Multiple U.S. Counties Review and Update Land Use Plans Amid Growth and Housing Challenges

Several counties and cities across the U.S. are actively updating or debating land use and development plans to manage growth and preserve community character. Sussex County is focusing on four key recommendations from its Land Use Reform Working Group, aiming to amend rental programs, finalize zoning ordinances, promote natural landscaping, and support agricultural uses. Park City faces community resistance and planning commission concerns regarding the Clark Ranch housing project, which proposes a mix of workforce and market-rate housing but raises issues about traffic, open space loss, and neighborhood compatibility. Moore County recently adopted its 2025 Land Use Plan emphasizing balanced growth, community engagement, and sustainable development, though state law limited some recommendations. Athens-Clarke County is revising its future land use map for the first time in 25 years, encouraging growth near existing infrastructure to prevent sprawl, but faces skepticism from commissioners worried about increased density impacting neighborhoods. These diverse efforts reflect ongoing tensions between development needs and community preservation across different regions.