What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A comprehensive plan is a roadmap that outlines where a community is now, where it wants to go and how it wants to get there. It's a guiding document that helps shape the future of a town and guides growth and change according to a community's vision. 

What are the main reasons to have a comprehensive plan?

• Eligibility for federal, state, local, and private funding.

• Allows a community to be proactive (instead of reactive) to issues and changes that arise over time.

• Provides an opportunity to think regionally, especially regarding growth.

• Provides a legal basis for ordinances.

What is it not?

• A comprehensive plan is NOT required by the State, but there are certain requirements to receive State approval.

• A comprehensive plan does not mean zoning or land use regulation.

• A comprehensive plan does not enact new ordinances.

• A comprehensive plan does not commit the Town to any suggested action or recommendation.

• A comprehensive plan does not have regulatory power, it only suggests strategies for accomplishing community goals and objectives.