planning: List of MCPC Plans

Montgomery County, PA

P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404-0311
Courthouse Hours: 8:30a.m. to 4:15p.m.
Phone: 610-278-3000
Website: www.montcopa.org

Montgomery County Comprehensive Plan
In September 2005, the Montgomery County Commissioners adopted Shaping Our Future:  A Comprehensive Plan for Montgomery County.  The plan, which won a Pennsylvania Planning Association "Certificate of Merit Award for a Plan," will help the county accomplish many goals, including controlling sprawl, limiting traffic congestion, preserving open space, and revitalizing older areas.
 
The in-depth plan is organized around the county's goals and contains various chapters that explain how specific goals can be met.   It is divided into eight volumes:  Vision Plan, Land Use Plan, Transportation Plan, Housing Plan, Community Facilities Plan, Economic Development Plan, Water Resources Plan, and Open Space, Natural Features, and Cultural Resources Plan.  A four-page summary of each volume is available.
 
MCPC and other departments will use the plan to guide county policies.  The plan will be updated frequently and shared with municipalities and other organizations within Montgomery County.  We are already following up on the plan with a variety of projects, including new model ordinances, a workforce housing initiative, advisory guidelines, and analysis of consistency of local zoning with the county plan.  
 
 
Regional (Multi-Municipal) Plans
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) enables municipalities to plan with their neighbors in regions. This concept provides for smarter growth by concentrating infrastructure and transportation improvements, as well as redevelopment efforts, within identified growth areas that reflect the needs of the entire region and not just one municipality alone.  At the same time, more effective open space protection and farmland preservation efforts can be undertaken.  There are four regional planning areas in Montgomery County. 
 
 

Municipal Plans

 

Municipal comprehensive plans, including municipal open space plans, have been prepared by the planning staff for different townships and boroughs in the county through planning assistance contracts.   Other plans may be found on municipal Web sites.