A comprehensive plan is a policy document, prepared by the Area Plan Commission with public input, that helps guide the development of a community. Unlike a zoning ordinance, a comprehensive plan is not legally binding.

A Comprehensive Plan:

• Describes the type, location, and quality of future development desired by the community.
• Uses a long-range vision to guide elected and appointed official’s decision-making regarding future development.
• Contains goals and objectives which support the vision and direct how the community moves towards that vision.
• Guides the direction of community investments.
• Provides the legal basis for changes to the zoning and subdivision ordinances.
• Informs County Staff when reviewing applications for land use changes and other development or redevelopment petitions.

Indiana Planning Law

In Indiana, comprehensive planning is permitted by the 500 Series of Title 36-7-4 of the Indiana Code (IC). This law empowers cities, towns, and counties to adopt plans. Any plan adopted in Indiana must contain at least the following three elements: 1) A statement of objectives for the future development of the jurisdiction; 2) A statement of policy for the land use development of the jurisdiction; and 3) A statement of policy for the development of public ways, public places, public lands, public structures, and public utilities.