The Action Program includes a prioritized summary of this Comprehensive Plan’s recommendations. A responsible party is identified to oversee the implementation of each recommendation. The Action Program also describes how recommendations can be implemented through regulatory ordinances, capital improvements programming and other actions by the City’s planning commission and council.

TABLE 14 - SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Implementing This Comprehensive Plan

The goals and recommendations in this Comprehensive Plan should be reviewed and updated as necessary. The Comprehensive Plan contains recommendations for guiding future development and for preserving historic, natural and cultural resources. But, it is not a legislative document. There are three basic tools needed to help implement this plan: 1) the zoning ordinance, 2) the subdivision and land development ordinance, and 3) the capital improvement program.

Zoning Regulations

The zoning ordinance is a legal tool to regulate the use of land. Its regulations apply to: 1) the permitted use of land, 2) the height and bulk of structures, 3) the percentage of a lot that may be occupied by buildings and other impervious surfaces, 4) yard setbacks, 5) the density of development, and 6) the height and size of signs. The zoning ordinance has two parts: 1) the zoning map which delineates zoning districts, and 2) the text which sets forth the regulations that apply in each district along with general information regarding administration of the ordinance.

Pottsville should revise its current zoning ordinance to more closely reflect this Comprehensive Plan. The City should then ensure these ordinances remain current in light of changing municipal planning goals, prevailing development trends and state legal requirements.

Subdivision and Land Development Regulations

Subdivision and land development ordinances include regulations to control the layout of streets, the planning of lots, and the provision of utilities. The objectives of a subdivision and land development ordinance are to:

• coordinate street patterns;
• assure adequate utilities and other improvements are provided in a manner that will not pollute streams, wells and/or soils;
• reduce traffic congestion; and
• provide sound design standards as a guide to developers, the planning commission and other municipal officials.

Pottsville should update its subdivision and land development ordinance to reflect this Comprehensive Plan and any new or updated zoning ordinance.

Capital Improvements Programming

Capital improvements relate to streets, storm water systems, water distribution, sewage treatment and other major public facilities. These projects, which involve the expenditure of funds beyond those needed for normal operations and maintenance, should be prioritized in the form of a six-year capital improvements program. The program should be prepared by the City Planning Commission and adopted by City Council.

The capital improvements program should include a capital budget which identifies the highest priority projects recommended for funding in the next annual budget. The Planning Commission should revise its capital improvements program and capital budget every year as projects are completed, new needs arise and priorities change. A capital improvements program has many benefits, including the following:

• It helps assure that projects are based on the ability to pay and on a schedule of priorities determined in advance.
• It helps assure capital improvements are viewed comprehensively.
• It promotes financial stability by scheduling projects at proper intervals.
• It facilitates proper allocation of community financial resources.

Planning Commission Role

The Planning Commission should assume a lead role in assuring that this comprehensive plan is implemented and updated as needed. The Planning Commission should periodically review the plan and recommend any changes needed to reflect current conditions and priorities. The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code also gives planning commissions other responsibilities. At the request of the governing body, the planning commission may:

• make recommendations to the governing body concerning the adoption or amendment of an official map;
• prepare and present a zoning ordinance to the governing body and make recommendations on proposed amendments to it;
• prepare, recommend and administer a municipality’s subdivision and land development ordinance;
• prepare and present a building code and housing code to the governing body;
• submit a recommended capital improvements program to the governing body;
• promote public interest in, and understanding of, the comprehensive plan and planning;
• make recommendations to governmental, civic and private agencies and individuals as to the effectiveness of the proposals of such agencies and individuals;
• hold public hearings and meetings; and
• in the performance of its functions, enter upon lands to make examinations and land surveys with the consent of the owners.

Governing Body Role

The Pottsville City Council should also be active in implementing this Comprehensive Plan. The Council has the final decision on any action that requires an ordinance or expenditure of funds to carry out. The Council should strive to maintain a relationship of trust and confidence with its Planning Commission.

Funding Sources