Comprehensive Planning
How Richland County Plans for the Future
Whether you're a resident, business owner, or simply curious about how your community is growing and changing, this page provides an overview of the County’s Comprehensive Plan—what it is, how it works, and why it matters.
What is the Comprehensive Plan?
The Comprehensive Plan is a long-term guiding document that outlines Richland County’s vision for growth, development, and preservation over the next 10 to 20 years. There are ten required "elements" that every Comprehensive Plan must address - population, housing, economic, community facilities, natural resources, cultural resources, land use, transportation, priority investments, and resiliency. Created with input from residents, businesses, and local leaders, the plan serves as a blueprint for shaping future policies, zoning decisions, and capital investments to reflect the County’s shared goals and values.
What's Included in the Plan?
The Comprehensive Plan is made up of ten key elements, each addressing a different part of the community’s future:
- Population – Who lives here now and who’s expected in the future?
- Housing – What types of homes are available and needed?
- Cultural Resources – How do we protect our heritage and identity?
- Natural Resources – How do we preserve forests, water, and wildlife?
- Economic Development – What jobs and industries support our economy?
- Transportation – How do we move around safely and efficiently?
- Priority Investment – How do we spend public funds wisely for growth?
- Community Facilities – What services (like schools, libraries, fire stations) do we need?
- Land Use – Where should homes, businesses, and open spaces go?
- Resiliency – How do we prepare for and respond to natural hazards and climate change impacts?
Each element includes:
- A snapshot of current conditions.
- A statement of needs and goals.
- Action steps to help us get there.
Why Does This Matter to Me?
You may be wondering: “How does this affect my daily life?”
The Comprehensive Plan helps determine:
- Where new neighborhoods, industries, or shopping areas will go.
- How your commute may change as roads and transit evolve.
- What kind of development is encouraged (or discouraged) near your home.
- How your tax dollars are invested in infrastructure and services.
- How the County protects natural and historic areas you care about.
Community Voices Matter
The plan was created with public input through a series of community meetings in three stages:
- Discovery – Gathered existing conditions data and introduced the process through public forums, surveys, and workshops.
- Plan Development – Presented different scenarios to the public based on various directions the plan could take.
- Draft Plan Presentations – Shared the proposed plan and made sure public feedback was reflected.
Plan Adoption and Updates
The current Comprehensive Plan was adopted by County Council on March 17, 2015 and is currently undergoing an its 10 year update “ReImagine Richland”. Below are some key dates and information for public engagement.
How does the Comprehensive Plan tie into other plans?
Contact the Planning Department for help understanding how the Comprehensive Plan affects your property, neighborhood, or business plans.