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 20-30 years into the future—and it addresses a wide range of recommendations relating to land use, transportation, parks, open space, agriculture and rural issues, community facilities, community character and identity, housing and neighborhoods, and economic development, among others. 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 (LDR) regulate development and are not the same as the Comprehensive Plan.

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.