Planning Services for Casco Village

Request for Proposals (RFP) Planning Services for Zoning Rewrite in Casco Village DistrictTown of Casco, Maine Issue Date:October 16, 2025Proposal Due Date:November 13, 2025 I. Introduction The Town of Casco, Maine is seeking proposals from qualified planning consultants to assist in rewriting zoning for designated Casco Village District identified in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of this project is to update zoning ordinances to align with the Comprehensive Plan, preserve village character, encourage appropriate economic development, and guide future growth in a manner consistent with community values. II. Scope of Services The consultant shall provide professional planning services including, but not limited to: III. Project Timeline The Town anticipates this project will be completed withinsix to eight monthsfrom the date of contract award. A general schedule is as follows (subject to refinement with the selected consultant): IV. Community Profile & Demographics The Town of Casco is a rural community located in Cumberland County, Maine, with a population of approximately 3,800 residents. Casco covers 36 square miles and is known for its natural beauty, access to multiple lakes (including Sebago Lake), and strong sense of community. The Town experiences significant seasonal population increases due to tourism, recreation, and second-home ownership. Casco’s economy is a blend of small businesses, local services, recreation-based enterprises, and traditional rural uses. The three villages—Casco Village, South Casco Village, and Webbs Mills—are historic centers that serve as focal points for community identity, commercial activity, and civic life. V. Village Areas & Comprehensive Plan Alignment Casco Village Casco Village is the historic center of the community, containing civic institutions such as the Town Office, Casco Library, public parks, and small businesses. The Comprehensive Plan identifies Casco Village as aP1 priority areadue to its role as the Town’s traditional hub for government, cultural, and social activities. The plan emphasizes the importance of maintaining its walkable village character, protecting historic structures, and guiding future development to strengthen its role as the Town’s civic heart. V-A. Desired Objectives for Rezoning of Preservation Villages The Comprehensive Plan identifies Casco Village, South Casco Village, and Webbs Mills as Preservation Villages. These areas have largely reached build-out, with limited capacity for large-scale future development. However, there are opportunities for infill construction, renovation of existing structures, and reinvestment in civic buildings, public spaces, and infrastructure that reinforce the historic and social character of these settlements. The presence of civic buildings (such as the Town Office, library, and churches), municipal amenities, and public gathering spaces position these villages as centers of civic life, recreation, and cultural identity. Even with limited future growth, the Town intends to continue investing municipal resources into these historic settlements to preserve and strengthen their role as the heart of Casco’s community fabric. The Comprehensive Plan recommends that zoning evolve from a single Village District into two to three tailored zoning districts. These new districts should distinguish the predominantly residential nature of most buildings, while also recognizing traditional dimensional patterns and allowing for limited commercial uses and a variety of residential building types. Objectives of the Zoning Rewrite Reference:The complete Casco, Maine Comprehensive Plan is available online at:https://www.cascomaine.org/comprehensive-plan VI. Proposal Requirements Proposals must include: VII. Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated on the following: VIII. Submission Instructions Proposals must be received byNovember 13, 2025. Submissions may be delivered electronically to[email protected]or mailed to: Town of CascoAttn: Anthony Ward, Town Manager635 Meadow RoadCasco, ME 04015 Late submissions will not be accepted. IX. Questions All questions regarding this RFP shall be directed toAnthony Ward, Town Manager,[email protected]or (207) 627-4515 ext. 1201. X. Reservation of Rights The Town of Casco reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive any informalities, and negotiate with the successful proposer in the best interest of the Town.