Comprehensive Planning

This activity involves extensive study and evaluation of a community’s past, current and projected situation with the goal of establishing progressive yet obtainable objectives over an extended period of time, usually twenty years. SEARP&DC provides complete comprehensive planning services including but not limited to application and document preparation, support mapping preparation, hearing administration, funding administration, technical assistance, and citizen participation surveys. SEARP&DC may be able to utilize CDBG Planning Fund grants or other grant sources to assist in the funding of planning projects, depending on program requirements and jurisdictional resource

Land Use Planning

This activity involves the extensive study and evaluation of a community’s present land usage and seeks to provide a specific mechanism for future land use that will enhance and develop the community.

Zoning Ordinance Creation and Revision

Zoning ordinances are tools to promote orderly development and growth and reduce hazards to life and property in accordance to the Code of Alabama for the general benefit of residents of municipalities. Zoning ordinances establish districts or zones within which permitted and special uses are established as are regulations governing lot size, building bulk, placement, and other development standards in accordance with the community’s master or comprehensive plan.

Subdivision Regulation Preparation

Regulations governing the development of residential or commercial subdivisions are an important part of an overall community development plan.

Transportation Planning

SEARP&DC administers the Southeast Alabama Rural Planning Organization (RPO), which provides transportation consultation services and basic transportation planning to the non-Metropolitan Planning Organization portion of the Region.

CDBG Planning Fund Grant Preparation and Administration

All projects, whether large or small must be planned properly in order to prevent poor performance. The preparation of planning grant applications provides the means by which these planning efforts may be funded.