Planning is essential in order for a community to define their collective vision for the future. Planning reviews and evaluates existing conditions, establishes a collective vision, and establishes clear goals and objectives for achieving that vision.

A comprehensive plan is an official policy document, used by elected officials and community leaders to create a long-term vision for the community and to inform land use, infrastructure, and other community development decisions.

The comprehensive plan will cover topics such as economic development, land use, infrastructure, natural resources/environment, quality of life and housing.

The plan will look out 10-20 years. However, there can also be strategies within the plan that can be implemented immediately after adoption.

Yes, it is governed by Indiana Code 36-7-4. The plan must contain a statement of objectives on future development, a statement of policy for land use development, and a statement of policy for the development of public ways, public places, public lands, public structure, and public utilities. The statute also provides a community the option of including more components in the plan to address unique local concerns.

Yes. The comprehensive plan is a policy document that may influence zoning changes, but it is not legally binding. It is enforced through the adoption or amendment of local development ordinances (such as zoning and subdivision ordinances).

Yes. Even if a community is not growing, it still needs to manage the changes that happen over time. Without a clear plan, change is managed with piecemeal decisions that are not always in the community’s long-term best interests.

The Ripley County Comprehensive Plan is largely focused on the unincorporated areas of the county, but the plan will reference existing town plans such as the Sunman Comprehensive Plan. The Town of Milan and Versailles are in the process of trying to secure grant funding to complete their own comprehensive plan. The Town of Osgood is the only town that will receive specific recommendations because they contributed financially to this planning effort. With that being said, the residents, businesses, and local leaders of all the towns are encouraged to participate in the planning process. We want to hear from you