Comprehensive Planning is a process by which a community’s future needs for housing, transportation, employment, recreational facilities and open space are determined through analysis of its projected population.  Local governments, in response to Section 163.3177, Florida Statutes, are required to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses these future needs. The comprehensive plan is required to have principles, guidelines and strategies that are both consistent with the State Comprehensive Plan and consider the unique needs of the community.    

Every seven years the County is required to take a critical look at its Comprehensive Plan. Through the development of an Evaluation and Appraisal Report, the County examines the effectiveness of its goals and policies and adjusts to better suit the evolving community. In 2017, Clay County conducted such a study with the resulting revisions adopted into the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. 

Infrastructure planning is vital to the County’s future and is done so in coordination with outside agencies.  Transportation planning is carried out both locally and through participation in the North Florida Transportation Organization (TPO). The TPO maintains the region’s Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) which includes projects that are needed and can be funded through a projected 20 year timeframe. The availability of water and sewer facilities in projected growth areas also requires ongoing planning with the outside agencies providing these services.