This study responds to Resolve 2004, chapter 73, enacted by the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources in the 122nd Legislature (Resolve 73 can be found in Appendix A). The Resolve directs the State Planning Office to:
“…undertake a study of current state law, policy, and procedures regarding land use planning, management, and regulation.”
The primary emphasis in the Resolve is to improve the process of planning and the way growth and development occur in Maine. The Resolve also asks for an assessment of costs of implementing changes.