Comprehensive plans are “essential feature[s] of long-term planning for cities and counties all over the United States.” In fact, the The Idaho Local Land Use Planning Act (ILLUPA) requires that every city and county government develops and adopts a Plan.
In scoping the Land Trust's community planning program, staff analyzed policy statements from the Comprehensive Plans of Blaine County and its cities– Carey, Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley. Highlighting significant overlap, Chapter 2: Shared Goals of the Community Planning program action plan (pages 20-25) articulates what measures the Land Trust and its partners in government agree on, in support of land and natural resource conservation. Additionally, Chapter 2: Shared Goals references the exact policy statements in support of our shared conservation goals.
When people wonder how we can ensure that land uses consider conservation goals, it ties back to municipalities Comprehensive Plans. Learn about the roles of Comprehensive Plans-- how they are developed, govern Municipal Codes and shape community development-- by reading through the following sections:
Developing a Comprehensive Plan
The process of developing a Comprehensive Plan leans heavily on local government staff and leadership engaging, listening and responding to the public. Identifying core community values, a community hones its future land use map and policy statements that reflect the community’s shared values.
For example– if members of the public voice their concern for riparian habitats and a desire to sustain river health, local government planning staff should draft policy statements in favor of methods that protect the natural floodplain. Without public input, the final Comprehensive Plan may not represent the community nor reflect shared community values. Public engagement is key to ensuring a democratic process.
The Role of the Comprehensive
Local Comprehensive Plans
Check out the Comprehensive Plans in the Wood River Valley, as well as the current Comprehensive Plan update projects:
