General Plan

Overview

A community’s general plan (also commonly called a comprehensive plan or master plan) is one of the most important long-range planning tools a local government creates. It establishes a community’s vision for the future and provides policy direction for how growth, development, and preservation should occur over time.

A general plan addresses broad community decisions, including:

• Where different types of land uses should be located.
• How transportation systems should function.
• Where housing opportunities should be encouraged.
• How infrastructure should expand.
• What natural, cultural, or community resources should be protected.

Although the terms general plan, comprehensive plan, and master plan are often used interchangeably, they all describe the same basic concept: a guiding document that helps a community make consistent, forward-looking decisions rather than responding to individual development proposals one at a time.

In Utah, the general plan is a central component of the local land use planning process. It is adopted by the local legislative body but is typically developed through a collaborative public process led by the planning commission with assistance from staff, planners, consultants, and community members. Public participation is essential because the plan should reflect the community’s shared goals and priorities, not simply technical planning recommendations.

It is important to understand that a general plan is not a regulatory document like a zoning ordinance or subdivision ordinance. It does not directly approve or deny development applications. Instead, it serves as the policy foundation for future regulatory decisions. Zoning regulations, zoning maps, and other land use actions should be consistent with the adopted general plan. When a local government evaluates a rezoning request, annexation, subdivision application, or infrastructure investment, the general plan is often the starting point for determining whether the proposal aligns with the community’s long-term vision.

Utah law requires general plans to address certain core planning topics, including land use and transportation. However, many communities choose to include additional elements that reflect local priorities, such as:

• Housing strategies.
• Economic development goals.
• Parks and recreation planning.
• Utilities and infrastructure planning.
• Natural resource protection.
• Environmental or conservation policies.

The level of detail included in a general plan varies depending on the size, needs, and resources of the community. Some plans provide broad policy direction, while others include detailed maps, diagrams, and implementation strategies.

A successful general plan does more than describe existing conditions.  It establishes goals and policies for the future. For example, a plan may identify areas appropriate for higher-density development near transportation corridors, areas intended for traditional neighborhood development, or areas where open space and rural character should be preserved.

As communities change over time, so should their general plan. Regular review and updates help ensure the plan continues to reflect changing population trends, economic conditions, infrastructure needs, and community priorities.

In short, the general plan provides the big-picture framework for land use planning in Utah. It connects a community’s vision for the future with everyday decisions about development, growth, and investment, helping ensure that change occurs in a coordinated and intentional manner rather than through isolated, reactive decisions.

---

Content Contributors: Jones and DeMille Engineering, Inc, Hansen Planning Group, LLC / Rural Community Consultants  

Special Note:  This material was developed by civiclinQ for the Land Use Academy of Utah (LUAU).  Funding for the development of this material was provided by through the Land Use Training Fund, which is administered by the Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman , utilizing a portion of the 1% surcharge on all building permits in the State of Utah.

The role of this organization in administering funding is primarily administrative and should not be viewed as legal advice. Always consult your legal representative when addressing land use activities.

Use the ‘Materials’ tab above to view related course materials, including printable pass-along card and PDF version of this online course.