The Plan

What is a Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is a document that serves as the statement of goals, policies and recommendations, guiding future development and land use decisions of the physical environment of the City of Portage. 

• The current Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the Plan Commission in 2009.

• Throughout the years numerous land use amendments have been made to the plan without updating the actual Plan.

• Currently several major and minor projects under way require additional revisions in the current plan. 

• The requests for more revision of the Area Plan has sparked this new planning effort.

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​​​Why a New Plan

• Since the adoption of the 2009 plan, numerous ordinances, policies and land use changes have been approved.

• The population of the City has also changed significantly.

• Development dynamics continue to shift from urban to rural areas.

• Lake County has become very attractive to Illinois residents.

• Continued changes and development pressures required a more updated look at the area – within the city as well in surrounding land.

• Opportunities for economic development exist that may be lost if appropriate steps are not taken.

• The existing Plan has outlived its useful life.

 

Goals For the Plan

The City has preliminary established the following goals for the new Comprehensive Plan:

• Create a balanced land use pattern for the city.

• Address prevailing land use and transportation issues in the City.

• Create livable neighborhoods where adequate amenities are available.

• Protect and maintain natural and manmade resources of the City.

• Create a sustainable environment where future developments are properly placed and managed. 

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What is the Outcome for the City?

The outcome of the Plan will be determined by the policies and objectives of the Plan as outlined and articulated by the residents of the City. The City hopes such outcome will include the following:

• An integrated and comprehensive plan.

• Support from leaders, groups, and interested citizens in the City and beyond.

• Expanded livability and quality of life for all Portage residents.

• Cohesive community connections; not sparse subdivisions without any character.

• Consistent service levels across the area.