On March 19th, 2024, Fairfield County, Ohio, celebrated a major achievement with the adoption of the County’s updated Comprehensive Plan, guided by Planning NEXT.
Fueled by the prospect of substantial population growth, the County partnered with Planning NEXT and subconsultants Ninigret Partners and Burgess & Niple, to create a strategy balancing smart growth management and the preservation of farmland and rural character, while protecting taxpayers. The plan strategically focuses on specific “priority areas,” maximizing economic and development benefits while minimizing unwanted sprawl.
Central to the Comprehensive Plan is the commitment to safeguarding Fairfield County’s rural character. With a rich agricultural history, the plan directs development to specific locations, monitors farmland and environmental resources, and implements measures for sustainable growth. The consequences of farmland loss were illustrated to the public through various residential lot layouts. Through these illustrations, the community envisioned new opportunities to meet the housing demand in Fairfield County that preserves part of the rural character endemic to Fairfield County. This thoughtful balance encourages harmony between development and the County’s cherished rural identity.
This process, originally scoped to be completed in six months, took over 12 months to complete. Four months ago, when the initial draft plan was presented at the Regional Planning Commission, the public attending the hearing shared their strong concerns regarding growth and farmland preservation. The County determined it needed to slow the process to provide additional outreach and conversations with local officials.
In response, 26 meetings were conducted with all townships and villages, along with the public school superintendents and Farm Bureau, to review the draft plan and gain additional feedback. As a result, the plan’s policies regarding growing inward were strengthened and the Future Land Use Map was revised accordingly. Priority growth areas were reduced in number and size, and mixed use was emphasized.
This extensive public engagement worked to ensure that the Future Land Use Plan reflects the aspirations of the entire community. “Going the extra mile” resulted in a comprehensive strategy respecting the unique needs of each community while fostering a shared vision for the future. Fairfield County’s Comprehensive Plan is a testament to effective community planning, successfully steering toward well-managed growth, and responsible development.
