Opinion ID: 2056507
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Land Use Plans Generally

Text: The terms Master Plan and General Plan, as guides to growth and land development, while distinct under most land use statutes and regulations, do not possess universal meanings nationally and are often used interchangeably. See Patricia E. Salkin, American Law of Zoning § 5:3 (5th ed.2009). Since there are many shades of opinion among planners as to the precise content, the specific emphasis, and the degree of particularity, not all would agree on a definition of such a plan. Id. For purposes of general discussion of land use plans, the terms Master Plan and General Plan frequently are conflated in the broad term comprehensive plan. Generally, a comprehensive plan is described as a general plan to control and direct the use and development of property in a [locality], or a large part thereof, by dividing it into districts according to the present and potential use of the property. E.C. Yokley, Zoning Law and Practice § 5-2 (4th ed.2003). It usually is more than a detailed zoning map and should apply to a substantial area, be the product of long study, and control land use consistent with the public interest. An important characteristic of a comprehensive plan is that it be well thought out and give consideration to the common needs of the particular area. Id. Commentators and scholars generally agree that the purposes of a comprehensive plan include: (1) To improve the physical environment of the community as a setting for human activitiesto make it more functional, beautiful, decent, healthful, interesting, and efficient. . . . (2) To promote the public interest, the interest of the community at large, rather than the interests of individuals or special groups within the community. . . . (3) To facilitate the democratic determination and implementation of community policies on physical development. . . . (4) To effect political and technical coordination in community development. . . . (5) To inject long-range considerations into the determination of short-range actions. . . . (6) To bring professional and technical knowledge to bear on the making of political decisions concerning the physical development of the community. . . . Salkin, supra, at § 5:5 (quoting T.J. Kent, Jr., The Urban General Plan 25 (1964)). Many state statutes require that zoning and land development be accomplished in accordance with a comprehensive plan. Yokley, supra, at § 5-1. See e.g., Ariz. Rev.Stat. Ann. § 9-462.01F (2008 & Supp. 2009) (All zoning and rezoning ordinances or regulations adopted under this article shall be consistent with and conform to the adopted general plan of the municipality, if any. . . .); Cal. Gov't Code § 65860(a) (West 2009) (County or city zoning ordinances shall be consistent with the general plan of the county or city. . . .); Fla. Stat. § 163.3194(1)(a) (LexisNexis 2009) (After a comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof, has been adopted . . . all development undertaken by, and all actions taken in regard to development orders by, governmental agencies in regard to land covered by such plan or element shall be consistent with such plan or element as adopted.); Ga.Code Ann. § 36-70-3(1) (2006 & Supp.2009) (The governing bodies of municipalities and counties are authorized: (1) To develop, establish, and implement land use regulations which are consistent with the comprehensive plan of the municipality or county. . . .); Or.Rev.Stat. § 197.010(1)(c) (2007) (declaring the legislature's intent that comprehensive plans shall be implemented through more specific rules and land use regulations.).