Quick Link 
State Planning Office,
Land Use Program

 Comprehensive Planning Resources 

WCCOG also offers an extensive library with publications on many topics of interest to municipal officials. This includes:

• US Census data,

• Comprehensive Planning and Watershed Planning resources,

• videotapes on various topics such as code enforcement, subdivision review and water quality; and

• soils maps

In addition, links to many on-line resources are provided below.

It can sometimes take assistance to wade through all of the material and how it all knits together. WCCOG staff can come to a meeting of your Selectmen or Planning Board to provide this kind of Technical Assistance.

We help with basic “Boardsmanship” as well as training on the many statutes, policies, regulations and state programs that are available to help.

Please contact Judy East at 454-0465 if you have questions or would like to schedule a meeting.

 Online Resources 
In addition to the resources listed below, additional resources for communities considering developing or updating their Comprehensive Plan are available through the Maine State Planning Office. 

SPO Comprehensive Plan Review Rule (PDF 307 KB)
The Comprehensive Plan Review Rule sets out the process by which the State Planning Office review Comprehensive Plans for consistency with Maine's Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act, more commonly referred to as the Growth Management Act. Revisions to the Rule were proposed in the Fall of 2010. Those proposed changes are posted at:

 http://www.maine.gov/spo/landuse/compplans/208revisions/

As amended by SPO, the rules eliminate duplication, reduce the level of burden the process places on municipalities and provide municipalities with older plans (pre-December 31, 2000) more time to update those plans in order to adhere to the Act's requirements. A public hearing to accept comments on the proposed rule amendments has been scheduled for Thursday, March 31 at 2:00 in room 110 of the State Planning Office. The office is located on 19 Union Street in Augusta. Testimony provided by Judy East of the WCCOG is available here.

The deadline for submitting written comments is Thursday, April 14. Written comments should be submitted to Tom Miragliuolo at tom.miragliuolo@maine.gov or at Tom's attention at the following address: c/o State Planning Office, 38 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. He is also the chief contact person if you have any questions about this proposal.

Comprehensive Planning: A Manual for Maine Communities (PDF low resolution, 2.2MB) (PDF high resolution, 9.8MB)
This manual is written for citizen planners: the members of a comprehensive planning committee, boards of selectmen, or planning boards charged with preparing a comprehensive plan, and the many parties of interest who may be participating or advising in the process. It is part “how-to,” part suggestions for policy, and part tool box. Each of its 19 chapters addresses a requirement of the Growth Management Program.

Community Visioning Handbook: How to Imagine - and Create - A Better Future (PDF, 968 KB)
Before there can be a meaningful comprehensive plan, the residents must agree on a mental picture of what they want the community to look like, feel like, and be like. This handbook describes what a community vision is, provides a step-by-step guide to creating a community vision, and gives an example of a vision from one Maine community.

WCCOG is a municipal membership organization that delivers a wide range of customized planning, advisory
and resources development services to help communities build the future of Washington County, Maine.

Washington County Council of Gov'ts
PO Box 631, Calais, ME 04619
(207) 454-0465 Fax: (207) 454-2568
Toll free (888) 287-3006