Land Use:
A county or other municipality, in developing a plan for growth, would first need to determine the accepted uses for the land, in what propertions for each use and rules for implementation of the plan. Depending on the area, this would include using land for residential, commercial, industrial, parks and green belts, community facilities, flood control and more.
Residential Needs and Types of Residences:
There may already be aging residential units that need rehabilitation, areas for new construction of homes, condominiums and apartments, or low income/first-time housing. A good plan will take these types of housing into consideration, plan for rehabilitation and new construction, and allow for common areas, parks and schools in the right locations for maximum benefit.
Roadways and Traffic:
Of course, getting people to and from their homes, businesses and community facilities is quite important. Without proper planning for current traffic and parking, as well as future growth, an area can be negatively impacted and result in no growth or shrinkage in population.
Community and Government Facilities:
Proper functioning of any municipality requires government facilities as well as community infrastructure. This could include parks, schools, museums, hospitals, libraries, police and fire stations, water and sewage systems and more. A good master plan would integrate these facilities in a useful and aesthetic way into the community.
Energy Conservation Considerations:
In recent years, conserving energy has become an item of major concern, both for environmental and expense reasons. Proper planning and implementation of energy saving initiatives can save a municipality significant sums of money, as well as attract residents and businesses.
Land Use Planning and Municpal Planning is Complex but Necessary:
The elements of an effective master community plan are quite varied and complex. Members of the community, government and business must come together in a cooperative way to determine not only the current needs of the area, but the anticipated and desired future growth.
A well thought out and executed plan will help to ensure the well-being of the residents, attract business, stimulate job creation and bring about a pleasing community in which to live and work.
