“The Comprehensive Plan is a far-ranging and dynamic blueprint that will outline and guide Frederick County’s growth over the next 25 years.” – Timothy Stowe, Planning Commission Chairman (Red Bud District)

Community engagement is now underway! Take our survey and join us for a community meeting! More information below. 

What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A comprehensive plan addresses the future growth of a community. Frederick County’s currently adopted plan was last updated in 2021 and information about the Plan can be found here.  

The Code of Virginia § 15.2-2223 authorizes localities to prepare and adopt comprehensive plans “with the purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted and harmonious development.”

Comprehensive Plan Update

Frederick County’s Planning and Development department is working with community members, key stakeholders, and appointed and elected officials to update its Comprehensive Plan and envision what the future looks like for the County. The planning process will address future land use, transportation, rural areas, housing, community facilities, infrastructure and economic development (anticipated completion late-2027).  

Background studies, draft materials, and upcoming community engagement opportunities will be posted here for viewing.

Background Studies

The first step in creating a new Comprehensive Plan is gathering data. A series of background studies were commissioned to assist the community in understanding current trends, future needs, and potential costs of certain types of development. These studies are the foundation of the Plan update and are posted below for the public to review.

• A Community Profile (July 2025) was completed by the Berkley Group. The Community Profile analyzes and provides an in-depth overview of existing conditions in the County to serve as a foundation for community-oriented and data-driven decision making. 
  
  
• A Market Analysis (March 2026) was completed by Partners for Economic Solutions (PES). The market analysis reviews trends and estimates potential for residential, office, industrial, flex space, retail and hotel development to 2045.
  
  
• A Cost of Land Use Fiscal Analysis (March 2026) was completed by Tischer Bise. A Cost of Land Use Fiscal Impact Analysis evaluates the fiscal impact of various residential and nonresidential prototype land uses, considering factors like household size, market values, and vehicle trips. It seeks to evaluate the question, “What type of development pays for itself?” and “What are the factors that contribute to the results?”

Transportation Modeling will occur during Plan drafting after assumptions about future land use and transportation improvements are proposed. Modeling updates and results will be posted at later date. 

Public Participation, Schedule, and Community Engagement Opportunities

To facilitate an orderly comprehensive planning process, the County has assembled a Plan Charter and Public Participation Plan (PPP). The Public Participation Plan (PPP) outlines how community stakeholders and partners will be engaged in the planning process for the development of Frederick County’s new Comprehensive Plan. Outreach and participation will be inclusive, transparent, and integral to the success of the planning effort. Ultimately, the Plan should reflect the communities’ shared values, a unified vision, and goals and implementation strategies to implement the communities’ vision. 

The full schedule is outlined in the Public Participation Plan.  

Take Our Survey! 

Frederick County is seeking community input through our first community survey! Your input is invaluable in shaping how our community grows.

Upcoming Topic-Based Community Meetings (all meetings 6:30-7:30PM; doors open at 6:30PM)

Each community meeting will focus on a particular topic of interest (listed below) and will include a staff presentation and interactive engagement/feedback opportunities. Light refreshments will be provided. If you need special accommodation, please contact the department directly at 540-665-5651.

Chat with a Planner!

Join us on Mondays in March, April, and May at Bowman Library (871 Tasker Road, Stephens City) from 11:00AM to 1:00PM to learn more about our Comprehensive Plan, participate in a public engagement opportunity, and help shape how our community grows! Dates: March 9, March 23, April 6, April 20, and May 4, 2026.

How to connect?

Citizens and stakeholders who have an interest in Comprehensive Plan updates, draft materials, and community meetings can complete an online form to receive future notice.

Are you a member of a community group, club, social organization, religious organization, or homeowner's association that would like for Planning staff to discuss the Comprehensive Plan with your membership? Email us at planupdate@fcva.us to schedule a town hall meeting.

Need more information? Connect with Planning and Development staff directly using email.