Connect Columbia Comprehensive Plan

Establishing the Vision for Columbia's Built Environment

The current version of Connect Columbia, the City's comprehensive plan, was adopted in February of 2024. The plan updates and replaces the original version of Connect Columbia which was adopted in January of 2018. The plan serves as a blueprint for growth in Columbia and its urban growth boundary. Connect Columbia is composed of multiple elements: the Framework Plan, the Future Land Use Plan, the Parks & Greenways Plan, the Transportation Plan, and the Access Management Plan. The framework plan establishes priorities and directs implementation. The land use plan establishes the basis for more specific land use controls, like the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations. The collection of maps and policies describes how land may be used. The remaining elements provide for concurrent public services and infrastructure. 

Implementing the Plan

Connect Columbia establishes an ongoing long-range planning program. Planning & Zoning staff work with other disciplines to carry out the priorities for the built environment established by the Planning Commission and City Council. 

• The most important methods of implementing the plan are month-to-month development review and day-to-day zoning administration. All changes to the official zoning map must be consistent with the plan. The Zoning Ordinance implements the broad vision of the plan in through the application of detailed standards.
• The Planning Commission is currently evaluating zoning text amendments which will allow the Zoning Ordinance better implement Connect Columbia.
• Over the next five years, Planning & Zoning staff will engage community stake-holders to create or update targeted plans for the special areas identified in Connect Columbia.