What is a Comprehensive Plan?

Why plan?

Planning is essential in order for a community to define their collective vision for the future. Planning reviews and evaluates existing conditions, describes a collective vision, and establishes clear goals and objectives for achieving that vision.

What is the purpose of a comprehensive plan?

A comprehensive plan is an official policy document, used by elected officials and town staff when making land use, infrastructure, and other community investment decisions. It also communicates the county’s vision for the future to property owners and developers that may be interested in DeKalb.

What geographic areas does the DeKalb County Comprehensive Plan cover?

The comprehensive plan will apply to all unincorporated areas. Ashley, Auburn, Butler, Garrett, Hamilton and Waterloo have their own individual comprehensive plan, however they will be invited to participate.

What topics does a comprehensive plan cover?

The comprehensive plan will cover topics such as land use, economic development, transportation and utility infrastructure, natural resources, quality of life, and housing.

What is the plan’s timeline?

The plan will look 10+ years into the future. There will be strategies within the plan that can be implemented immediately after adoption while others will be longer term. Although the plan looks 10 years into the future, it should not stay static for that long. Updates should occur periodically as conditions change, development occurs, or local preferences shift.

Does a comprehensive plan have legal requirements?

Yes, it is governed by Indiana Code 36-7-4-500 series. The plan must contain a statement of objectives on future development, a statement of policy for land use development, and a statement of policy for the development of public ways, public places, public lands, public structures, and public utilities. The statute also provides a community the option of including more components in the plan to address unique local concerns. The DeKalb Comprehensive Plan will include much more than the minimum statutory requirements to ensure it provides the necessary detail and ultimately, the greatest benefit to the community.

Is there a difference between zoning and a comprehensive plan?

Yes, the comprehensive plan is a policy document, adopted as a resolution, that serves as a guide for development and community investment. It should be considered by the Plan Commission, Commissioners, County Council, local boards and commissions, and staff when making decisions, but it is not legally binding. The zoning ordinance is a primary mechanism for implementing the recommendations of the comprehensive plan through legally binding regulations related to permitted uses, lot size and setback requirements, and other development standards such as building materials, landscaping, parking, access, and signage.

Is a comprehensive plan about managing growth?

No. Even if a community is not growing, it still needs to manage the changes that happen over time. Without a clear plan, change is managed with piecemeal decisions that are not always in the community’s long-term best interests.