SB 462 - This act creates a "Land Conservation and Development Commission" in the department of natural resources with a membership of nine state residents appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

The commission shall coordinate state wide land use, conservation and development by: establishing statewide planning goals; issuing permits for activities of statewide significance; preparing land use inventories; preparing planning guidelines; reviewing comprehensive plans of state agencies, counties cities or special districts; coordinating planning efforts of agencies; ensuring citizen involvement; preparing models for covered groups to implement; and recommending to the General Assembly areas of critical state concern.

Activities of statewide significance may take the form of planning and siting of public transportation facilities, public sewerage systems and public schools.

Cities, counties and special districts are required to adopt plans consistent with the commission's guidelines. Should the commission or department incur expenses in bringing a plan into compliance with the commission guidelines, the expenses are to be borne by the affected governing body. Cities and counties are granted the authority to initiate elections to establish regional planning agencies for the implementation of plans.

The "Joint Legislative Committee on Land Use" is established as a ten member joint committee of the general assembly. The committee's purpose is to advise and recommend to the general assembly programs consistent with land use guidelines of the commission.

The commission is authorized to appoint a citizen advisory board representing geographic areas of the state and various land use interests to enhance public participation.
DENISE GARNIER