Code of Maine Rules › 17 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION › 229 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - GENERAL › Chapter 103 - RULES FOR THE SENSIBLE TRANSPORTATION POLICY ACT › Subchapter III - Municipal Planning › Section 229-103-III-2 - REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING: PURPOSE AND GOALS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Purpose & Goal
This chapter outlines a framework for working with
					 municipalities to preserve and manage mobility and safety of the transportation
					 system. The goal is to promote cooperative transportation management efforts
					 between the state and its municipalities that sustain and enhance the
					 functional and design life of transportation facilities and thus make for wise
					 use of public investments. The use of these rules is required in order for
					 MaineDOT to support the State Planning Office (SPO) in a finding of consistency
					 for new or updated transportation chapters of comprehensive plans.
					 Municipalities that collaborate on planning using these rules shall be eligible
					 for transportation planning assistance and other transportation investment
					 incentives.
Plan Considerations
This section applies to all municipalities in Maine whether
					 undergoing land use or transportation planning efforts on their own or in
					 conjunction with other adjoining municipalities.
Municipalities are strongly encouraged to seek concurrence
					 on the results of sections A and B with MaineDOT and their Regional Councils,
					 and the Maine Turnpike Authority where applicable, before proceeding to develop
					 Section C Transportation Vision, Goals, Policies and Strategies.
Whether as part of a new or updated single focused
					 transportation plan or a new or updated transportation chapter within a
					 Comprehensive Plan, municipalities shall include:
A.
Conditions and Trends
Minimum data required to address state goals:
(1) The community's Comprehensive Planning
				  Transportation Data Set prepared and provided to the community by the
				  Department of Transportation and the Maine State Planning Office, or their
				  designees.
(2) Highways, Bridges,
				  Sidewalks, and Bicycle Routes
Information on overall road condition and identify any
					 deficiencies or concerns.
Location, condition, and estimated length of sidewalks, and
					 road segments that provide space (paved shoulders) for bicycle access, by
					 jurisdiction.
Identify potential off-road connections that would provide
					 bicycle and pedestrian connections to neighborhoods, schools, waterfronts and
					 other activity centers.
Identify major traffic (including pedestrian) generators,
					 such as schools, large businesses, public gathering areas/activities etc. and
					 related hours of operation.
Identify policies and standards for the design,
					 construction and maintenance of public and private roads. Identify the location
					 of private roads and assess their potential to become public roads.
Parking
List and locate municipal parking areas including size,
					 condition, and usage.
Other Modes of Transportation
List and locate all airports within or adjacent to the
					 community and describe applicable airport zoning and airspace protection
					 ordinances in place.
Identify inter-local, fixed route, commuter and demand
					 response bus or van services, including private or public operator information
					 and local government involvement.
Coastal Communities only
Location of current and potential seaport terminals.
					 Identify whether port is of local, regional or state significance, its
					 ownership/management and use (type and quantity/frequency of goods shipped in
					 or out). List land-side and water-side facilities associated with port.
Identify public ferry service and private boat
					 transportation support facilities (may be covered under Marine Resources with
					 cross reference) including related water-side (docks/piers/wharves) and land
					 side (parking) facilities.
Environmental and Cultural
					 Considerations
Location of evacuation routes identified in an emergency
					 response plan, if applicable.
Identify areas with transportation related noise
					 concerns.
Identify areas where inappropriate lighting affects
					 transportation safety.
Identify and describe important scenic, historic, or
					 cultural resources within or adjacent to transportation facilities that reflect
					 community character, such as mature tree lines, rock walls, etc.
Known locations with opportunities to restore habitat
					 connections disrupted by a transportation facility owned and maintained by the
					 municipality.
Land Use
Identify current local land use management strategies (such
					 as access management, zoning, density, minimum lot size standards) that enhance
					 or detract from the safety and efficiency of the transportation system
					 (including highway, air, bus, bike, pedestrian, marine and rail
					 services.)