2008 Comprehensive Plan - Hardin County Government

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY2008 Comprehensive PlanCHAPTER VIThe long-term success of the Hardin County Comprehensive Plan rests largely onthe techniques and programs selected by the County to implement the plan. Thischapter provides an overview of various land use implementation techniques orprograms grouped into two major categories: regulatory techniques and publicfacilities planning and financing techniques. Each of these techniques or programsshould be considered by the County as possible approaches for implementing theComprehensive Plan.Regulatory Techniques – Zoning Ordinance and SubdivisionRegulationsThe two most commonly used regulatory tools as they relate to land use planningare zoning and subdivision regulations. The purpose of zoning and subdivisioncontrols are to regulate the use and development of land in such a way that theoverall public health, safety and welfare is maximized, negative impacts ofdevelopment on surrounding areas are mitigated, and the quality of the builtenvironment meets established community standards.One of the first steps in the implementation of this Plan should be to conduct areview of the County’s land use regulations. Many of the regulations are inadequateto manage the growth pressures facing the community. A basic review of thestructure and purposes of the zoning districts, the definitions and pattern ofpermitted uses for each district, and the intensity and density standards should bereviewed and updated. Similarly, the current development standards designed tomitigate negative land use impacts, such as landscaping, parking, and accessstandards need to be modernized, as do the design standards related tosubdivisions. Lastly, the development review process – zone changes, variances, siteplan reviews, planned unit developments, and others should be reviewed to insurethat the community is getting the quality it deserves while being fair and efficient forthe development community.Beyond this general need for improvements to the current land use regulations;there are some specific approaches that should be considered. Based upon theComprehensive Plan, the following are specific areas of land use regulations thatshould be emphasized and improved in order to implement the plan.Improved Non-Residential Development StandardsHardin County lies literally at the crossroads of several national and state highways.Commercial and industrial uses are located both at the interstate and through themidst of the community creating a variety of development character and quality. It