A Comprehensive Plan is a non-regulatory document that provides information on the existing conditions of Westmoreland County, assesses the issues facing the County, establishes a vision for future growth, and formulates goals and strategies to implement the County’s vision.  Although it is not a legislative document, it is now a requirement for all counties in Pennsylvania to create and adopt a Comprehensive Plan according to the State’s planning legislation, the Municipalities Planning Code (Act of 1968, P.L. 805 No. 247 as reenacted and amended). 

Because change is constant, planning is an ongoing process.  The Municipalities Planning Code requires the County to review its comprehensive plan at least every ten years.

What is the purpose of a comprehensive plan?

• A guide for desirable development and redevelopment
• A guide for improving the physical environment of the County as a setting for human activity…to make it more functional, beautiful, decent, healthful, interesting and efficient
• A framework for management, enhancement and preservation of the natural and man-made environment
• A statement of policy…a declaration of long range goals and how to achieve them
• An expression of the County’s assessment of itself and a vision of what it can become
• A means for guiding, influencing and achieving coordination in public and private decision making…an effort to make sure that today’s decision will lead to tomorrow’s goal
• A means for collaboration amongst diverse interests in a constructive manner that achieves consensus on controversial issues

What are the major components of a comprehensive plan?

• A statement of development objectives
• A plan for land use
• A plan to meet the housing needs of County residents and persons expected to reside in the County
• A transportation plan for the movement of people and goods
• A plan for community facilities and utilities
• A plan for the protection and preservation of natural and historic resources, including prime agricultural land
• An implementation strategy