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The location, scale, density, and design of compact growth will depend on many local considerations: the degree of existing development, regional context, availability of infrastructure, sensitive natural resources, and other factors.  Each municipality, in coordination with the MetroFuture land use plan and principles, should plan for how they can provide the benefits of compact growth to their residents at the appropriate scale.  Improved systems of municipal planning, described in (#1 Coordinated Plans), are a prerequisite for sustainable plans for compact growth.  Those recommendations call for consistency of zoning, local plans, and the regional plan; in every municipality, the identification of compact growth areas—of an appropriate scale—will be one element of consistency.  

While master plans can identify appropriate locations for compact growth, district plans are necessary to provide more specifics about scale, densities, design, access, uses, and infrastructure.  Municipalities have increased support from state programs and MAPC for the development of such plans.  In both urban and suburban communities, plans for compact growth often meet resistance due to concerns about visual impact and impact on community character.  More widespread application of tools for visualizing growth will help to build community support through a more responsive and accountable process.  Local areas plans for compact growth must be aligned with capital planning and resource availability, to avoid redundant costs, unused capacity, and environmental damage. 

1)    Support district plans for compact growth

2)    Use visualization and decision support tools to engage the public in district planning

3)    Develop capital plans for compact growth areas

4)    Broaden use of Chapter 40R Smart Growth Zoning Districts