A. 1. The metropolitan area planning commission shall prepare, adopt, and from time to time revise, amend, extend or add to a plan or plans for the development of the metropolitan area. The plan or plans may be published and collectively shall be known as the metropolitan comprehensive plan.

2. The comprehensive plan shall be developed:

a.for the purpose of bringing about an orderly, coordinated, physical development in accordance with the present and future needs of such area,

b.to conserve the natural resources of the area,

c.to ensure efficient expenditure of public funds, and

d.to promote the health, safety, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of the people of the area and the state.

3. The metropolitan comprehensive plan shall:

a.set forth the policy recommendations of the metropolitan area planning commission in regard to the physical development of the metropolitan area,

b.contain a statement of the objectives, standards and principles sought to be embodied therein,

c.contain recommendations for the most desirable pattern of land use within the metropolitan area, in the light of the best available information concerning:

(1)topography, climate, soil and underground conditions, water courses and bodies of water and other natural or environmental factors,

(2)the present and prospective economic bases of the metropolitan area, past and future trends of industry, population or other developments and the habits and standards of life of the people of the metropolitan area, and

(3)the relation of land use within the metropolitan area to land use in adjoining areas,

d.insofar as appropriate, indicate areas for residential uses and maximum recommended densities therein; areas for manufacturing and industrial uses, with classification of such areas in accordance with their compatibility with land use in adjoining areas; areas for the concentration of wholesale and retail business and other commercial uses; areas for recreational uses and areas for open spaces; and areas for mixed uses,

e.include the circulation pattern recommended for the metropolitan area, including routes and terminals of transit, transportation and communication facilities whether used for movement within the metropolitan area or for the movement from and to adjoining areas,

f.include recommendations concerning the need for and the proposed general location of public and private works and facilities, such as utilities, flood control works, water reservoirs and pollution control facilities,

g.include such other recommendations of the metropolitan area planning commission concerning current and impending problems as may affect the metropolitan areas as a whole, and

h.be based on studies of physical, social, economic and governmental conditions and trends.

B. 1. Before the adoption, amendment, or extension of the plan or portions thereof, the commission shall hold at least one public hearing thereon.

2. Such hearing may be adjourned from time to time.

C. The commission may recommend for adoption or denial by the municipal council and/or, as appropriate, the board of county commissioners the comprehensive plan in whole or part, and subsequently may recommend the adoption or denial of any amendment or extension of the plan or portions thereof.

D. 1. Before the metropolitan comprehensive plan or part thereof has the status of an official plan, the plan shall be submitted to and shall have the approval of the municipal council insofar as such plan affects the area within the city limits of the municipality. In addition, the plan shall have the approval of the board of county commissioners, insofar as such plan affects the balance of the county excluding, however, any area within any incorporated municipality located within the balance of the county.

2. The council and the board may approve the plan in whole or in part, or return the plan or any portion thereof to the commission for further consideration.

3. Any part so approved shall immediately become in full force and effect as to the area covered by the approved portion of such plan.

4. Should the council or board fail to act upon such plan within forty-five (45) days from the date of its submission by the commission, such plan shall be deemed to be approved by said council or board and shall have the status of an official plan for the area.

E. After the adoption of the comprehensive plan, or part thereof, an attested copy shall be certified by the commission and by the approving authority and shall be certified to the county clerk of such county as a public record and certified to the clerks of such incorporated areas as may be covered or affected by the plan.

Added by Laws 1957, p. 130, § 10, emerg. eff. May 31, 1957. Amended by Laws 1963, c. 212, § 2, emerg. eff. June 11, 1963; Laws 2000, c. 117, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.