ABOUT THE
GENERAL PLAN
Learn about the General Plan, its components, and the project schedule:
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A GENERAL PLAN?
The General Plan acts as the foundational policy document guiding the future vision for the city for the next 10-20 years. The document outlines a desired community vision supported by goals, policies, and actions for the City to implement future physical, economic, and social decisions. The plan addresses community issues across the full spectrum of the built environment from land use and growth to infrastructure and parks.
Arizona Revised Statutes requires communities to adopt “comprehensive, long-range general plan for the development of the municipality.” General Plans must also be updated, adopted, and ratified by voters every ten years. Maricopa’s existing General Plan was ratified in 2016 by voters.
WHY UPDATE IT NOW?
WHAT TOPICS DOES THE GENERAL PLAN ADDRESS?
Arizona law requires certain topical elements to be addressed based on a community’s population size. Communities also may decide to include additional optional elements based on their individual needs. The State Law mandated elements for a community the size of Maricopa includes:
-
Land Use
-
Circulation & Bicycling
-
Growth Areas
-
Open Space & Recreation
-
Revitalization & Redevelopment
-
Neighborhood Preservation
-
Environmental Planning
-
Water Conservation
-
Conservation
-
Energy
-
Public Services & Facilities
-
Public Buildings
-
Housing
-
Safety
-
Cost of Development
PHASES
1
RECOGNIZE
The first phase of the General Plan update process is centered on understanding the community as it exists today. Background research identifies community strengths, challenges, values and vision to guide the development of the General Plan. This phase culminates in the development of the Existing Conditions Assessment.
2
ENRICH
This phase establishes the framework of the General Plan from the culmination of public outreach and background research. The preferred land use scenario is identified from the community and the Public Review Draft of the General Plan is developed with goals, policies, implementation actions, maps, and graphics to enforce the desired vision for the future. The draft undergoes a formal 60-Day Review during this phase.
3
ACHIEVE
The final phase of the General Plan update process focuses on addressing public review comments and a formal presentation to the Planning Commission and City Council for adoption. Once Adopted, the updated General Plan is sent to voters for final ratification.
