What is a Comprehensive Plan?
What does it take to run a city? What does it take to manage land use, transportation, economic development, public services, and natural and cultural resources? In accordance with Alabama Code of Law § 11-52-18, cities throughout the state, Fultondale among them, prepare themselves for such responsibilities through a process called comprehensive planning — working with the public to develop goals, strategies and actions to guide their next 10 to 15 years.
A Comprehensive Plan is a policy document -- a roadmap, really — used by city leaders, developers, business owners, and residents to make decisions about future growth, development, infrastructure, and related improvements. Its policies inform land use and capital investment decisions over time, ensuring such decisions are not arbitrary, but rather thoughtfully planned as part of a community-driven, long-range vision for the City.
A Comprehensive Plan is a policy document -- a roadmap, really — used by city leaders, developers, business owners, and residents to make decisions about future growth, development, infrastructure, and related improvements. Its policies inform land use and capital investment decisions over time, ensuring such decisions are not arbitrary, but rather thoughtfully planned as part of a community-driven, long-range vision for the City.
Why is this plan Important to Me?
A Comprehensive Plan is intended to guide decision-making in the City for the next 10 - 15 years. Public input is a vital component of the planning process, and this is your opportunity to share your thoughts, concerns, and hopes about the City's future.
As a Fultondale resident, you may care deeply about how public services and facilities, and more sidewalk connections and park improvements can enhance your quality of life while living in the City. As a business owner, you may be more interested in economic development decisions or the commercial zoning regulations. Think about what areas of Fultondale need to grow, be preserved or change. What are some specific uses or opportunities you would like to have in Fultondale? The planners from the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham want to know what's working, what's not working, and what is needed in Fultondale.
The process to develop a new citywide Comprehensive Plan will be an open and collaborative process that will solicit input from elected officials, city staff, the public and any other interested parties.
As a Fultondale resident, you may care deeply about how public services and facilities, and more sidewalk connections and park improvements can enhance your quality of life while living in the City. As a business owner, you may be more interested in economic development decisions or the commercial zoning regulations. Think about what areas of Fultondale need to grow, be preserved or change. What are some specific uses or opportunities you would like to have in Fultondale? The planners from the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham want to know what's working, what's not working, and what is needed in Fultondale.
The process to develop a new citywide Comprehensive Plan will be an open and collaborative process that will solicit input from elected officials, city staff, the public and any other interested parties.
how long will it take to develop the comprehensive plan?
Typically 9 months to a year. We begin by working with the community to understand issues and challenges, and to develop a shared vision for the future of Fultondale. The planning team from the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB) then prepares a draft plan based on the community’s vision and goals. Public meetings, open houses and online methods are utilized throughout to get input and public comments. Then ultimately, the Plan goes before the Fultondale Planning Commission for adoption and the City Council for endorsement.
how does a 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.
Who is developing the comprehensive plan and how much did the city pay for this project?
The City Council voted unanimously on July 12, 2022 to hire the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB) to develop the new Fultondale Comprehensive Plan (Resolution No. 2231).
A grant program administered through the RPCGB provided federal funding for 80% of the total project cost, and the City of Fultondale paid $34,993.45 for the local match of 20% of the total project cost.
To learn more about the RPCGB and to view other plans they have developed, visit www.rpcgb.org/community-plans-studies
A grant program administered through the RPCGB provided federal funding for 80% of the total project cost, and the City of Fultondale paid $34,993.45 for the local match of 20% of the total project cost.
To learn more about the RPCGB and to view other plans they have developed, visit www.rpcgb.org/community-plans-studies