Welcome!
This site includes information about the 2023 Comprehensive Plan, including the adopted plan document, information about the process, resources and materials, and summaries of the community engagement program.
We're excited to share that the plan was unanimously adopted on Thursday, April 20, 2023!
About the Plan
What is this project and what is a comprehensive plan?
The City is undertaking a 16-month process to update its comprehensive plan. A comprehensive plan is a long-range, decision-making guide for the future growth and development of the City.
How is the comprehensive plan used?
The plan:
- Serves as a foundation document that establishes and guides City policy,
- Aligns the City's plans into one document,
- Provides the basis for zoning and zoning decisions, and
- Provides the basis for the City's capital improvement planning (CIP).
How is the plan being developed?
City staff and the consultant team will be working with a Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) throughout the process to guide the plan’s development and all meetings will be open to the public. The CPAC will be a group of people that represent different areas and interests within Port Aransas. The plan development process also includes three Community Open House events that will occur both in-person and online to provide participation alternatives for the entire community. You can learn more about these events on the Get Involved page. Click here to view the overall project schedule.
Plan Update Process
Phase 1: Plan Foundation
The process began with a review and documentation of existing local and regional plans, demographic trends, and other key issues affecting the future of Port Aransas. This phase will culminate with the preparation of goals and guiding principles to inform the plan's development.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the in-person (Feb. 23) or virtual (Feb. 10-Mar. 10) Open House #1! A summary of the results is available on the Get Involved page.
Phase 2: Plan Development
The consultant team will work with a Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) appointed by City Council to prepare recommendations and specific strategies to guide the City toward its goals. The plan's recommendations will focus on land use, housing, community character, transportation, public facilities, and services.
Open House #2 was held on Sept. 20, 2022 at 6:00pm at the Community Center. A virtual alternative was also available from Sept. 14 through Oct. 3.
Phase 3: Plan Refinement
Once the draft recommendations and strategies have been prepared, the community will be encouraged to provide feedback to help the team refine the plan.
Open House #3 was held Feb. 28, in-person and Feb. 28-Mar. 14 online.
Phase 4: Adoption and Implementation
Next, the draft plan moved forward to a joint workshop with the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council for discussion (Mar. 23), and then to a public hearing for adoption consideration (Apr. 20). The adopted plan's implementation program will serve as the City's "to-do list" for the coming years.
