Comprehensive Plan AdoptedMarch 14, 2012 by Kevin Gentry
Comprehensive Plan BasicsOctober 21, 2009 by Kevin Gentry
What is the Comprehensive Plan? The Comprehensive Plan is a document that establishes policies that guide the future development of the County, establishes a vision for the future and identifies a strategy for achieving that vision. Although general in nature, the Comprehensive Plan includes a review of many different aspects of physical development including land use, transportation, public utilities, parks and recreation, historic preservation, redevelopment, economic development and environmental resources. The Comprehensive Plan enables local government officials and citizens to anticipate and deal constructively with changes occurring within the community. Though its format varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, the comprehensive plan is a broad effort to address a wide range of community issues and concerns, understanding the important relationships between each part. Why have a Comprehensive Plan? Virginia State law requires that all local governments have an adopted Comprehensive Plan, which spells out policies for future development in order to ensure orderly growth and the protection of the public health and welfare. The Comprehensive Plan may consist of a number of components, such as local area plans, service plans, and specific land-use related resolutions of the Board of Supervisors. Section 15.2-2223 of the Code of Virginia states:
By requiring local governments to adopt comprehensive plans, the legislature implied that local government issues are best handled at the local level of government. This Comprehensive Plan, therefore, is the vehicle by which the local government officials and citizens of Middlesex County express their goals for the future of their community. Why Update The Comprehensive Plan?The Plan is used by citizens, developers, County staff, the Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors to develop and implement a course of growth for Middlesex County. As much has changed in our community over the last five years, the update is necessary to assess new needs, develop solutions for new and long-term challenges, and to plan for new growth while enhancing our existing community.The Plan update will consist of researching and analyzing the County's goals and objectives, current conditions, future trends, future land use plans and implementation strategies. About Middlesex County's Comprehensive PlanMiddlesex County's first Comprehensive Plan was approved in 1977. The County's current Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 1994, and subsequently updated by the Board of Supervisors in 2001. What is The Relationship Between the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning?The Comprehensive Plan forms the guide for zoning in Middlesex County, and can be considered a "blueprint" for future zoning decisions. While future land use plan designations are only recommendations of possible future use, they are used as an important guide for the changing of any zoning classification. The Plan is not a zoning ordinance and amendments will not change existing zoning designations, but it is a guide for which zoning changes are anticipated and considered.
Steering CommitteeOctober 21, 2009 by Kevin Gentry
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