Comprehensive plans are the primary policy documents in local government in Virginia. The State Code (section 15.2) requires that all local governments develop and adopt a plan. The Code also states that localities must review their comprehensive plan every five years.

The comprehensive plan is a legislative to-do list that sets a vision for the next 20 years and establishes ways of accomplishing the community’s goals.

The document includes chapters on various topics, such as land use, housing, transportation, the environment, community facilities and services, economic development, and other themes. Under each chapter, vision and goal statements should express the city’s intentions for each community aspect. The plan should also incorporate specific actions that will implement this vision. Those actions fall under four categories:

• Land use regulations: local code sections that regulate land use and development (zoning and subdivision ordinances)
• Capital Investments: physical investments expressed in the capital improvements program (CIP)
• Programs: recurring efforts, funded on an annual or bi-annual basis
• Initiatives: one-time efforts, such as plans, studies, or a cash infusion for a specific cause

Local officials should always refer to the comprehensive plan when deciding on the abovementioned items. In Virginia, local jurisdictions are not required to follow the plan. However, following the stated policies helps build trust with the community, provides solid legal protection against challenges, and is the best approach to accomplishing local goals.

Comprehensive Plan Update

Right now, the City of Staunton is in the process of reviewing and updating its comprehensive plan looking out to 2045. This process is conducted by staff and a citizen advisory committee. It should be completed by the spring of 2026.

For this update, the city would like to hear from as many community members as possible. To learn more about the process and to get involved visit: Staunton Comprehensive Plan 2045

Specifically, the review process: 

• Surveys both the locality’s assets and challenges
• Prepares the community for future changes in population size, employment base, environmental quality, and the demand for public services and utilities
• Identifies citizen concerns, needs, and aspirations
• Serves as a guide to development
• Establishes clear land use goals for the future
• Outlines strategies or recommendations for accomplishing future goals

The completed assessment becomes the city’s comprehensive plan, a long-range blueprint for development that informs decisions made by the Community Development Department, and advises City Council.

Citizen Steering Committee Agendas & Minutes 

The Citizen Steering Committee meets the third Thursday of every month, following the Planning Commission meeting.