What is a required component of municipal planning beyond ordinances?

The correct answer is environmental impact assessments. In the context of municipal planning, environmental impact assessments are critical for evaluating the potential effects that proposed developments or policy changes may have on the surrounding environment. They serve as a systematic process to identify, predict, and evaluate the environmental consequences of development projects before decisions are made. This is crucial for ensuring that planning decisions align with sustainable development goals and community interest in preserving natural resources and quality of life.

In many cases, environmental impact assessments are mandated by state and federal law, making them an essential element in the planning process alongside the development of municipal ordinances. They provide valuable information that helps planners and decision-makers understand the implications of various projects and strategies, and they aid in fostering community involvement and transparency in the planning process.

While economic development strategies, public roadway design standards, and site-specific plans are also important aspects of municipal planning, they do not inherently fulfill the same regulatory and evaluative function that environmental impact assessments provide. The latter is specifically geared towards analyzing the interaction between proposed projects and the environment, making it a necessary requirement in the comprehensive planning framework.