A Comprehensive Plan (also referred to as a Master Plan) becomes a vision for what the community desires to become and is essentially a long-range statement of public policy.

The primary objectives of a comprehensive plan are to accomplish the following:         

•  Efficient delivery of public services,

•  Coordination of public and private investment,

•  Minimizing potential conflicts between land uses,

•  Management of growth in an orderly manner, 

•  Cost-effective public investments, and

•  A rationale and foundation for making community-wide decisions.

The Comprehensive Plan is also the foundation for the implementation of development regulations, such as Port Arthur's Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, historic preservation efforts, landscape standards, signage regulations, and revitalizations plans.

The last Comprehensive Plan for Port Arthur was updated in 1989. Most communities tend to update their plans every five to ten years, depending on how fast the community is growing and experiencing change. Updating the Comprehensive Plan ensures Plan recommendations are both relevant and applicable to the community and its conditions TODAY. Making regular updates also ensures that goals, objectives and recommendations are in-line with the overall community vision as defined by YOU.

To download and review the Draft Comprehensive Plan or to express your ideas or comments; please visit the following link to the plan website.