City of Elgin
 310 North Main St.
P.O. Box 591
Elgin, Texas 78621
Office: (512) 281-5724
Fax: (512) 285-5962

 


Residents, elected and appointed officials, community leaders, and City staff actively engaged in the process of updating Elgin's Comprehensive Plan. This web page will provide information and updates on the plan and planning process. The Plan is being added to the Website and will be available soon.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click on the Table of Contents to view the Comprehensive Plan
and Supporting Documents

For more information see links below
or contact Gary Cooke, Director of Planning & Development

512-281-0119 ext. 104.

 

What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A comprehensive plan is an official public document that acts as a long-range, general guide for growth and development. Though each city decides what topics to address in its comprehensive plan, typical elements include land use, transportation, utility infrastructure, parks and recreation, public facilities, and economic development.

In addition to specific topics related to growth and quality of life, comprehensive plans should include three basic elements:
  • Analysis of existing conditions, issues, projected trends, and capacity for growth;  
  • A Vision for the future based on community values and preferences;
  • Implementation strategies to achieve the community's vision.

Why does Elgin need a Comprehensive Plan?

Texas state law requires municipalities that adopt zoning regulations to do so "in accordance with a comprehensive plan" (Texas Local Government Code §211.004). Aside from statutory requirements, having a plan provides the City of Elgin with the opportunity to have greater control over its destiny rather than simply reacting to change.  Planning allows the City to address issues related to growth and service provision in a proactive, coordinated manner. This helps the City achieve its ultimate objective of promoting the health, safety, and general welfare of residents.

 

What is the difference between the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Ordinance?

The Comprehensive Plan should not be confused with zoning. The City's Comprehensive Plan is a general policy guide for growth and development and does not carry the legal authority to regulate the use of land.

 

The City's Zoning Ordinance is a legal tool used to implement the goals of the Comprehensive Plan by regulating the development of each parcel within city limits. The Zoning Ordinance divides the City into various districts and establishes regulations for the use of land and construction of buildings within each district.

 

Does Elgin already have a Comprehensive Plan? 

Yes, Elgin's Comprehensive Plan was last updated in 1998. Because the Plan is now 10 years old, it is time to prepare an update to make sure the Comprehensive Plan reflects current data, trends and community preferences.

 

Why is it called a "Comprehensive" Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is intended to be just that - comprehensive. It achieves this in several ways:

  • Geographically, the Plan considers everything within the City and its Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
  • The Plan addressed a range of issues including transportation, land use, utility infrastructure, parks and recreation, and economic development. More importantly, the Plan addresses the way these various elements influence each other.
  • The Plan incorporates data and recommendations from other studies completed by the City and other government agencies. Examples include the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Envision Elgin Community Development Plan.
  • The Plan is based on both technical analysis and citizen input to provide a well-rounded approach to community issues.

Who uses the Comprehensive Plan?

As a policy guide and statement of Elgin's desired future, the Comprehensive Plan should be used regularly by City officials and departments to guide decisions regarding growth and development, capital improvements, and annual work programs. Outside of City government, the Plan can be used by developers and residents to anticipate the future direction of growth in the community. 

 

Why should I be involved in the comprehensive planning process?

The Comprehensive Plan is an opportunity to help City leaders identify issues, concerns, and opportunities that are important to the residents of Elgin. Your participation is needed to ensure the plan truly reflects the values of the community.

 

Who do I contact with further questions or comments?

For more information about the Elgin Comprehensive Plan or the upcoming community meetings contact Gary Cooke, the City's Director of Planning & Development, at 512-281-0119, ext. 104.