Opinion ID: 1995818
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Validity of the 1974 ordinance

Text: Baker makes a further argument for reversing the injunction, fine, and attorney fees. In constructing this argument Baker first contends that the Town has never enacted a valid comprehensive plan pursuant to 30 M.R.S.A. § 4961 (1978 & Supp. 1986). [1] Next, he contends that because 30 M.R.S.A. § 4962(1)(A) (1978) [2] requires that zoning ordinances be enacted pursuant to and consistent with a comprehensive plan, the Town's 1974 zoning ordinance must perforce be invalid. [3] Finally, he contends that the Superior Court erred in applying the enforcement statute, 30 M.R.S.A. § 4966 (Supp.1986), [4] because that statute governs only the enforcement of properly enacted local zoning ordinances. We reject Baker's argument, because it misapprehends the statutory requirements of a valid comprehensive plan. Contrary to Baker's assertions, a comprehensive plan need not set forth in detail the parameters of municipal growth. Rather, the comprehensive plan [is] as much a process as a document (30 M.R. S.A. § 4961(1)) and may well increase in sophistication as the planning process continues. A comprehensive plan must articulate the municipality's zoning policy relative to such matters as population, housing, and land and water use. Although the Town's comprehensive plan is far from being a model of elaborate detail, we cannot say that the legislature expected anything more from each and every town of the state, however small. On its face the Town's comprehensive plan complies with the directions of section 4961. Because we do not disturb the finding of the Superior Court that the Town's comprehensive plan was sufficient and valid, we must necessarily reject Baker's argument that the enforcement statute was inapplicable to him. We should not be understood, however, to accept Baker's argument as to the consequences of a comprehensive plan that is not sufficient and valid. We have no need to address that aspect of his argument.