About the Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD)

Section 8-23 of the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) requires each municipality - through its Planning Commission, or joint Planning & Zoning Commission - to prepare or amend and adopt a plan of conservation and development (POCD) at least once every ten years. 

Ridgefield's current POCD is a result of extensive public engagement, analysis, and discussion from late 2018 through late 2019.  After publishing a "final draft" and holding public hearings with the draft in hand, it was adopted in June 2020.  See below for a link to the 2020 POCD doc.  Unless the PZC determines it is necessary to amend or update earlier (which is possible), then the next POCD should be adopted in 2030.  

In addition to being a general town-wide/inter-governmental guideline for both development and conservation priorities over a long period, there are a number of practical areas where the POCD matters:  

1. Special Permit Applications.  When a Special Permit application is submitted to the PZC for review, one of the factors that shall [i.e., must] be taken into consideration is whether the proposal is consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development - specifically if/how "the proposed use or activity facilitates achievement of one or more of the goals, objectives, policies, and recommendations of the Plan of Conservation and Development, as amended."  (See our regulations, section 9.2.A.5.j.)
2. Discretionary State Funding.  As of July 1, 2016, any municipality that fails to adopt a POCD in accordance with CGS 8-23 shall be ineligible for discretionary state funding, unless such prohibition is expressly waived by the OPM Secretary.

POCD Document Library

Ridgefield's current POCD (2020-2030), as well as previous versions, are linked below.

• Ridgefield POCD 2020
• Ridgefield POCD 2010
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POCD 2020

Ridgefield’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) is a document intended to establish a common vision for the future of Ridgefield and then determine policies and action steps that will help attain that vision.  While the key purpose and function of the POCD is to address the physical conservation and development of Ridgefield, it may also address issues related to economic development and social development.  The goals and recommendations of the Plan are intended to reflect an overall consensus of what is considered desirable for Ridgefield and its residents in the future. 

The process of preparing the Plan of Conservation and Development for Ridgefield will be overseen and coordinated by the Planning and Zoning Commission with input from local boards and agencies and from Ridgefield residents  Once adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the POCD is used to:

• coordinate conservation activities,
• guide land use decisions and regulations,
• program public projects, and
• meet identified public needs.

Although the POCD is primarily an advisory document, it is intended to guide local boards and commissions and to provide a framework for consistent decision-making with regard to conservation and development activities in Ridgefield over the next decade or so.  Implementation will only occur with the diligent efforts of the residents and officials of the Town of Ridgefield.  The Plan will only be effective if it is understood and supported by the people of Ridgefield, and implemented by local boards and commissions.