Land Use Planning

Programs that are responsible for planning how the land within a local may be used by drafting and obtaining public approval for a general plan (also known as a comprehensive, master or official plan) that provides policies and objectives that guide long-term development throughout the jurisdiction and specific/area plans (sometimes called community, neighborhood or secondary plans) that address the future of specific neighborhoods or other smaller geographic areas in greater detail. The plans must be consistent with state land use planning legislation which identifies and protects state interests and promotes sound infrastructure planning, environmental protection, economic development and safe communities; but vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction based on local priorities.