Plan Integration

The City will develop more specific plans from time to time that will inform updates to the comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan is the City’s master plan of all plans. Significant plan recommendations from previous planning work were included and greatly informed the development of the comprehensive plan. That integration as well as the plans developed by the City should fully integrate and support the vision, goals, and objectives of the comprehensive plan. A few of those recommended include:

Related Plans

• Capital Improvement Plan
• Greenway Master Plan 
• Thoroughfare Master Plan
• Community for All Ages
• Water Master Plan
• Wasterwater Master Plan
• Stormwater Management Plan
• 2004 Downtown Master Plan
• Regional Parking Structures in Downtown Study
• Historic Preservation Plan
• Cultural Resources Survey
• Bicycle Transportation Plan
  • Appendix A
  • Appendix B

Future Plans/Initiatives 

• Area Plans for Activity Centers
• Corridor Plans
• Sync CIP and Fiscal Impact Model
• Infill Housing Policies
• Small Lot & Accessory Dwelling Units Implementation
• Incentives Policy / Economic Development Policy
• Historic Preservation Policies
• Locate new public facilities identified and funding strategy
• Update Comprehensive Plan every five years 

Fiscal Impact Model

The fiscal impact model helps Lee’s Summit evaluate the benefits and costs of different land-use mixes and is the culmination of a community and data-driven process. The model forecasts the expected revenues and expenditures related to new development and creates a cost-benefit analysis for different scenarios.

The financial model estimates revenues from property and sales taxes as well as other general revenues. Property taxes are based on land use type and estimated valuations for those land uses. Sales tax and general revenues follow population growth.

The model includes capital expenses for infrastructure, facilities and other investments. Other general fund expenditures represent the cost to provide the current level of service to new areas. General expenditures also follow population growth.

Assumptions regarding the pace of growth, market demands and existing funding sources are built into the model and can be modified to assess future development alternatives. The model is designed to evaluate scenarios at a macro-level rather than for site-specific analyses.

Key assumptions, budget and land use information will be updated annually. Maintenance of the fiscal model is a collaborative effort between the City’s Development Services, Finance and GIS departments. Other departments, such as Public Works, Fire, Police and Parks, will be consulted to update major capital and operational expenses related to growth. The financial forecast will be coordinated with the annual budget and Capital Improvements Plan processes.

Zoning makes sure the property is functional and safe. Zoning can protect and enhance property values and can help to implement the community goals and objectives. Zoning ordinances define land uses (such as commercial, residential, and industrial) and where they can be located. Zoning not only places restrictions on the type of land use but also building height and bulk as well as intensity/density. Zoning ordinances must be developed in accordance with the comprehensive plan so the ordinance can be used to implement the land use portion of the plan. Because zoning derives its authority from the police power, the regulations must promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the citizens.

Zoning is the law. When zoning ordinances are proposed to be updated, a public review process must be conducted. A great deal of information is included in a zoning ordinance beyond the specific regulations for districts within a community. To be effective, the ordinance will contain concise easy to follow direction and cross-reference information throughout the document. The basic elements of the ordinance should include:

• Statement of intent/purpose
• Districts and district standards
• Performance Standards
• Special districts/designations
• Non-conforming standards
• Aesthetics
• Review and update standards 

The Zoning Map must be a part of the zoning ordinance although it is not required to be contained within the document. As changes in zoning and land development patterns take place, the map will be updated. The information depicted on the zoning map should include the zoning designation of all land within the jurisdiction and all parcels reserved for public purposes, including rights-of-way for transportation purposes.

Subdivision regulations guide the conversion of undeveloped land into buildable lots. This form of regulation represents the most direct public intervention involving property. As land is divided or platted, the subdivision regulations are used to ensure that development is undertaken in a coordinated manner throughout the community. The subdivision regulations should include the following considerations:

• street grading and improvement standards;
• utility standards;
• procedures for plat approval prior to completion of utilities and streets;
• fee assessments for the provision of services;
• regulations for acquiring land for public uses.

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) identifies both the revenues and expenses necessary to carry out capital projects in the comprehensive plan. The CIP is coordinated with the annual review of the Comprehensive Plan by the Planning Commission and adopted by the City Council. The plan goes beyond a detailed list of projects and instead, demonstrates how the improvements help meet the goals, objectives and vision outlined in the Comprehensive Plan.