A comprehensive plan is a city-wide plan that addresses the long-term (usually 20-25 years) growth of a City. A comprehensive plan includes a look at future growth and land use as the basis, but can also address a series of other topics based on a city's unique needs. In Texas, municipal comprehensive plans are regulated by Sec. 213.002 of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE.

A comprehensive plan:

• Allows for the coordination and efficient use of City resources.
• Creates alignment among city leaders and staff, the private sector, and local residents.
• Encourages growth that promotes community values and the health, safety, and welfare of residents.

Comprehensive plans allow cities to plan ahead for the expected growth and needs of their community. They establish a blueprint for a city to use to make sure the provision of services and quality of life are maintained (or even enhanced!) in the face of growth. This allows the City to be proactive rather than reactive and guide growth in a way that best serves residents and the community as a whole.

No, it is important to know that a comprehensive plan is not regulatory. It is not a legally binding document or a zoning ordinance. It can, however, serve as a basis for the future creation or updating of regulations, ordinances, and zoning.

The comprehensive plan is a reflection of the community's vision and values and is used as a tool for alignment, decision making and accountability. Below are ways the plan is intended to be used.

By City Staff

• Guiding everyday decisions across all departments, aligning all City staff towards a single vision.
• Assists in major policy and budget decisions.
• Utilized in reviews of zoning cases.
• Planning for future facility and infrastructure needs and proactive maintenance/updates.
• Provides justification and prioritization for City projects and programs that align with the Plan.
• Provides the basis for updating city codes and ordinances.

By Planning & Zoning Commission

• Aid in discussing and reviewing zoning cases and other development decisions.
• Provides justification for zoning case recommendations.
• Allows for the balancing of the community needs and values with individual interests.

By City Council

• Annual reporting allows Council to track if the City is achieving or falling short of its goals.
  
• Allows for alignment of public goals and a more efficient use of City resources.
• When discussing zoning cases, development decisions, and other major topics related to land use policy.
• Aids in aligning the City's plans with surrounding jurisdictions.
• Can act as the basis for the City's annual budgeting and strategic planning efforts

By the Business Community

• Developers, potential property buyers, businesses, and other interested parties can better understand the future development patterns in the City when making decisions.
• Property owners and developers can propose developments that better align with the goals of the community, which can lead to easier entitlement and permitting processes for all parties.

By Residents

• Engages community members and stakeholders in planning for their City’s future.
• Educates residents on what goes into land use decisions and why certain decisions are made.
• Aids in shaping the desired outcomes and appearance of the community, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
• Annual reporting allows community members to keep the City accountable in achieving its goals.

Check out the "Get Involved" section below for information on how to be involved in the comprehensive plan process. Or, reach out to the team any time via the "Comments and Questions for the Team" form provided on this site.

Implementation is an essential element of the comprehensive planning process that allows the City to take the recommendations in the Plan from vision to reality. Ultimately, this is a city-adopted plan and the City is responsible for overall implementation.

Implementation of a comprehensive plan will look different for each City, but usually includes an action plan with timelines, prioritization and recommended responsible parties. Additionally, proposed metrics are included for the City to use to track and measure progress and show accountability to the community.

Although this plan has a 20-25 year horizon, it is recommended that the City review and update their comprehensive plan at least every 5 years.