Elk County and Clearfield County have teamed up to establish a Joint Comprehensive Plan to develop strategic goals for future economic growth and to better position both counties for future federal and state funding. The plan has created a vision that reflects the ideas and goals of each region’s residents and stakeholders.
In 1968, the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) in order to empower local governments with the authority to coordinate and plan land development. Today many of these land use regulations are quite familiar including subdivision and land development ordinances and zoning ordinances. Although less well known, another important provision contained within the MPC is the Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan was intended to provide municipal governments, including boroughs, townships, and cities, with an organized and though out approach to future community and economic development. Although often overshadowed by subdivision and land development ordinances and zoning ordinances, these land use controls are actually tools made available to assist executing the Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan is often prepared with a broad range of subjects significant to the local municipality including infrastructure, housing, transportation, and community facilities. Prior to undertaking any new land development initiatives, local officials are encouraged to consult their Comprehensive Plan. If a local Plan is unavailable, then local municipalities could consider the County Comprehensive Plan.
