State of Alabama FINAL Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP ...

Many of the current environmental issues stem from the lack of smart growth in the past. The absence of
a comprehensive plan promotes sprawl, which consumes even more of our natural resources and habitat.
Growth is inevitable, but the Comprehensive Land Use Plan will provide a framework for managed
development while continuing to preserve our natural resources.
The Comprehensive Land Use Plan will address the conservation, use and protection of Baldwin County’s
natural resources, including our water quality, wetlands, estuarine marshes, beaches, flood plains, fisheries
and marine habitats. The plan will involve a review and update of existing zoning ordinances to ensure
compatibility with all aspects of the new land use plan, as well as address the need to provide open space
and public access for the citizens of Baldwin County.
The goal of this initiative is to develop a comprehensive land use management plan that will guide the
growth and manage the development of Baldwin County. The objective of this initiative is to develop a
document with goals and objectives that will aid the county in the conservation and protection of its
natural resources such as water quality, wetlands, estuarine marshes, beaches, flood plains, fisheries and
marine habitats. Land use policies will be developed in accordance with this plan and existing zoning
ordinances will be carefully reviewed to ensure their compatibility.
The county has hired the consulting firm, Genesis Group, Inc., to develop and prepare a Comprehensive
Land Use Plan. One important aspect in the development of the plan involves public input. In September
2007, a series of public meetings were held throughout the county to allow citizens an opportunity to
provide input on the issues they felt were the most important and critical to Baldwin County. Meetings
were also held for officials of municipalities within the county, representatives of various governmental
agencies, Chambers of Commerce, School Board members and County officials to address the consultants
regarding their concerns. Additional public meetings will be held once a draft plan has been completed.
The Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Baldwin County will reconcile known resources and established
development patterns and contain a forecast of changes needed. The plan will describe and examine the
County’s natural and man-made resources, including climate, soils, topography, drainage, transportation,
community facilities and housing. Forecasts of the population and economy with implications for future
expansion and development will also be presented. In addition, the plan will examine the major
classifications of urban land use while giving due consideration to present uses; desired future patterns of
development; the needs and desires of citizens; the interaction of natural features and the opportunities for
improving quality of life.
Please see Appendix G-21 for the estimated schedule and deliverables for Baldwin County’s
comprehensive plan.
State of Alabama Final Coastal Impact Assistance Program Plan
Baldwin County Tier One Project Descriptions
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