Regulatory and Planning Responsibilities

Regulatory and planning work for Barnstable County is guided by the provisions of the Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan (RPP), which is developed by the Cape Cod Commission with public input and then is adopted as county ordinance by the regional government's legislative branch, the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates. This document "is an expression of the shared aspirations of Cape Codders for the future." The plan represents an ongoing effort to identify the common interests of all of the communities on the Cape, and to ensure that these interests are protected through responsible planning and regulatory review of projects that are likely to have regional impacts. Compilation of Local Comprehensive Plans that acknowledge regional priorities while answering local needs, and careful review of coastal development and redevelopment projects are both important components of the Commission's role.