NERCRD Land Use Toolbox: Rhode Island Planning/Zoning links

The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development Land Use Toolbox
Rhode Island - Planning/Zoning links
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University of Rhode Island Coastal Institute, http://www.ci.uri.edu/projects/pnb Description: The mission of the Coastal Institute is to promote communication and integration among planning efforts for Narragansett Bay and coastal Rhode Island; protect, restore, and improve Narragansett Bay and coastal Rhode Island ecosystems; foster informed, science-based decision-making; and pursue sustainable economic development of Narragansett Bay and coastal Rhode Island. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Massachusetts, Rhode Island University of Rhode Island Critical Lands Analysis, http://www.edc.uri.edu/criticallands/default.htm Description: The USDA NRCS and EPA Region I have funded the URI Environmental Data Center to conduct an analysis of critical lands for conservation through the state. Four communities are the initial focus of the analysis. Topics: Historic Preservation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island University of Rhode Island Rhode Island GIs, http://www.edc.uri.edu/rigis-spf Description: The Rhode Island Geographic Information System (RIGIS) is a consortium of government and private organizations employing computer and communications technology to manage and use a collective database of comprehensive geographically related information. The mission of the RIGIS is to monitor, coordinate, and provide leadership for activities related to the use of GIs technology within Rhode Island, to support initiatives to implement or use the technology, and to manage and provide access to a common database of geographically referenced information. Topics: Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Rhode Island University of Rhode Island Rhode Island Natural History Survey, http://www.uri.edu/ce/rinhs/index.htm Description: The Rhode Island Natural History Survey is a clearinghouse for ecological information in Rhode Island, providing sound scientific data to scientists, naturalists, educators, land managers, decision makers, and the public. Topics: Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Return to top of page University of Rhode Island RI Resource Protection Project, http://www.edc.uri.edu/rirpp Description: The Rhode Island Resource Protection Project is part of a New England-wide effort to identify the region's most ecologically healthy areas. Recognizing that human health and welfare are dependent on healthy, functioning natural ecosystems, and that there is a limited amount of time and money to spend on protecting the natural resources that make-up ecosystems, this process was developed to target the states' most important natural resources for attention. Topics: Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Rhode Island University of Rhode Island RI SeaGrant, http://seagrant.gso.uri.edu/ Description: The Rhode Island Sea Grant College Program conducts research and outreach on important marine issues. Outreach topics include coastal management and fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood safety. Topics: Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Rhode Island American Planning Association Rhode Island Chapter, http://www.riapa.org/ Description: The mission of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Planning Association is to positively shape the planning profession by providing a forum for the understanding and application of sound planning principles within the State of Rhode Island. Topics: Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council Coastal Resources Management Council, http://www.crmc.ri.gov/ Description: The Coastal Resources Management Council is a management agency with regulatory functions. Its primary responsibility is for the preservation, protection, development and where possible the restoration of the coastal areas of the state via the issuance of permits for work with the coastal zone of the state. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Return to top of page Conservation Law Foundation Conservation Law Foundation, http://www.clf.org/ Description: The Conservation Law Foundation is the oldest and largest regional environmental advocacy organization in the United States. We're based in New England, where our attorneys, scientists, economists, and policy experts work on the most significant threats to the natural environment of the region and its residents. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Conservation Law Foundation Ventures Conservation Law Foundation Ventures, http://www.clfventures.org/ Description: CLF Ventures is redefining environmental advocacy. Through innovative partnerships with private and public sector clients, we combine CLF's longstanding reputation for environmental protection with our financial and business transaction skills. As a result, we are able to provide our clients with innovative solutions to complex environmental problems. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Department of Environmental Management DEM GIS, http://www.state.ri.us/dem/maps/index.htm Description: Over the last 20 years, as a partner in the RI Geographic Information System (RIGIS), DEM has participated in the creation of a library of environmental resource mapping layers. These include protected openspace lands, coastal and freshwater wetlands, ground and surface water protection areas, wildlife habitat, nesting sites, and many others. Topics: Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Planning and Development, http://www.state.ri.us/DEM/programs/bpoladm/plandev/index.htm Description: The Division of Planning and Development is responsible for several related and wide ranging Departmental functions. The functions of this unit include Land Acquisition and Real Estate, Local Grants, Natural Heritage Preservation, Capital Development Projects, Asset Protection, State/Local Bikeway and Trail Development and the Geographic Information System (GIs). Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Return to top of page Department of Environmental Management Forest Environment Program, http://www.state.ri.us/dem/programs/bnatres/forest/index.htm Description: The Forest Environment Program manages 40,000 acres of state-owned rural forestland. It coordinates a statewide forest fire protection plan, provides forest fire protection on state lands, assists rural volunteer fire departments, and develops forest and wildlife management plans for private landowners who choose to manage their property in ways that will protect these resources on their land. The Program promotes public understanding of environmental conservation, enforces Department rules and regulations on DEM lands, and assists the federal government in providing landowner assistance programs. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities , Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Office of Sustainable Watersheds, http://www.state.ri.us/dem/programs/bpoladm/suswshed/index.htm Description: The Office of Sustainable Watersheds coordinates activities in the Northern and South county watersheds, assisting to prepare and implement Watershed Action Plans; assists communities to plan for sustainable development that minimizes negative impacts to the environment and preserves community character and meaningful open space; and assits communities to identify and protect their natural, cultural and recreational resources. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Office of Water Resources, http://www.state.ri.us/dem/programs/benviron/water/index.htm Description: The mission of the Office of Water Resources is that rivers, lakes, and coastal waters will support healthy communities of fish, plants, and other aquatic life, and will support uses such as fishing, swimming, and drinking water quality, groundwater will be uncontaminated, wetlands will be protected and rehabilitated to provide wildlife habitat, reduce floods, and to improve water quality, and public health will be protected from the adverse impacts of water pollution. Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Watershed Partnership, http://www.state.ri.us/dem/programs/bpoladm/stratpp/partnership/index.htm Description: The goal of the Watershed Partnership is to preserve, protect, and restore Rhode Island's environment by the involvement of those who live, work and play in the watershed. Topics: Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Return to top of page Department of Transportation Bike Rhode Island, http://www.dot.state.ri.us/WebTran/bikeri.html Description: Information about cycling in the Ocean State. Topics: Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Department of Transportation Pedestrian Safety Plan, http://www.dot.ri.gov/WebTran/pedsafety.pdf Description: A summary of the Department of Transportation's Pedestrian Safety Plan. Topics: Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Environmental Protection Agency Smart Growth Strategies in New England, http://www.epa.gov/region1/ra/sprawl/index.html Description: EPA New England launched a Smart Growth Program in 1999 at our Smart Growth Strategies for New England conference. The conference's success demonstrated widespread interest in the twin problems of sprawl and urban decay. Smart growth is an alternative to sprawl and urban decay, and is an innovative approach to addressing EPA's environmental mandates. Our Smart Growth Action Plan involves working with diverse partners to shape land use and growth so that it has minimum impact on environmental, economic, and community health. Topics: Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Grow Smart Rhode Island Grow Smart Rhode Island, http://www.growsmartri.com/ Description: Grow Smart Rhode Island is a statewide 501 (c)(3) public interest group representing a broad coalition of partners fighting sprawl by promoting innovative policies and programs to revitalize city and town centers, preserve cultural and natural resources and expand economic opportunities throughout Rhode Island. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Return to top of page Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission, http://www.preservation.ri.gov/ Description: The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is the state agency for historical preservation and heritage programs. The Commission operates a statewide historical preservation program that identifies and protects historic buildings, districts, and archaeological sites. The Commission also develops and carries out programs to document and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Rhode Island's people. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation, http://www.rihousing.com/ Description: As the state's principal housing agency, we help low- and moderate-income Rhode Islanders find houses and apartments they can afford. Our mission is to assist Rhode Islanders who, by reason of income, special need or circumstance, are unable to fairly obtain and sustain a healthy, affordable home. More than just a physical structure, a home includes the people within and the community around. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Housing, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Municipal Affairs Community Development, http://www.muni-info.ri.gov/cddefault.htm Description: The primary purpose of the Community Development page is the development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunity; principally for persons of low and moderate income. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Rhode Island National Park Service Blackstone Valley Institute, http://www.nps.gov/blac/institute/index.html Description: The Blackstone Valley Institute is a "virtual" organization created to help local communities plan for the future. Offering workshops, one-to-one consulting, local seminars, and technical assistance, the Institute promotes information sharing within the Corridor with a goal of preserving the unique history and character of the Blackstone Valley. Topics: Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Intergovernmental Cooperation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Massachusetts, Rhode Island Return to top of page Natural Resource Conservation Service - USDA Rhode Island NRCS, http://www.ri.nrcs.usda.gov/ Description: NRCS soil conservationists, soil scientists, agronomists, ecologists, engineers, planners, and other specialists promote land stewardship by providing technical assistance through teams to address surface and groundwater quality; wetlands, riparian areas, and biodiversity; aquatic and terrestrial habitat; and impacts of landuse changes. NRCS teams work on all of a state's landscapes: agricultural, wetlands and riparian areas, suburban, rural, urban centers, and forested. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Northeast-Midwest Institute Northeast-Midwest Institute, http://www.nemw.org Description: The Northeast-Midwest Institute is a Washington-based, private, non-profit, and non-partisan research organization dedicated to economic vitality, environmental quality, and regional equity for Northeast and Midwest states. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont Office of the Secretary of State Rules and Regulations Searchable Interface, http://www.rules.state.ri.us/rules/searchme.php Description: Searchable database of filed state agency regulations. Additionally, users may provide their email addresses and receive updates via email when regulations matching their criteria (per agency or per keyword) are promulgated. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Rhode Island Judiciary Published Court Opinions, http://www.courts.state.ri.us/supreme/opinions.htm Description: A listing of published court opinions dating back to 1999. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Return to top of page Save the Bay Save the Bay, http://www.savebay.org/index_next.asp Description: The mission of Save The Bay is to ensure that the environmental quality of Narragansett Bay and its watershed is restored and protected from the harmful effects of human activity. Save The Bay seeks carefully planned use of the Bay and its watershed to allow the natural system to function normally and healthfully, both now and for the future. Topics: Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Smart Growth Network Rhode Island Smart Growth News Articles, http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/bystate.asp?state=RI&res=800 Description: Listing of news articles relating to smart growth issues in a specific state. Topics: Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program Economic Development Planning Section, http://www.planning.ri.gov/ed/default.htm Description: The mission of the Economic Development Planning Section of the Statewide Planning Program is to foster and maintain a vigorous economy able to provide an adequate number and variety of activities that generate wealth for the people of the state. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program Growth Planning Council, http://www.planning.ri.gov/gpc/default.htm Description: The Council has been charged by the Governor to examine the economic, environmental, and social impacts of current development patterns in the state; inventory existing State programs, policies, and expenditures to evaluate their effect on sustainable development and the preservation and enhancement of environmental quality and resources; recommend ways of encouraging growth in economically and environmentally sound locations; serve in an advisory capacity to local communities in the development of their land use plans; and recommend any changes in State and federal law or regulations. Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Return to top of page Statewide Planning Program Land Use Section, http://www.planning.ri.gov/landuse/default.htm Description: Statewide Planning's Land Use Section is responsible for a wide range of land use and natural resource planning activities, including oversight of 16 State Guide Plan elements. The major ongoing project for the Land Use Section is the writing of the State Land Use Plan, the third in twenty-five years. Other focal areas for the section are water supply planning, outdoor recreation and open space planning, and rivers and forest resources conservation planning, often in partnership with other State departments and nonprofit entities. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program Local Comprehensive Plan, http://www.planning.ri.gov/comp/default.htm Description: Under the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act, Chapter 45-22.2 of the General Laws, the Statewide Planning Program is responsible for coordinating the review and approval of local comprehensive plans, amendments, and updates thereto. Topics: Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program Rhode Island Geographic Information System, http://www.planning.ri.gov/GIs/gishome.htm Description: The Rhode Island Geographic Information System (RIGIS) is a consortium of government and private organizations employing computer and communications technology to manage and use a collective data base of comprehensive geographically related information. The mission of RIGIS is to monitor, coordinate, and provide leadership for activities related to the use of geographic information system technology in Rhode Island, and to support initiatives to implement or use this technology. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program Rhode Island Rivers Council, http://www.planning.ri.gov/rivers/default.htm Description: The RI Rivers Council was created by statute to coordinate, oversee, and review efforts to improve and preserve the quality of the state's rivers and other water bodies and to develop plans to increase river use. Topics: Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Return to top of page Statewide Planning Program State Guide Plan, http://www.planning.state.ri.us/transportation/default.htm Description: The State Guide Plan is mandated as a means for centralizing and integrating long-range goals, policies and plans with short-range project plans and implementing programs prepared on a decentralized basis by the agency or agencies responsible in each functional area. Topics: Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program State Planning Council, http://www.planning.ri.gov/spc/spchome.htm Description: The State Planning Council oversees the Statewide Planning Program's work. The State Planning Council adopts goals and policies related to planning, most of which are contained within individual plans, as elements of the State Guide Plan. Topics: Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program Transportation Advisory Committee, http://www.planning.ri.gov/tac/default.htm Description: The Transportation Advisory Committee advises the State Planning Council on transportation planning and encourages public involvement in the process. The TAC reviews and provides input into the transportation planning documents that are the responsibility of the State Planning Council. Topics: Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program Transportation Planning, http://www.planning.ri.gov/tac/default.htm Description: The Statewide Planning Program's role as the designated "Metropolitan Planning Organization" (MPO) for statewide transportation planning brings with it responsibilities for long range planning and modeling of the transportation system, programming short range investments to support the long range vision, and coordination of the many interests and entities involved in providing or using transportation goods and services. A major role for RISPP's Transportation Planning Section is insuring that plans and programs reflect the needs and wishes of communities and citizens they serve. Topics: Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Return to top of page Summit Neighborhood Association Summit Neighborhood Association, http://sna.providence.ri.us/ Description: The Summit Neighborhood Association is a nonprofit, grassroots organization devoted to improving the quality of life of residents of Summit Neighborhood. Topics: Historic Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation Jurisdiction: Rhode Island USDA Forest Service Northeast Center for Urban & Community Forestry, http://www.umass.edu/urbantree/index.shtml Description: The Northeast Center for Urban and Community Forestry is a cooperative partnership among the USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry, the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, and the seven states of New England and New York. The Center responds to Urban and Community Forestry needs, facilitates and supports new and existing research, and coordinates the exchange of information among the states in the region in order to contribute to healthy and sustainable communities. Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont Water Resources Board Water Resources Board, http://www.wrb.ri.gov/index.html Description: The RI Water Resources Board supports the proper development, protection, conservation and use of the state's water resources while providing for economic development and protection for the environment. Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer Jurisdiction: Rhode Island Return to top of page Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Urban vacan lot redevelopment, www.lincolninst.edu Description: Challenges and progress... Topics: land preservation, planning&zoning, historic preservation, fiscal impact/taxation, ag&rural change, healthy communities Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachussetts Univ of Rhode Island Stated preferences & Length of Residency in Rural Commuities:, agecon.lib.umn.edu Description: Systematic examination for residential development or conservation tradeoffs based on length of residency in rural community.. Topics: land preservation, housing, planning&zoning, historic preservation, fiscal impact/taxation, healthy communities, ag&rural change Jurisdiction: Rhode Island EPA State Brownfields & Voluntary Response Program:Region 1, www.epa.gov Description: Region 1: CT; ME; MA; NH; RI; VT. Topics: land preservation, planning&zoning, fiscal impact/taxation, healthy communities, Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachussetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
NERCRD ©2004 The Toolbox is a joint effort of The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD) and Penn State Cooperative Extension in Adams County. This page was last updated on July 13, 2005. For questions, suggestions or to report broken links, please contact NERCRD: nercrd@psu.edu.