Planning Office

A Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Integrate Sustainability and Resilience and Recommendations from the Community Energy and Sustainability Master Plan into the 2040 Comprehensive Plan

On May 14, 2024, the Board of County Supervisors initiated Comprehensive Plan Amendment, CPA2024-00005 (Res.No. 24-408) to integrate sustainability and resilience initiatives including recommendations from the Community Energy and Sustainability Master Plan (CESMP), into the Prince William County 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

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The County has made a significant commitment to address climate change and its impacts, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, achieving 100% renewable resource electricity, enhancing climate resilience, and attaining carbon neutrality for county government operations. In October 2023, the CESMP was adopted providing recommendations to achieve these goals. Moreover, the Code of Virginia underscores the importance of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan incorporating strategies to enhance all-hazards resilience, including Section 15.2-2223(F).

The current Comprehensive Plan emphasizes sustainable land development, but more detailed guidance is necessary to achieve the County's goals, including a significant reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2030. Therefore, the Planning Office, in collaboration with other County agencies, is actively exploring approaches to adapt to both current and anticipated impacts of climate change. This effort aims to help safeguard lives and property, help ensure the preservation of a high quality of life and a flourishing economy both presently and in the future.

The Sustainability and Resilience Comprehensive Plan Amendment is intended to offer a roadmap, complete with actionable strategies, and objectives. The amendment aims to harmonize mitigation and adaptation strategies within the Comprehensive Plan, facilitating the transition toward a development model that is sustainable and resilient.

The Planning Office, with the support of RHI Consultants, is leading the project which includes four key steps:

1. Preliminary Assessment of Policy
2. Public and Stakeholder Engagement (Phase I)
3. Draft Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) - Chapter Components
4. Formal Public Review Process and Public and Stakeholder Engagement (Phase II)