The land use component is the part of the plan that is required by state statute as a basis for zoning. Land Use recommendations and critical areas will be mapped. Land Use maps are useful to staff, decision-makers and the public when reviewing projects. The maps are used to evaluate rezoning applications, to project future population and employment concentrations, and to consider redevelopment options.
Critical areas are places that are particularly sensitive to development or are facing a number of development pressures (e.g. potential historic preservation districts, water protection areas, bio-diversity preserves, and redevelopment areas). The critical areas will be studied and documented in greater detail than other areas.
Land Use Planning Handbook
The Land Use Planning Handbook was developed during the planning process as a source of planning information. It includes descriptions of the land use categories employed on the land use maps.
Download the Land Use Planning Handbook.
Plan Adoption
Copies of the Comprehensive Plan are available from the Division of Planning by calling (317) 327-5155. Critical Area maps and text are available below.