COMMISSION

PLANNING FOR THE RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT, GROWTH

& DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

 

The LVPC offers a variety of services and resources to the region.
Further, the LVPC is responsible for several significant planning programs that include:

 

Comprehensive Planning

The LVPC prepares and maintains the bi-county regional comprehensive plan in accordance with state law. FutureLV: The Regional Plan recommends a variety of policies covering land use, development, growth management, natural resource conservation, sewer and water expansion, and transportation infrastructure, among other matters, establishing the vision, goals, objectives and implementation strategies for the Lehigh Valley.

 

Transportation Planning

Regional short and long-range plans for highway, bridge, rail and transit improvements are prepared and maintained by the LVPC for the Lehigh Valley Transportation Study (LVTS). Per federal mandate, the LVTS manages projects accounting for $3.3 billion in transportation needs between now and 2030.

 

Water & Sewer Planning

The preparation and maintenance of a regional sewer and water plan is a primary responsibility for LVPC since 1961. The plan monitors sewer and water problems and advocates for consistent policies at the local level.

 

Open Space Planning

The LVPC develops regional plans for the enhancement and protection of open space in the Lehigh Valley. Planning work includes: greenways, parks, natural heritage areas, trail and outdoor recreation inventories as well as technical assistance to Lehigh and Northampton counties’ open space, farmland preservation and park planning efforts.

 

Stormwater Management Planning

In accordance with Pennsylvania Act 167, the LVPC prepares and maintains stormwater management plans for all 16 watersheds within the Lehigh Valley. Subdivision and land development plans within both counties are also reviewed by LVPC for compliance with stormwater standards.

 

COMMUNITY PLANNING

Ordinances & Comprehensive Plans

LVPC staff provides technical assistance to municipalities on a variety of planning issues from the preparation of local comprehensive plans to drafting zoning, subdivision and land development ordinances. Our model ordinances with ready-made technical provisions address a variety of subjects from steep slopes and floodplains to mixing land uses and traditional neighborhood development.

 

Hometown Planning Staff

Several municipalities in the Lehigh Valley do not have their own subdivision and land development ordinance. Our professionally trained and experienced planning and engineering team serves as staff for these municipalities, managing the functions of the land use and development process in accordance with state and county laws.

 

Technical Assistance

The subdivision, land development and zoning process is an LVPC specialty. How a development affects a community is important and LVPC staff are ready to assist regional and local partners with their planning activities.

Local Government Academy & Technical Assistance Program Annually, the LVPC offers courses in planning, zoning, transportation and various other subjects that are of interest to the region. Whether the municipal public works department is interested in reducing costs through asphalt maintenance or new zoning hearing board members wish to understand their role in the development process, LVPC is likely to offer a relevant course.

 

Research & Publication

Research and publication are at the heart of the LVPC’s mission. LVPC publishes an annual regional profile and trends report that outlines the state of the Lehigh Valley and is utilized by the business, economic development, housing, social services, and academic communities as much as by local government. This service is an example of the type of quality research analysis developed at LVPC.

 

Mapping Through Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

LVPC compiles GIS data from many publicly available data sources to help make land use and transportation decisions.  The LVPC map gallery displays many of the maps developed through this decision making process.  LVPC GIS staff is available to provide guidance regarding GIS data sources and analysis

 

REVIEW SERVICES

Subdivision & Land Development Review

The LVPC reviews and comments on all subdivision and land development activity within the region per the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. This significant service to the Lehigh Valley assists municipalities and Lehigh and Northampton County officials with land use decision-making. In addition, LVPC charts subdivision and land development activity against the goals and policies in the Comprehensive Plan The Lehigh Valley … 2030.

 

Land Use Law & Comprehensive Plan Review

Routine reviews of proposed municipal comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and subdivision regulations are conducted by the LVPC. Staff provides valuable support, advice and technical assistance with these legal documents.

 

Questions? Send any related questions to planning@lvpc.org.

 

 

 

Programs + Services