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Comprehensive Planning Process in Georgia go back

Every 10 years local governments in Georgia are required to revise and update their Comprehensive Plan. The logic behind this requirement is that this type of planning provides significant benefits at the local, regional and state-wide levels.

Effective planning ensures that future development will occur where, when, and how the community and local government wants. There are several important benefits to the entire community that result from the planning process:
  • Quality of life is maintained and improved.
  • There is a vision, clearly stated and shared by all, that describes the future of the community.
  • Private property rights are protected.
  • Economic development is encouraged and supported.
  • There is more certainty about where development will occur, what it will be like, when it will happen, and how the costs of development will be met.
The excerpt above is taken from Why We Plan, a report from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs that provides background information on Comprehensive Planning in Georgia.

Components of a Comprehensive Plan in Georgia

By state law, the Plan must have 3 components: the Public Participation Plan, the Community Assessment and the Community Agenda. The Public Participation Plan is a brief document that outlines how the general public will be involved in developing the plan. The Community Assessment is a detailed report with sections on Population, Economic Development, Housing, Natural and Cultural Resources, Community Facilities and Services, Intergovernmental Coordination, Transportation System and Land Use. This component is typically developed by planners with expertise in these areas because of the extensive research involved. The final result of the Community Assessment is a list of issues that have come to light which need to be addressed in the Community Agenda document. This final document presents a comprehensive vision for the community for the next 30 years. This includes goals and objectives for the local government to use to direct projects and initiatives.

Plan Review Process

The new Comprehensive plan for Cherokee County, Ball Ground, Waleska and Woodstock will guide the work done by the local government for the next 10 years. Since these jurisdictions are located within the Atlanta metro area and the State of Georgia, our plan will be reviewed by the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Both of these agencies will make sure that our plan meets the minimum planning standards, which is a legal requirement. They will also consider how our plan fits into the regional and state plans. The overall intent of this process is for local citizens to develop plans for their communities and have these plans be integrated into regional and state-wide plans.

Main Page

Comprehensive Planning Process in Georgia

Project Organization and Timeline

How to Get Involved

Meeting Schedule & Documents

Comprehensive Plan Documents
Public Participation
Community Assessment
Community Agenda

Links to Resources
Cherokee County Georgia
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