Yes. There are a variety of membership levels available.
Yes. The VPC has a number of members from outside the area who have an interest in the valleys and like to be kept informed, or who value the work of the organization.
Yes. The VPC is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Contributors receive a letter on VPC stationary acknowledging their contribution.
The VPC’s primary focus is on providing services to members and performing various planning, monitoring and other functions that relate to our area. However, we often partner with other concerned groups on issues of county-wide or state-wide importance, and also sometimes support causes in other areas where a precedent is at stake that could have wide-reaching impacts.
Generally the VPC does not get involved with small, individual issues such as complaints about signs, noise, fences, or trash. VPC focuses on larger, regional planning issues. However, if a smaller issue has the potential to grow, replicate or set a bad precedent, the VPC may get involved.
No. As a non-profit, the VPC cannot endorse or support any politicians.
The county provides an on-line map showing zoning for the county. Visit the “My Neighborhood Zoning” page to view the map and zoom into your property.
Most VPC members live in either Council District 2, represented by Izzy Patoka, or Council District 3, represented by Wade Kach. Browse information on the County Council, its meetings, and bills proposed and passed.
The Planning Board was established in 1947 and is composed of 15 members. Eight of the members are appointed to three-year terms by the county executive. Seven of the members are appointed by the county council (one per councilman). The Planning Board meets twice monthly to review and make recommendations on various items. Chief among their functions is review of the annual amendments proposed to the Water and Sewer Plan, review of the 10-year master plan, and taking a position on rezoning requests submitted in the CZMP. View more information about the Planning Board.
Each property and family situation is different, so this question has to be answered on a case-by-case basis. The best route is to explore the options with an easement expert who can explain the various programs available and provide information that you should then discuss with your personal financial advisors. There is good no-pressure information and advice available from the contacts listed in the easement section.