WHY?

The current Boone County Master Plan was adopted in 1996, so it has been over twenty-five years since the last Master Plan. Since then, the County has experienced significant population and employment growth. That growth has spurred demand for housing, services, and infrastructure improvements. As shown by the 2020 Census, Boone County is one of the fastest growing counties in Missouri. This update of the County Master Plan will be an opportunity to consider ways to accommodate future population and employment growth by coordinating land use policies, transportation and infrastructure improvements, municipal and county services, and preservation of natural resources.

The State of Missouri provides the authority for counties to prepare countywide master plans. Chapter 64.815 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri states, “The county planning commission shall prepare an official master plan of the county for the purpose of bringing about coordinated physical development in accordance with the present and future needs.”

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Logical Land Use Decision Making

The current Boone County Master Plan is over 25 years old. An updated Master Plan will be a guide for the Planning Commission when reviewing rezoning requests, conditional use permits, subdivision plats, and other land use decisions.  

Strategic Guide for Future Growth and Change

While the future cannot be predicted, the County can plan and manage for growth and change. The planning team will examine trends in demographics, workforce, mobility, housing, and economic development to best position the County to coordinate with communities, agencies, utilities, and organizations on future growth in the County.  

Shared Community Vision

Master Plans are an opportunity to develop consensus on a community vision and countywide priorities that will help shape growth in the county for the next 10-20 years. The planning team will engage residents in multiple ways to ensure that residents are included in the planning process.