GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Guiding principles serve as a basis of reasoning and action; a set of beliefs that lead, show the way and direct the decisions of the plan. They are the fundamental basis for any decision. They will shape the solution and define the way strategies are developed. Each principle should be defined with a rationale that explains the principle's purpose and implications. Guiding principles define the ground rules for the process and development of the plan. La Plata County will embrace these Guiding principles in the development of the Comprehensive Community Plan:

A. County officials and residents honor the importance of private property rights, respect the applicable provisions of the Colorado and United States Constitutions, and acknowledge that all county citizens share equal rights with respect to representation and opinion.

B. Tourism remains an important component of our economic base and vitality.

C. Growth and change will continue to occur in the future and will likely continue to alter our rural/agricultural landscape.

D. Growth can create great places to live and work if the community crafts a vision and sets standards and reasonable codes for development that express how and where it wants to grow or change.

E. An integration of developed land uses such as housing, retail, work places, schools, parks, and civic facilities are important to the daily life of the residents, and when conveniently located are components of achieving better places to live.

F. A variety of commercial land uses accommodates business growth and support economic diversity.

G. A diversity of housing types and densities are available to a wide range of income levels, age groups and abilities are essential to creating real and healthy communities.

H. Greenbelt/wildlife corridors help define growth communities.

I. Communities are desirable places to live when they include a system of connected streets, infrastructure, pedestrian paths, and bike routes to commercial, educational, recreational, and residential destinations. 

J. Land use planning integrated with a larger transportation network encourages a variety of transportation choices and modes.

K. Agricultural land and agricultural production are important to the local economy and security.

L. Agricultural lands, open space, and critical natural areas are important to the local character and the community’s quality of life. 

M. Energy efficiency and renewable energy production industries at the local and regional levels provide the basis for a sustainable economy.

N. Conventional energy production is one of the pillars of the local economy.

O. A prudent community uses water through the most efficient means practical.

P. Growth and development standards and decisions that are clear, predictable, consistent, fair, timely, and cost effective serve the community and build confidence in local government.

Q. Fundamental roles of the county are to maintain fiscal soundness and protect community health and welfare.

R. Land use planning with an engaged public remains relevant as the community evolves.