by
Carolyn P. Medina

October 2008

A Comprehensive Land Use Plan (“Comprehensive Plan”) is a municipality's most important statement of its future intentions for the use of property within its geographical area. It is the document interpreted and applied by Planning Boards in each city and town when applicants request approval for new subdivisions or other developments. The Comprehensive Plan assesses and sets goals for housing, economic development, natural and cultural resources, community facilities, open space, and circulation. It designates those parts of the city where changes are intended and similarly, confirms those areas of the city that are intended to be preserved as they are.
A Comprehensive Plan and the goals and intentions it contains are more than general policy statements. The Rhode Island Supreme Court has described Comprehensive Plans as “a binding framework or blueprint that dictates town and city promulgation of conforming zoning and planning ordinances.” Town of East Greenwich v. Narragansett Elec. Co.,651 A.2d 725, 727 (R.I. 1994).

A Comprehensive Plan, therefore, is the law each city and town must follow regarding land use and development. It provides the framework for all municipal laws relating to land use including zoning ordinances, which must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. If there are any inconsistencies, the municipality must enact any necessary amendments within 18 months.

The City of Providence (the "City") is in the process of developing a new Comprehensive Plan. As a part of this process, the City is holding a number of public workshops, called charettes, to allow the public to comment on issues pertinent to each of the City's neighborhoods. These workshops offer a unique opportunity for businesses and individuals interested in the City’s future direction to communicate their ideas and concerns directly to the City's planning department.

The charette for Downtown Providence will be held October 27- 30, 2008 at 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI. Charettes for other parts of the City have been held and will continue to be held through March 2009. For additional information and details on the Downtown charette, visit the Providence Planning Department’s website at: http://www.providenceplanning.org/index. php?option=com_content&view=article&i d=121&Itemid=27.