The Comprehensive Plan is an official long range plan adopted and amended by formal resolution of the City Council. The Comprehensive Plan is an important tool for developers, elected officials and citizens as they evaluate what type of development is appropriate for certain areas and where major transportation and infrastructure projects are to be accomplished.
The Plan overview includes an executive summary and a synopsis of population and employment characteristics of the City of Jackson, Hinds County and the Jackson Statistical Municipal Area (SMA). Prior to the writing of the complete plan, a series of public meetings and workshops engaged citizens who helped develop the long range goals and objectives of the Plan.
Four elements as required by State Statute constitute the Plan: (1) Goals and Objectives, (2) Housing, (3) Land Use, and (4) Public Facilities. Recommended goals and objectives pertaining to each element are implemented through various ordinances and capital improvement projects throughout the year in the decisions of the City Council, the Mayor and city staff.
The Land Use element and Future Land Use Map is used frequently as a guide to zoning related decisions. Each category of the Future Land Use Map correlates to certain zoning classifications. For the first time in the history of zoning in Jackson, the Future Land Use map contains three classifications of mixed use development: Regional, Community, and Neighborhood Mixed Use. These areas are intended to have a mixture of commercial and residential uses to assist with re-development of key corridors and growth areas.
What is the difference between the Future Land Use Map and the Zoning Map?
The Future Land Use Map and the Zoning Map serve two different purposes. The Future Land Use Map is a very general, non-parcel specific map that is intended to guide future development. It projects an idealized snapshot of where types of major development should be concentrated. The Zoning Map is a parcel-specific map that regulates how property can be used in the short-term. The Future Land Use map is intended to guide policy; the zoning map is regulatory. The Future Land Use Map has general land-use categories, and the Zoning Map has specific zoning districts.
How does the Future Land Use Map influence Zoning?
Whenever individual zoning cases, area-wide zoning or comprehensive zoning is planned, the Planning Board and City Council should consider the recommendation of the Future Land Use Map. This is only one of the factors that is considered in changing the zoning of property.
How do I obtain a copy of the Comprehensive Plan?
Contact Kim Love Lewis, 601-960-1993, to purchase a hard copy of the plan. You may obtain a large version of the Future Land Use Map from the Zoning Administrator or you may view or download a PDF version online.
The staff has prepared a brief presentation about the Comprehensive Plan that will give an overview of the process and the major elements.
For additional information contact:
Ester L. Ainsworth or Joseph Warnsley
200 S. President St., 2nd Floor
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: 601-960-2071
