Updating the Comprehensive Plan
A comprehensive plan is a document that outlines the County’s long-term vision and goals for future development, including land use, transportation, housing, public facilities and more. It is a blueprint for how a community wants to grow and evolve over time, incorporating resident input and considering current situations.
Updating the comprehensive plan is a multiyear process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does The Comprehensive Plan impact me?
While the Statewide Planning Goals are already set, the methods used to achieve them in Benton County can be customized to best suit the regional community. The Comprehensive Plan outlines specific policies, programs, and projects that will address statewide planning goals in this region. The Plan covers things that affect Benton County residents every day, including housing, economic development, air quality, water quality and quantity, forest and agricultural lands, and recreational areas.
What are the opportunities to get involved?
There will be multiple opportunities to provide input and get involved in the comprehensive planning process. Participating in surveys will be the easiest way to make sure your voice is heard. For those interested in engaging further, workshops will be offered, and a committee of community representatives will be selected to help guide the Comprehensive Plan work. Check our Get Involved page to know when a meeting is scheduled near you.
Why now?
Benton County’s current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2007. According to Benton County Comprehensive Plan Policy, the entire plan should be updated at least every 20 years, putting us right on track to adopt our next update around 2027.
State law requires each city and county to adopt a Comprehensive Plan and the zoning and land-division ordinances needed to put the plan into effect. Through local comprehensive planning, Oregon’s Statewide Goals are achieved in ways that suit the unique needs of each community.
What is the process for creating a comprehensive plan?
The process of forming the comprehensive plan usually has these key phases:
Outreach and engagement. Community input is collected to ensure that community needs are understood so they can be appropriately prioritized and incorporated in the plan.
Research and development. Current community needs are examined, and methods are explored that address needs that align with statewide goals.
Drafting and implementation. A plan is written. The draft plan goes through a review process to ensure that it is effective, equitable, and implementable. It will be revised as needed before being formally adopted.
How will this change what is in place, and when will I see those changes?
When a new Comprehensive Plan is adopted around 2027, it will replace the current plan. The content of the new plan, and how it differs from the current one, will be determined during the planning process. The plan is expected to be adopted in 2027. The impacts will be seen in growth and development decisions that take place after the adoption date.
How is this project funded?
The Comprehensive Plan update will occur in phases over the course of 3-5 years.
The pre-planning phase of this project, which began in summer 2024 and runs through summer 2025, is funded by a $50,000 Technical Assistance grant from the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD).
The next phase of the project will begin in fall of 2025, pending approval of project funding. If approved, this phase will likely be jointly funded by Benton County and another Technical Assistance grant from DLCD.
How does the Plan get finalized and implemented – what’s the process?
Once the Comprehensive Plan outreach process is complete, the draft plan is reviewed and approved by the state’s Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC). Once a plan is approved, both at the state level and locally by the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners, it becomes the controlling document for land use in the area.
How will my feedback from public outreach events be used?
Throughout the planning process, you will be asked to identify and prioritize the topics and issues that are most important to you. The project team will use public engagement phases as a critical feedback loop to ensure the final plan is responsive to community priorities in guiding future growth.
Are there previous examples of comprehensive plans and where can I view them?
Yes, Benton County adopted its first Comprehensive Plan in 1978. Consecutive plan updates occurred in 1980, 1982, 1992, and most recently, in 2007. You can view the 2007 Comprehensive Plan on the Community Development website or via MuniDocs. County staff is working to upload the 1978 – 1992 planning documents on MuniDocs – please check back soon.
Just want the highlights? Read a summary of the 2007 Comprehensive Plan document.