A Renewed Vision - The Comprehensive Plan

What is the Washington County Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is an official document adopted by the County Board as a policy guide to decisions about the physical development of the county.

What Does the Plan Do?

The plan sets broad policies to direct the future growth and development in    the following areas: land use, transportation, parks, housing, natural resources, historic resources, and public facilities. For each topic, the plan identifies issues, sets goals, establishes policies to achieve the goals, and identifies actions needed to implement the policies. The plan is the legal basis for land use controls in the unincorporated areas of the county for which the county has jurisdiction.

Metropolitan Council Requirements

Minnesota statutes section 473.864 requires local governmental units to develop a comprehensive plan, fiscal devices and official controls that conform to the Metropolitan Policy Plans. The Metropolitan Council is charged with the responsibility to develop policy plans for water resource management; park and open space; transportation and transit; and aviation.

The Metropolitan Council has also adopted the 2030 Regional Development Framework with a goal of helping accommodate the region's growth in an orderly efficient manner and guiding the regional systems.

A Time of Growth and of Choices

The Metropolitan Council has projected that Washington County will grow by approximately 128,842 people, 57,638 households and 62,971 jobs between 2008 and 2030. More than one-half of the unincorporated land is undeveloped or agricultural.

• 2030 Comprehensive Plan

• Executive Summary
• County Context
• Land Use
• Transportation
• Parks and Open Space
• Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Plan
• Housing
• Facilities
• Historic Resources

For more information

Those seeking further information or comments may contact Jane Harper
Telephone: (651)430-6011 or e-mail: Jane.Harper@co.washington.mn.us