According to DLCD policy, each new city has 4 years after the date of incorporation to prepare and present a Comprehensive Plan which meet the state goals set forth by the DLCD.
The City of Damascus was incorporated in 2004, giving 2008 as the time period for which a Comprehensive Plan was to be developed and delivered.
In the case of Damascus the DLCD extended the due date by one year.
The letter written by the DLCD to Damascus, on April 5, 2010, places Damascus on warning for taking longer than the 4 year plus 1 year granted extension for the completion and submittal of its plan.
The letter states that Damascus’ plan needs to be submitted by November 2010 or, as stated by the DLCD:
“If the city is not able to adopt a comprehensive plan map, supporting documents and implementing ordinances by the proposed deadline, November 2010, the commission shall adopt the City of Damascus draft plans or impose the state land use goals directly to all land use decisions in the city as an interim plan until the city completes their formal planning process.”
The part that stands out to me is the portion of the above statement is if the city is not able to adopt a comprehensive plan, then:
“… it [the DLCD] will impose the state land use goals directly to all land use decisions in the city as an interim plan…“
