What is a Comprehensive Plan?
A comprehensive plan in Maine is an official, long-term policy document, authorized under the Growth Management Act (30-A M.R.S.A. §§ 4312-4350), that dictates a municipality’s future growth, land use, and development over a 10-15 year period. It acts as a “blueprint” created through community input to guide local decisions on infrastructure, housing, and natural resource protection, while ensuring consistency with state goals. Our current comprehensive plan was created in 1992.
Kennebec Valley Community of Governments, simply known as KVCOG, has been contracted to prepare our updated Comprehensive Plan while guiding the committee members through planning and development.
Here is a short video (2 min) summarizing what the Comprehensive Plan is all about. For a more detailed overview watch the ‘Deep Dive’ video on our YouTube channel.
Vision Statement
The Town of Solon seeks to preserve and enhance its rural character, natural beauty, and traditional values while guiding thoughtful and sustainable growth. The Town is committed to protecting its natural and economic resources, maintaining its small-town character, and fostering a strong sense of community rooted in collaboration and civic pride. Solon values the abundant recreational opportunities in the area and remains welcoming to responsible outdoor and community recreation that supports residents and visitors alike. The Town also strives to maintain a safe environment with minimal crime, ensuring peace of mind for all who live, work, and spend time in the community. By balancing responsible development with the preservation of its scenic, environmental, and recreational assets, Solon works to ensure that progress supports its unique identity and long-term resilience. Through transparent and fiscally responsible governance, effective local leadership, and active citizen engagement, Solon will continue to offer a high quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors, remaining a welcoming, vibrant, and connected community where people can live, work, and prosper.
Schedule
The Comprehensive Planning Committee was created and began meeting with KVCOG in October 2025. Review and development sessions are held once a month on the fourth Tuesday at 6:00 pm (unless rescheduled). Our first Public Participation Session was held before our regular town meeting on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 1:00 pm (the annual Town Meeting is held the first Saturday of March every year, with voting for elected officials from 8:00 am - 12:15 pm and the open business meeting at 1:30 pm). The goal is to have the final draft of the Plan completed by January 2027 and submitted to the State Land Use team for approval and then vote for town approval at our March 2027 Annual Town Meeting.
Interested in joining the committee to assist in the development of the plan? Contact the Select Board at (207) 643-2541 for more information and future meeting dates.
Chapters
The Comprehensive Plan is sectioned off by chapters focusing on different aspects of the town. When the ‘final draft’ of the chapter is complete, a link will be attached and will take you to the document. Those chapters without a link are still in the development phase or have yet to be discussed. A copy of the current plan is also available below.
Comprehensive Plan Chapters (2027 update)
- Vision Statement
- Community Profile / Population & Demographics
- Historical & Archeological Resources
- Local Economy
- Housing
- Transportation
- Fiscal Capacity & Capital Investment
- Natural & Water Resources
- Recreation
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Public Facilities & Services
- Existing Land Use
- Future Land Use