03-20-12 Special Called Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission

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INTRODUCTION TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Alan M. Efrussy, AICP "Planning is the triumph of logic over dumb luck" - Anonymous as quoted by David L, Pugh, AICP "The best offense is a good defense" -Anonymous as quoted by Alan M. Efrussy, AICP The purpose of this chapter is to describe the importance, purposes and elements of the comprehensive plan. This discussion represents the author's perspective and recognizes that there are a number of ways to prepare a comprehensive plan and that different elements may be included in plans, reflecting the particular orientation or emphasis of the community. What is important is that a community has a comprehensive plan. This author and many cities and planning commission members in Texas are indebted to the authors of chapters regarding the comprehensive plan published by the Educational Foundation, Inc. of the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association, as part of earlier editions of the Guide to Urban Planning in Texas Communities. The earlier authors were Robert L. Lehr, AICP, planner and former Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Oklahoma, and Robert L. Wegner, Sr., AICP, Professor, School of Urban and Public Affairs, at the University of Texas at Arlington. Definition of a Comprehensive Plan A comprehensive plan can be defined as a long-range plan intended to direct the growth and physical development of a community for a 20 to 30 year or longer period. Ideally, and if feasible, it is appropriate to try to prepare a comprehensive plan for the ultimate development of a community. This will allow for ultimate utility, transportation, and community facilities planning, and therefore can aid in a more time and cost-effective planning and budgeting program. The plan usually includes policies relevant to the development of various physical elements in the community such as