A general plan is a long-term blueprint for the future of a county. It outlines a vision for the years ahead, setting goals and policies for land use, housing, transportation, public services, natural resources, and more. This plan helps ensure that decisions are organized, predictable, and aligned with community needs and values. 

In Utah, counties are required by state law to adopt and periodically update a general plan so that it remains relevant, effective, and compliant with current Utah Code. Overall, updating the general plan is about making sure the county remains livable, sustainable, and prepared for future challenges. 

What the General Plan Does (and Doesn’t) Do 

A general plan is a long-range, strategic guide for decision-making by elected officials, staff, developers, and residents. It provides direction, not detailed regulations.​ 

The general plan is: 

• A vision and policy document, typically looking 10–20 years into the future. 

• A guide for how land use, transportation, and other key systems should work together. 

• A framework for updating the zoning code and other implementation tools so they match the County’s vision.​ 

The general plan is not: 

• County laws or the same thing as the zoning code.​ 

• Just a land use map. 

• A guarantee of any specific rezoning, project, or business.​ 

What Makes Davis County’s General Plan Different 

Most county general plans focus on how to manage and serve new development in unincorporated areas. Davis County’s updated General Plan will be different. 

This plan will not be about putting the County into the development business in unincorporated areas. Instead, it is anticipated to focus on:​ 

• Defining clear roles and limits for the County. 

• Clarifying that urban development is a city responsibility, not a County responsibility.​ 

• Making it clear where growth is expected to occur (inside cities) and where the County will remain rural. 

In short, this plan’s purposes is to clarify that Davis County will continue to focus on administration, health and community services, public safety, emergency management. Cities will continue to manage their own growth and urban services within their boundaries.​ 

Why Update the General Plan Now? 

• Changing Needs 
  As conditions change—for example, in housing markets, transportation, or agriculture—the County needs an uptodate framework for how to respond while still maintaining a rural, nonurban role in unincorporated areas. 

• New Data & State Requirements 
  New data, state law changes, and updated Utah Code requirements mean the plan and the zoning ordinance must be refreshed to stay in compliance and reflect current best practices. 

• Environmental and Resource Considerations 
  The updated plan will integrate current Resource Management Plan expectations, water use and preservation strategies, and other environmental considerations across both incorporated and unincorporated areas. 

• Community Engagement 
  Regular updates allow for community input, ensuring that the plan reflects the current desires and priorities of residents. 

• Legal Requirements 
  Utah State Code mandates periodic updates to general plans to keep them relevant and effective