What is the Comprehensive Plan?
The Comprehensive Plan is our community’s vision for its future and a guide for the Island’s decision makers. It was developed in response to the state’s Growth Management Act and was formally adopted in 1994 and last amended in 1999. Contact the Planning & Community Development department with further questions.
The Comprehensive Plan is a policy document consisting of maps and written policy statements, and goals and objectives, addressing a number of issues relating to growth, housing, economic development, transportation, environment, parks and open space, aesthetics, community character, and neighborhood and historic preservation and conservation. The primary emphasis of the document is to provide long range guidance to property owners, citizens and decision makers on land use issues, such as where residential, commercial and industrial development should occur in the future, and at what densities. Manhattan and Riley County updated the Manhattan Urban Area Comprehensive Plan in a two-year joint planning process, culminating in adoption by the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board, the Riley County Planning Board and the City and County Commissions in June 2003. To read the Manhattan Urban Area Comprehensive Plan or to download maps and text, please visit the Planning Division section of thi
The Henrico County Comprehensive Plan is a set of documents that describes the County’s vision of future development in the County. The Comprehensive Plan has three components. The 2010 Land Use Plan primarily addresses development undertaken by the private sector. The 2010 Land Use Plan Map depicts the desired future land use of all parcels within the County. The 2010 Major Thoroughfare Plan sets forth a future transportation network to provide adequate roads for the land uses contemplated by the 2010 Land Use Plan Map. The 2005 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan is a guide to future investment in parks, recreation, and open space facilities. Each component was specifically reviewed and approved by the Board of Supervisors following public meetings and public hearings. The Comprehensive Plan is a policy document that serves as a general guide for the Board of Supervisors. Unlike an ordinance, strict adherence to the Plan is not required.
The Comprehensive Plan (the Plan) is required by state law to be used as a guide to decision-making about the natural and built environment by the county’s Board of Supervisors, and others such as the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. It is also a guide for county staff and the public to use in the planning process. The Comprehensive Plan consists of the Policy Plan, four Area Plan volumes, and a Plan Map. The Policy Plan volume includes general countywide policy on land use, transportation, housing, the environment, heritage resources, economic development, and public facilities, including public parks, recreation and trails. The Area Plans contain detailed long-range planning recommendations organized by geographic areas of the county. The Plan recommends how land should be used, but not when development will occur. The Plan Map illustrates the recommended land use, but must be used with the Plan books to fully understand what is planned.
