1. Why is Fulton County developing a Comprehensive Plan?

Fulton County has been doing comprehensive planning for unincorporated Fulton County since the 1960's. These plans addressed many issues but its implementation focused primarily on land use and zoning. In 1989, the State of Georgia adopted the Georgia Planning Act. The Act established Minimum Planning Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning by local governments (counties and cities) in the State of Georgia. The Minimum Standards call for the development of 20 year plans. Fulton County's plan will cover 2005-2025. The State Standards require its cities and counties to update their 20 year plans every ten (10) years. The State of Georgia requires that Comprehensive Plans include five-year work programs and recommended capital improvements. The Plans are more comprehensive because they address many issues in addition to land use and zoning. Since the adoption of statewide minimum standards, Fulton County has adhered to these minimum planning standards. The first countywide comprehensive plan was adopted in 1988.

2. What is Comprehensive Planning?

Planning is the process of determining actions that a local government proposes to undertake over the next 20 years. These actions are determined by following a three step planning process. The three steps are: A. Inventory of existing conditions, B. Assessment of current and future needs and C. Articulation of goals and an associated implementation program. Fulton County has many important responsibilities including, but not limited, to health, public safety, community services, the justice system, business and development and tax collection. Fulton County has a commitment to administer and effectively plan for its' responsibilities, thereby ensuring the most efficient use of public funds.

3. What is the difference between zoning and planning?

The Comprehensive Plan includes a future land use plan map and policies and recommendations which address community preferences. The Plan is a guide which establishes policies for sound land use decisions. It includes a future land use plan map which identifies the locations for appropriate land uses and densities. The Plan does not have the force of law. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners considers the adopted plan policies and recommendations during re-zoning cases, capital improvement projects, staff work programs, development regulations, budget decisions and other activities requiring Board action. Zoning establishes the legal development rights for each piece of property in unincorporated Fulton County.

4. What are plan elements?

Fulton County is working with many departments during this update to the Comprehensive Plan. The Plan will include policies and recommendations on future public services and facilities. The plan elements are:

Element 1 - Population: Includes historic, current, and forecasts of Fulton County population with household, age distribution, educational attainment, and income characteristics.

Element 2 - Economic Development: Includes historic, current and forecast economic base, employment and earnings by sector, income, labor force, employment rates, labor force participation by sex, economic development resources, economic development strategies, retention/expansion and incentives.

Element 3 - Housing: Include historic, current and forecast on housing types, housing units, housing types, age and condition of housing units, owner and renter characteristics, cost of housing, cost burden, and occupancy levels.

Element 4 - Natural and Cultural Resources: Includes the identification of public water supply sources, water supply watersheds, ground water recharge areas, wetlands, protected rivers, flood plains, soil types, steep slopes, prime agricultural and forest land, plant and animal habitats, major park and conservation areas, scenic views and cultural, historic and archaeological resources.

Element 5 - Community Facilities and Services: Includes general government, water supply, sewer and wastewater, solid waste, public safety, recreation and parks, hospitals and health care, libraries and cultural facilities.

Element 6 - Land Use: Include identification of existing land uses, assessment of current and future land use needs based on population and employment forecasts.

Element 7 - Intergovernmental Coordination: All 10 cities in Fulton County and Fulton County will jointly develop this element. This will include an inventory of intergovernmental coordination needs with adjacent local governments, school boards, and special districts. Discussions of land use conflicts, service provision conflicts, and annexation issues will take place.

Element 8 - Transportation: Includes inventory, assessment of current and future needs of transportation facilities (streets, roads, highways, bridge, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities), public transportation and services, railroads, and airports.

Element 9 - Implementation: Includes a five year short Term Work Program and a Capital Improvements Element.

6. When is the Comprehensive Plan due?

Fulton County's Comprehensive Plan must be adopted no later than October 31, 2005. Prior to the final adoption, the plan will be submitted to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Atlanta Regional Commission for a 60 day review and comment period. This review should be completed by June 30, 2005. After the review is complete, the Board will officially adopt the 2025 Comprehensive Plan.

7. Should I participate?

Everyone should participate and is invited to participate. The plan, policies and recommendations will be considered and adopted by the Board of Commissioners who collectively decide how to allocate your tax dollars and provide services.

8. How can I participate and when are the meetings?

The State requires each jurisdiction to conduct a minimum of two (2) public meetings during the planning process. You can attend community meetings and public hearings to make comments. Fulton County held the first series of meetings on February 24, 2004 at the North Fulton Service Center and March 4, 2004 at the South Fulton Service Center. Community workshops will be held in May and June 2004. A second series of community meetings will be held on December 7, 2004 at the North Service Center and December 9th at the South Service Center. You can also regularly visit our web site "Focus Fulton" at www.fultonecd.org to see new information as it is developed and to communicate with staff. We are developing an email and a mailing list for notification about the community meetings.