About the Plan

  1. Introduction to the Plan
  2. Fact Sheet
  3. Basemap

WHAT IS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN?

A comprehensive plan is a policy document used by City leaders, developers, business owners, and residents to make decisions about future growth, development and capital improvements.  The policies outlined in the plan will inform land use and capital improvement decisions, helping to assure Chelsea citizens that such decisions are not arbitrary, but rather fit into a unified, long-range vision for the City.

This document will recommend goals, strategies and actions for land use, transportation, economic development, public services, and natural and cultural resources. It will serve as a guide for public officials by establishing policies and priorities, and providing the framework for evaluating development proposals. It will express our community’s vision and priorities, and describes where and how development should occur.

WHY IS THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IMPORTANT TO ME?

Planning, building and maintaining a city is a complicated and difficult process.  Chelsea must proactively plan for the future so future decisions are based on shared principles and agreed-upon priorities. PlanChelsea will identify these principles and priorities and distill from them a common long-term vision for the City's future. This prevents the City from making short-sighted decisions based on changeable concerns.

These shared principles and priorities can only be identified using accurate information.  You provide that information.  PlanChelsea will only reflect your vision for the City inasmuch as you share these needs with the City.  How Chelsea grows, where development occurs, the quality of public services delivered to your home or business, the quality of transportation, parks and public facilities are all up to you.

HOW DOES THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN APPLY TO MY PROPERTY?

A comprehensive plan is a general, long-range vision for the City, and as such will not regulate how you may utilize your own particular property.  However, the plan will guide the Planning Commission and City Council in future zoning decisions, which will regulate what you may do with your property. This is why it is critical for you to participate in the planning process, so that your voice is reflected in the final plan.