The Comprehensive Plan is a document that addresses critical issues and opportunities within a community that incorporates a shared vision for the community’s future. The plan reviews past trends, evaluates current conditions, describes a preferred future scenario for growth and provides an implementation plan to achieve desired goals and objectives. The plan essentially serves as a policy guide as decisions are made in relation to growth and land use change. A Comprehensive Plan is a result of public planning processes that involve members of the community who work together to visualize the desired shape and distribution of growth through a collaborative dialogue. 

Forsyth County’s Comprehensive Plan went through a major update in 2016 - 17 according to state planning requirements; this major update was executed ahead of the required schedule. Local planning rules and procedures are administered through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). DCA reviews the update and must approve it before the revised Comprehensive Plan can be adopted by the county and go into effect.

Specific geographic locales that have unique, recognizable characteristics that are different from adjacent areas. Distinctions are based on the form, pattern and intensity of land development.

These areas may contain special features to preserve or enhance; have the potential to develop into a distinctive district through planning and appropriate implementation measures; or require special consideration due to specific development concerns.