Overview
The Town's Comprehensive Plan contains two main types of information:
- A detailed description of Concord's current state, such as demographic data; descriptions of parks, our EMS services, our infrastructure, local services available to residents, cultural and historical resources, etc.; lists of wildlife species; and much, much more
- Visions, goals, and strategies for Concord's future: this includes specific policy language (the town plan is a legal document)
The plan consists of 11 elements. Drafts of the revised town plan are now available. A professional plan consulting firm (MSA) is assisting us with the plan update: updating demographic data, updating various tables, producing new maps, and creating policy wording that will achieve Concord citizens' goals for the town.
Jefferson County Is Concord's Zoning Authority
The Town of Concord doesn't have its own zoning ordinance. Concord is under Jefferson County zoning, but when the county considers zoning requests in Concord, they should also consider whether the request is consistent with the Concord Comprehensive Plan. This has come into question in a recent situation when the county decided to grant a zoning change from A-1 to A-2 that would not be allowed under Concord's Comprehensive Town Plan.
Jefferson County adopted the Jefferson County Farmland Preservation and Land Use Plan on February 9, 2021. Farmland Preservation is a state program, and it appears that Jefferson county violated state law (Wis. Stats. 91.48(1)(b)) by taking farmland out of the farmland preservation program in violation of the Concord Comprehensive Plan. A claim has been served on the county, which is the first step in taking the county to circuit court.
What Is a Comprehensive Plan? Why Do We Have One?
We are legally required to update the Town of Concord Comprehensive Plan every ten years. This plan serves as the foundation and guide for the future actions of the town and is designed to sustain and enhance the quality of life of the residents. All ordinances and zoning decisions legally must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Analyzing Action/Plan Consistency (by Brian Ohm)
A properly written and adhered-to plan establishes equal treatment, protects private property rights, simplifies decision making, and presents a vision for the future with long-range goals and objectives for all activities that affect the local government. With clearly defined criteria, it also increases protection against lawsuits.
The Comprehensive Plan is a technical legal document requiring specific language. Specific criteria established by state statute must be met. Concord has hired MSA Professional Services to help us update our existing plan. A Steering Committee has been formed to oversee the process and coordinate Concord citizen involvement; this committee is open to anyone interested in joining. Throughout the update process, it would be great to have as much public participation as possible. This will be a plan for all Concord citizens, so every individual’s input is important. Please participate in any way you can!