Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A comprehensive plan is a long-range plan for livability and what the community wants to look like in the future. It is a tool to help communities achieve excellent quality of life as the community grows.

Arlington's Comprehensive Plan was established to guide the development of the County as a safe, healthy, and attractive place to live, work, and play. Since its original adoption in 1960, Arlington’s Comprehensive Plan, which initially included 5 elements, has been continually updated and expanded to now comprise 12 elements.

The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to guide and achieve organized and balanced development in the area. It aims to meet current and future needs while making the best use of resources. It focuses on promoting the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and overall well-being of all residents.

The Comprehensive Plan Update project seeks to focus on community member needs, values, and lived experiences, while applying the County's Equity Lens.

Learn more about Arlington's Equity Lens here.

Drafting a new introductory chapter will not result in changes to any of the 12 elements of the Comprehensive Plan. Each element is updated on its own schedule. For example, in recent years, the Forestry and Natural Resources Plan was adopted and the Historic & Cultural Resources Plan was updated. Currently, Arlington County is working on a revision of the Transportation Element of Arlington's Comprehensive Plan.

The planning process for elements of the Comprehensive Plan consists of the following: 

• Initial Development and Review: The Planning Division coordinates the development and review of the Comprehensive Plan and any updates to it. Partnering Divisions and Departments in Arlington County Government are responsible for and lead the creation of (or updates to) elements of the plan that fall within their areas of expertise. This involves evaluating existing policies, developing alternatives, and considering recommendations.

• Community Engagement: Public input is a crucial part of the process. The County conducts community meetings and public hearings to gather feedback from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.

• Interdepartmental Coordination: Various County departments collaborate to ensure the plan aligns with other County goals and policies.

  This involves evaluating existing policies, introducing new ideas, developing alternatives or adjustments where needed, and considering recommendations.

• Commission Review: Commissions review draft plans while considering public input and departmental feedback. They may suggest revisions before making recommendations to the County Board.

• County Board Approval: The final step involves the County Board reviewing the Planning Commission's recommendations, hearing additional public testimony, and making the final decision.

The Comprehensive Plan is reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. Every five years, the County produces a Five-Year Review Report reflecting plans, amendments, or other policies affecting the Comprehensive Plan. The report highlights changes made over the past five years and assists the Planning Commission in its review and the County Board in determining whether any changes are needed.

Comprehensive Plan Update Timeline

(PDF, 612KB)