Land Use DRI

Developments of Regional Importance

CMAP's work plan includes assessing the impacts of and providing planning guidance on Developments of Regional Importance (DRIs). The DRI process provides an opportunity for regional partners to comprehensively assess the regional implications of large-scale development proposals, reconcile regional priorities associated with these proposals and coordinate independent actions in support of regional goals. Examining these impacts from the regional perspective offers an opportunity to align projects and create consistency with regional plans and programs.

The Illinois Legislature specifically enabled CMAP in this area under Section 47 of Illinois Public Act 095-0677.

It is CMAP's intent to review development proposals that have the possibility of introducing widespread regional impacts to the daily activities of significant numbers of people or to the natural environment. Of particular concern are characteristics of proposals that may have impacts beyond the jurisdiction of the permitting agency (e.g. municipal zoning, county stormwater, state transportation departments). At the same time, it is not CMAP's intent to usurp the due authority of permitting agencies or unnecessarily delay a proposed development with a review of questionable relevance or value.

This DRI process was originally put in place for a two-year trial period by CMAP, from August 1, 2009 to July 31, 2011. At its meeting on August 10, 2011, the CMAP Board determined that the process should continue for an additional two years until July 31, 2013. During the June 12, 2013 CMAP Board meeting the DRI process was given final approval with no modifications to the existing process. For more infomation on how the DRI process was developed, please follow the link Developments of Regional Importance (DRI) Process.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the CMAP DRI Process

What is a Development of Regional Importance (DRI)?

A DRI is a large-scale development proposal that has the possibility of introducing widespread regional impacts to the daily activities of significant numbers of people or the natural environment.

Does CMAP charge a fee to review a DRI?

There are currently no plans to charge a fee for reviewing a potential DRI.

Are there any financial incentives to encourage compliance?

There is no current policy for financial incentives.

What kinds of response might the CMAP Board give in their review?

In acting on the DRI request, the Board may either issue statement of No Further Action or direct staff to prepare an advisory report to be completed within 30 days. The Board may review and comment on the advisory report content at its discretion.

Why would anyone want to have their projects reviewed?

Sponsors can receive good publicity akin to a ‘Good Planning Seal of Approval.' CMAP's review may also assist proposal sponsors in responding to local concerns regarding the impacts of a proposal. The dialogue and evaluation associated with the DRI process may also reveal opportunities to improve a proposal.

Does CMAP have the authority to stop a project?

No, CMAP's role is advisory.

What happens after a DRI review?

After the DRI review, the process is complete. CMAP may hold further discussion at its discretion.

How should advocacy groups and citizens initiate a DRI?

All individuals are governed by a County or municipality and they are free to communicate with governmental leaders inside and outside their own jurisdictions. All counties and municipalities are represented by members on the CMAP Board. Specific planning interests are also represented on CMAP working committees. This allows any individual or advocacy group an avenue to organize a formal DRI review request.

Will affected communities and interested parties be alerted that a project is being considered for a DRI?

Yes, through conventional methods of public notification and disclosure such as the local zoning administrator, media and internet.

What is the role of CMAP staff in the DRI process?

Only CMAP's Executive Director may request a DRI review. Existing staff will be trained to manage DRI administration. Senior staff with subject matter expertise will be asked to prepare an Advisory Report if necessary.

How does the DRI complement the GO TO 2040 Plan?

A proposed DRI will be reviewed and recommendations made based on consistency with CMAP's regional plans.

Does the DRI process replace or duplicate other CMAP review procedures?

No, the DRI process is intended to review the comprehensive planning implications of large-scale development. Other review procedures focus on more strategic planning concerns.

How many votes are needed for the CMAP Board to act on a DRI request?

CMAP's Board requires a supermajority of 12 of 15 votes to act on any matter before them.

Can CMAP's Board override the threshold requirement for any proposed DRI review?

The CMAP Board has legislative authority to consider regional and intergovernmental impacts of any proposed development. The thresholds are intended to guide the Board's course of action in conducting a formal DRI review.

Was the original DRI trial period extended?

The CMAP Board formally adopted the DRI process in June 2009, for a two year trial period from August 1, 2009 through July 31, 2011. Following the trial period, the Board indicated it would review the process and its effectiveness. During its August meeting, the CMAP Board extended the trial period for an additional two years, until July 31, 2013.

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Developments of Regional Importance

CMAP's work plan includes assessing the impacts of and providing planning guidance on Developments of Regional Importance (DRIs). The DRI process provides an opportunity for regional partners to comprehensively assess the regional implications of large-scale development proposals, reconcile regional priorities associated with these proposals and coordinate independent actions in support of regional goals. Examining these impacts from the regional perspective offers an opportunity to align projects and create consistency with regional plans and programs.

The Illinois Legislature specifically enabled CMAP in this area under Section 47 of Illinois Public Act 095-0677.

It is CMAP's intent to review development proposals that have the possibility of introducing widespread regional impacts to the daily activities of significant numbers of people or to the natural environment. Of particular concern are characteristics of proposals that may have impacts beyond the jurisdiction of the permitting agency (e.g. municipal zoning, county stormwater, state transportation departments). At the same time, it is not CMAP's intent to usurp the due authority of permitting agencies or unnecessarily delay a proposed development with a review of questionable relevance or value.

This DRI process was originally put in place for a two-year trial period by CMAP, from August 1, 2009 to July 31, 2011. At its meeting on August 10, 2011, the CMAP Board determined that the process should continue for an additional two years until July 31, 2013. During the June 12, 2013 CMAP Board meeting the DRI process was given final approval with no modifications to the existing process. For more infomation on how the DRI process was developed, please follow the link Developments of Regional Importance (DRI) Process.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the CMAP DRI Process

What is a Development of Regional Importance (DRI)?

A DRI is a large-scale development proposal that has the possibility of introducing widespread regional impacts to the daily activities of significant numbers of people or the natural environment.

Does CMAP charge a fee to review a DRI?

There are currently no plans to charge a fee for reviewing a potential DRI.

Are there any financial incentives to encourage compliance?

There is no current policy for financial incentives.

What kinds of response might the CMAP Board give in their review?

In acting on the DRI request, the Board may either issue statement of No Further Action or direct staff to prepare an advisory report to be completed within 30 days. The Board may review and comment on the advisory report content at its discretion.

Why would anyone want to have their projects reviewed?

Sponsors can receive good publicity akin to a ‘Good Planning Seal of Approval.' CMAP's review may also assist proposal sponsors in responding to local concerns regarding the impacts of a proposal. The dialogue and evaluation associated with the DRI process may also reveal opportunities to improve a proposal.

Does CMAP have the authority to stop a project?

No, CMAP's role is advisory.

What happens after a DRI review?

After the DRI review, the process is complete. CMAP may hold further discussion at its discretion.

How should advocacy groups and citizens initiate a DRI?

All individuals are governed by a County or municipality and they are free to communicate with governmental leaders inside and outside their own jurisdictions. All counties and municipalities are represented by members on the CMAP Board. Specific planning interests are also represented on CMAP working committees. This allows any individual or advocacy group an avenue to organize a formal DRI review request.

Will affected communities and interested parties be alerted that a project is being considered for a DRI?

Yes, through conventional methods of public notification and disclosure such as the local zoning administrator, media and internet.

What is the role of CMAP staff in the DRI process?

Only CMAP's Executive Director may request a DRI review. Existing staff will be trained to manage DRI administration. Senior staff with subject matter expertise will be asked to prepare an Advisory Report if necessary.

How does the DRI complement the GO TO 2040 Plan?

A proposed DRI will be reviewed and recommendations made based on consistency with CMAP's regional plans.

Does the DRI process replace or duplicate other CMAP review procedures?

No, the DRI process is intended to review the comprehensive planning implications of large-scale development. Other review procedures focus on more strategic planning concerns.

How many votes are needed for the CMAP Board to act on a DRI request?

CMAP's Board requires a supermajority of 12 of 15 votes to act on any matter before them.

Can CMAP's Board override the threshold requirement for any proposed DRI review?

The CMAP Board has legislative authority to consider regional and intergovernmental impacts of any proposed development. The thresholds are intended to guide the Board's course of action in conducting a formal DRI review.

Was the original DRI trial period extended?

The CMAP Board formally adopted the DRI process in June 2009, for a two year trial period from August 1, 2009 through July 31, 2011. Following the trial period, the Board indicated it would review the process and its effectiveness. During its August meeting, the CMAP Board extended the trial period for an additional two years, until July 31, 2013.

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