What is a “Comprehensive Plan”?

           A Comprehensive Plan provides a city with a roadmap or plan for the future development of that city.  It is developed and updated by each municipality in Florida, defining the parameters by which a city’s leaders and citizens expect their city to grow over the long-term.  In 1985 the State Legislature enacted the Growth Management Act, which required all counties and municipalities in the State to formulate a Comprehensive Plan. The elements contained in a Comprehensive Plan are future land use, housing, transportation, public facilities, conservation, recreation and open space, intergovernmental coordination and capital improvements.  Each element includes two distinct sections: “Goals, Objective and Policies” and “Data, Inventory and Analysis.”  The “Goals” section sets a city’s general vision through the goals and enacts steps or policies to progress toward achieving those established goals.  The “Data” section contains specific data sets that support the “Goals.”  

How can it be used on a daily basis?

            Whenever a development project is initiated, a city’s planners compare the proposed development project for compliance with the Goals, Objectives and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan. If the project meets the “Goals” the project can move forward in the development review process. If the review determines the proposed development does not match what is allowed in the adopted Comprehensive Plan an application for amendment can be submitted for review and approval prior to the project proceeding.