Review Development Proposals

Information from the natural resources inventory can be used for reviewing development proposals in general terms, but note that NRI data aren’t generally suitable for site specific analysis. For this purpose, it is important that the information is applied consistently by the various municipal boards. One way of accomplishing this is through the use of checklists used by planning and zoning boards to review subdivision and other land use proposals. Both the inventory maps and accompanying NRI report can be consulted for details about affected resources and their value to the community and can be used as a reference tool in preparing maps of existing features for project applications. In addition, they can provide the planning board with context for site proposals. While site plans typically only provide a parcel-scale view, the NRI enables planners to see how the parcel relates to the natural resources in its surroundings.