A comprehensive plan outlines a framework for the development of an area, recognizing the physical, economic, social, political, aesthetic and related factors of a community. A comprehensive plan typically results from lengthy and intensive analysis, includes a long-range scope (usually 20 years or more) and provides the overall guiding principles for growth and development of a community. The Atlanta Regional Commission's Regional Development Plan serves as the comprehensive plan for the Atlanta region.
In 1989, the General Assembly passed the Georgia Planning Act, which established a coordinated planning program for the state. This program provides local governments with opportunities to plan for the future and to improve communication with neighboring governments.
The latest revisions to the state minimum planning standards, which took effect on May 1, 2005, established a new approach to local comprehensive planning and emphasized the involvement of stakeholders and the general public in preparation of plans that include an exciting, well-conceived and achievable vision for the future of the community.
The development of a local comprehensive plan includes three components:
- Community Assessment
An objective and professional assessment of data and information about the community. - Community Participation Program
Describes the local government’s strategy for ensuring adequate public and stakeholder involvement in the preparation of the Community Agenda. - Community Agenda
Includes the community’s vision for the future as well as its strategy and policies for achieving this vision.
ARC as the Regional Commission is responsible for determining the completeness of each community's comprehensive plan and identifying any potential opportunities for regional solutions.
Search for a Plan Review.
View a listing of the region's County and City websites (PDF).
ARC Hosts Comprehensive Planning Workshop
On August 18, 2011, the ARC Land Use Division hosted a workshop for local planners from around the region, covering the components of the planning process, local requirements for comprehensive planning, PLAN 2040 local government performance standards, and ARC's Regional Resource Plan.
View the presentation on comprehensive planning requirements and PLAN 2040 performance standards (PDF).
View a list of resources related to comprehensive planning (PDF).
View the presentation on ARC's Regional Resource Plan (PDF).
For additional information on Local Comprehensive Planning, please contact Jared Lombard at jlombard@atlantaregional.com or Andrew Smith at asmith@atlantaregional.com.