Comprehensive Planning

A comprehensive plan is a long-term blueprint for the future growth and development of a community. It outlines a community's vision, goals, and priorities, addressing key areas such as land use, transportation, economic development, housing, and natural resources. These plans guide decision-making at both the local and regional levels to ensure that development is well-planned, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of residents and businesses.

In Georgia, comprehensive planning is a requirement for local governments that wish to maintain their Qualified Local Government (QLG) status, which is necessary to access certain state funding and resources. Plans must be updated every five years to stay compliant with state standards set by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). These updates ensure that communities remain focused on long-term goals while adapting to changing conditions.

To learn more about comprehensive planning or to check your community’s local planning due dates, explore additional resources below.

Our Services

As a regional commission, we provide expert guidance to help local governments navigate the comprehensive planning process. Our services include:

Facilitating community engagement and public input to ensure plans are reflective of local values and needs.
Analyzing data on demographics, land use, infrastructure, and other factors to identify trends and opportunities.
Assisting with the development of goals, objectives, and strategies that align with both local and regional priorities.
Ensuring compliance with state regulations and deadlines to maintain Qualified Local Government (QLG) status.
Offering technical assistance for plan implementation and periodic updates.

By working closely with local governments, we help ensure that comprehensive plans are not just documents, but living tools that guide sustainable and thoughtful development across the region.

Comprehensive Planning Resources

Regional Review Process

In Georgia, the comprehensive planning process includes a regional and state review to ensure alignment with broader planning goals. Once a local government drafts a comprehensive plan, it is submitted to the regional commission for review. This process can take up to 40 days, and local governments are advised to account for the review period when preparing comprehensive plans.

Need to submit a comprehensive plan for regional and state review?

Email comprehensive plan drafts and a transmittal letter to planning@crc.ga.gov.

Download an example transmittal letter here: (download)

Questions?

Comprehensive Plan Reviews