The Town of Fountain Hills is beginning in earnest the public process for development of a 10-year update to the General Plan.

That includes an open house session that will be held on Thursday, April 4, at the Community Center from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and an information table at the Music Fest on Saturday, April 6.

The General Plan is a legal document that guides the future of Fountain Hills as a community, according to Town Senior Planner Marissa Moore.

“It represents the collective visions of our residents and visitors,” Moore said. “It is the foundation used to establish zoning regulations, develop our Strategic Plan, create Capital Improvements Plans, amend the Town Code, and can be used as support to solicit grant funding.”

Arizona law requires the General Plan be updated every 10 years. The last General Plan was adopted in 2010, so it now needs updating.

The Plan must include elements (chapters) for Land Use, Circulation, Open Space, Growth Areas, Environmental Planning, Cost of Development, and Water Resources. Additional elements may be included if public dialogue directs a need, such as Economic Development and Housing.

Once the General Plan is adopted, it will go on the 2020 General Election Ballot to be ratified.

“The success of the Town’s General Plan Update depends on public participation,” Moore said. “We truly look forward to hearing from you.”

The General Plan provides the goals, objectives and policies for future actions of the town:

*Decisions related to development proposals of public and private lands.

*Expenditures of public funds.

*Continuity for addressing land use issues over time and between governing bodies.

*Balancing competing private interests.

*Community appearance, character, and distinctive sense of place.

*Economic development strategies.

*Protection from destruction and degradation of valued environmental resources.

*Provides a factual and objective basis to support zoning decisions, and it can be used by communities to defend their decisions if challenged in court.