YPelD=i .. DCED -LoCal Municipal Resowces and Development Program (LMRDP) :!lttn;t~.neWQii&Qm/proommEioder,a~p~ypelQ...~ • DCED,, LamJ Use Planning and Technicaf Assistance Program (LUPTAP) http://www.newpa.com!programFinder.aspx?typelD=2 • DCED • Local ·Municipal Res()Ur~es and Development Program (LMRDP) http://www.newpa .com/programFinder.aspx?typel0=2 SU~(1JJ Capital Investment Tools: 4-22. Traffic Calming Toots: intent is to keep land in ~urrent uses until funds to pay for fee and less than fee purchases or other means become available to provide more permanent protection. Include changes in street design, such as incorporating traffic circles to replace traffic lights or stop signs, shorter turning radii, speed humps, narrower streets, or curves in roadways to slow traffic speeds in residential neighborhoods. Other measures directly address the pedestrian, such as raised crosswalks, landscaped islands between opposing lanes of traffic, and fewer road lanes. Description • Lancaster County Transportation Grants Program hJtp://www.lancastercountyhelitage.com/plann ing/cwplvi ew .asp?a=3&q=268796#Table • PennDOT -Transportation Enhancements Program I Hometown Streets/Safe Rolltes to· Schoof ftp'.//ftp.dof.state.pa.us/public/Bureaus/Cpdm/WEB/HTS .%20~%2osR.1s~ TE-2005-0~.pgf • FHWA -TEA-21 http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tea21/index.htm • DCED -Infrastructure Oevelopment Program http://WWW.newpa.com/programFinder.aspx?typelD=-3 • 'DCEO -Land U:;e Planning andTechnlcaf Assistance Pl'ogtam (LUPTAP) http://www.ne""pa.com/brogramFinder.aspx?typelD=2 .. DC'IED . Local Municipal Resources and Development Program (LMRDP) http://WWW.newpa .comfprogramFincfer.aspx?typelD=2 I 4-23. Comprehensive See 4-1 above. Watershed Plannin Supporti(lg RegulatoJY Descrip1ion Tools: 4-24, Cont~xt-Sensittve See 4-19 above . Solt.ltions for Roadway Desigo 4-25 . Dark Sky See 4-20 above. Protection I Light Trespass 4-26. l;j1storfc See 4-3 abave. Preservation Ordinances 4-27. Vesting See 4-21 above. Easements C<Pmunitie& ~ Description ~ .... ~ 4-28, ;Pil.mJi)rehensive See 4•1 above. ::;:! Watershed ;::; Planning ~ 3 4-29. See 4-1 & above. ~ ;:;;- '.$':: i" ;:; "' :r:i 2 ;:j r:, 2 rn ~ ;:j r, 2 T()ti}S: . 4.-30,,. ©Ont~ .. sensitive See 4c1~ afllo~e~ s~1utlo.1s 'for Roadway Design 4-31. Dark Sky See 4-20 above. Protection J Ught Trespass 4-34: Hisfortp See .4-3 aoova Pr-eserv~tto r~ Ordinances Vesting See 4-21 above. Easements Description 4-34 . Traffic Calming See 4-22 above. Objective 4: Maintain economic links to the land ~y supporting the agricultural industry and other components-0f a healthy rural economy. 4-3 6. .Agrlcu ltu ral Economic Development Office/ Agricult:Hal Services Division 4-37. cnwprehensive Water~l)pd Ptahnlng 4-38. Cultural Heritage Planning 4-39, Fa ,ndJ;Y ¢f1 . 4-40. Traffic Calming as a ll'one slop'' clearinghQU:Se: \O" provida acqess tQ;10QJS <Btld resourpes for La11~s!~p's .f~!ln~J§." to tmd PUt abottt national arid international innovafions, and models. Helps administer County farmland protection programs, acts as a liaison to leverage support from federal and state agencies and coordinates public education a11d outreach efforts. See 4-1 above. See 4-2 above. A checklist for mqofoiealitlesfQ review flow rest,rictlye<fll:eir iof(mg regulations and otner policies: may be toward farm pi;actices See 4 .. 22 above. • Loudoun County, VA • MontgomefY· Coqn1y. MD T:E*r;; BPT .SHOwtl am names=pron; nbr&p am v .atl.1~10~224 · • USDA -Fund for Rural Am.erica: Researcl1f Education, and Extension Activities http://12.46.245.173/plslportaf30/CAT ALOG.PROGRAM . TEXT RPT.SHOW?p arg names=prog nbr&p arg v alues=10.224 ' . Lancaster County Planning Commission 50 North Duke Street • P.O. Box 83480 • Lancaster, PA • (717) 299-8333 www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning