Legal Definitions - general plan

A general plan is a long-term plan made by cities and governments to organize development and community initiatives. It is also known as a comprehensive or master plan. General plans have been used by cities in the United States for most of the twentieth century. Some states even require cities to have a general plan.

General plans can cover a wide range of issues such as:

• City design
• Population growth
• Noise
• Sustainability
• Development of industry

The nature of a general plan depends on the particular city. Some cities create general plans as a set of guidelines and goals that city planners should strive to achieve through zoning laws, investment, and other tools. Other cities must follow the general plan and update it as situations change. In these cities, the general plan serves as a required set of plans that ensures different areas of strategy and development can be balanced with one another.

For example, the city of Los Angeles has a general plan that outlines goals for transportation, housing, and land use. The plan includes strategies to reduce traffic congestion, increase affordable housing, and promote sustainable development.