Purpose of a Comprehensive Plan

A Comprehensive Plan consists of maps, policies, goals, and actions and provides a “blueprint” for how a community or region should grow in the future - in this case Jackson/Teton County together. A Comprehensive Plan is a long-range plan - looking 20 to 30 years into the future - and it addresses a wide range of recommendations relating:

  • Agriculture and rural issues
  • Community character and identity
  • Community facilities
  • Economic development
  • Housing and neighborhoods
  • Land use
  • Open space
  • Parks
  • Transportation
  • Other factors related to the development of the community and region
How does the plan relate to LDRs and other planning steps diagram

In essence, the plan sets the foundation for all land use decisions, from broad policy to detailed site design and development. However, it is not regulatory.

Land Development Regulations regulate development and are not the same as the Comprehensive Plan.

Comprehensive Plan Process

The Wyoming statutes enable towns and counties to develop and adopt comprehensive plans to address the health, safety, and welfare of the community and to work jointly to prepare a plan. The planning and zoning commissions recommend and certify the plan to the elected officials (Town Council and Board of County Commissioners). The elected officials adopt the plan.

Once the Town and County adopt the update, they will continue to use the Plan as a guide for future land use and development, programs, and public investment decisions. This update may shift directions for the community.

Comprehensive Plan Process Map