The
Comprehensive Planis Amherst County's most important document regarding growth, development, and change. It establishes government policy to help guide public and private activities as they relate to land use and resource utilization. It is the basis for land development regulations and decisions (rezonings, special exceptions), capital improvements (public projects such as schools, parks, and libraries), transportation, environmental and historic resource protection initiatives, new county programs, and decisions on the distribution of county budget dollars to a multitude of programs and agencies.
State law governing the development of a Comprehensive Plan (
Virginia Code Section 15.2-2223) requires every county, city, and town to adopt a comprehensive plan for the physical development of its territory. It also requires that the Comprehensive Plan be reviewed every five years. Regardless of State Code requirements, it is important to periodically revisit and update the Plan to ensure that it is consistent with community views and is addressing current issues within the community.
