What goes into creating a comprehensive plan?

Comprehensive planning is a community driven process requiring dedicated volunteers to serve on a comprehensive planning committee. It is typical for the process to take place over an 18 to 24 month period. 

Most municipalities work with a consultant to assist with the development of some or all elements of a Comprehensive Plan. The cost of developing a Comprehensive Plan varies depending on: 

• the size of the community,
• the complexity of community issues,
• the scope of services for which your community is hiring a consultant, and
• whether the town has an existing Comprehensive Plan or starting from scratch. 

 

There are several good resources available to assist citizen committees in developing Comprehensive Plans. The amount of work required to complete all the required elements for a Comprehensive Plan to be found consistent with the Growth Management Act is substantial and preparation of some of the required elements involves both technical skills (such as GIS mapping) and familiarity with applicable state laws.