2026 Comprehensive Plan Information
The City of Mountain Park has a specific website setup for our 2026 Comprehensive Plan development. Click on the following link to visit this website for more information on our 2026 Comprehensive Plan and to access to our public input survey: Mountain Park 2026 Comprehensive Plan Website
General Information
The Georgia Planning Act is the foundation for community and regional planning in the state. This Act requires that all cities and counties maintain comprehensive plans that help shape future growth. These plans should recognize the physical, economic, social, political and aesthetic factors of a community and be developed in a process that includes intensive analysis and robust public engagement. While Georgia does not require strict adherence to them, once adopted the plan becomes a policy guide for future growth.
The comprehensive planning process allows residents and local decision makers to identify and respond to the changing community needs and desires in a thoughtful rather than reactive way. Local governments must plan carefully and work with residents to identify a vision for their community and to develop a framework to guide future development.
This process takes place every five years with the last Comprehensive Plan completed in 2021. All Comprehensive Plans must go through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for review and approval to ensure the Plan meets State standards. After it is approved by the Department of Community Affairs, the final step in the process is for City Council to adopt the updated Comprehensive Plan.
A Comprehensive Plan typically includes a long-range scope (at least 20 years) and provides the overall guiding principles for a community’s growth and development. It guides decisions on land use, housing, transportation, and infrastructure through a collaborative, public-focused approach.
There are several important benefits to the entire community that result from the planning process:
- Quality of life is preserved and improved.
- Understanding of local issues is promoted.
- There is a vision that describes the future of the community.
- Private property rights are protected.
- Community needs are strategically supported.
- Growth and development in the community is guided.
- It looks beyond day-to-day services.
Key Aspects of Comprehensive Planning:
Vision & Goal Setting - Establishes the community’s long-term goals for development and preservation.
Broad Scope - Covers various topics, including land use, transportation, housing, infrastructure, economic development, and environmental protection.
Policy Framework - Functions as a blueprint for decision-making, guiding zoning and capital improvement projects.
Public Participation - Relies on community input through workshops, surveys, and engagement forums to ensure the plan reflects resident goals.
Implementation - Acts as an active, working document with actionable steps for achieving the community's vision.