How is the Comprehensive or Future Land Use Plan developed?
The planning staff evaluates base data, such as existing land use patterns, development trends, population and housing data, utilities, natural features and environmental constraints. Community leaders hold several goal-setting meetings to provide direction to the planning staff; these meetings identify problems, issues and opportunities that the plan should address. Likewise, the Planning Commission holds public workshops to gather input from residents and affected property owners. Next, the planning staff develops strategies aimed at implementing the community’s goals and objectives. These strategies may include suggested amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, small area studies, economic development plans, evaluation of the effectiveness of current standards, etc. The process is complete once public hearings are held, all issues are resolved and the plan is adopted by the Planning Commission. The plan and any amendments must also be transmitted to the township board for acceptance.
