About the Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan is a translation of community values and aspirations into public policy. The Plan includes Goals, Objectives, and Policies intended to guide economic, social, physical, environmental, and fiscal development of the community over the next twenty years. To ensure a unified vision, the Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive Plan is a joint document adopted by both the City of Tallahassee and Leon County.

Tallahassee and Leon County jointly developed their first comprehensive plan in 1981. As a result of growth management legislation at the State level, the Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive Plan was rewritten in 1990.The Comprehensive Plan is a dynamic document and can be amended on an annual basis. Information concerning the amendment process is available in the Comprehensive Plan Amendments section.

Online Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan is comprised of multiple Elements, each addressing certain aspects of the community. Each Element is made up of aspirational goals, measurable objectives, and strategic policies. Goals are the long-term ends to which programs and activities are ultimately directed. Objectives are specific, measurable, intermediate ends that are achievable and mark progress towards goals. Policies are programs and activities conducted to achieve identified objectives and goals.

The Complete Comprehensive Plan

Download Complete Comprehensive Plan - Please note: The Table of Contents and General Index contained within this PDF of the Complete Comprehensive Plan are for reference only and are not adopted.
Download A Citizen's Guide to the Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive Plan

Individual Comprehensive Plan Elements

Download Complete Comprehensive Plan
Introduction
Land Use Element
Land Use Addendum
Mobility Element
Utilities Element
Conservation Element
Parks and Recreation Element
Housing Element
Historic Preservation Element
Intergovernmental Coordination Element
Capital Improvements Element
Economic Development Element
Public School Facilities Element
Property Rights Element
Plan Monitoring and Evaluation Procedures
Glossary

DISCLAIMER: This online version of the Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive Plan is posted for the convenience of the public. Effort has been made to ensure that the information contained herein is accurate and up-to-date. However, neither the City of Tallahassee nor Leon County provide any guarantee, express or implied, as to the accuracy and/or completeness of the information contained herein; nor shall either the City of Tallahassee or Leon County be liable for any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, represented by the information contained herein. Furthermore, in no event will the City of Tallahassee or Leon County be liable for any lost profits or any damages, including direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or any other types of damages, arising out of the use of this electronic version of the Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive Plan on the Internet.

If you are relying upon the Comprehensive Plan to make a legal decision or a decision regarding purchase of property, you are urged to contact the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Department directly and to review an official printed copy of the Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive Plan.

Comprehensive Plan Amendments

The Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive Plan is a living and fluid guidance document that is able to be amended on a regular basis. The City of Tallahassee and Leon County have the ability to consider amendments through the small-scale future land use map amendment process and through an annual Comprehensive Plan Amendment Cycle for larger or more impactful amendments. The transparent public processes make it easier for citizens to monitor and participate in the public review process and provides for efficient use of staff, outreach, and advertising resources. Information on current and recent amendment cycles is provided below.

• 2024 (out of cycle)
• 2024 (Text Amendments)
• 2024-City / 2024-County (Small Scale Amendments)
• 2023 (out of cycle)
• 2023 (Small Scale Amendments)
• 2023 (Text Amendments)
• 2022
• 2021 (Large Scale Amendments)
• 2021 (Small Scale Amendments)
• 2020 (Large Scale Map and Text Amendments)
• 2020 (Small Scale Amendments)
• 2019 (out of cycle)
• 2019

Comprehensive Plan Amendment Information and Applications

There are two available processes to amend the Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive Plan when revisions are needed and appropriate. A small-scale future land use map amendment process, which is for properties that are 50 acres or less and does not amend the text of the comprehensive plan, is available throughout the year targeted to smaller-scale projects and development. The process for this type of map amendment is a compressed 3-to-4-month review and approval. Larger map amendments and text amendments are received within an application window as part of an annual update which includes several public meetings during which the amendments are considered. For both processes, applicants must address the following 2 items that include the pre-application conference and the threshold requirements for submittal of map amendments. Text amendments require commission initiation to pursue as part of the annual amendment cycle. More detail on both amendment options is found below.

Pre-Application

Prior to submitting a Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application to the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Department for either a small-scale future land use map amendment, or a large-scale future land use map or text amendment, the applicant must schedule and attend a mandatory pre-application conference. If you are not sure which process is available for the potential amendment, staff will provide a recommendation prior to or at the pre-application conference. All large-scale amendments must be received prior to the annual cycle deadlines below. You can schedule a pre-application conference by calling the Planning Department at 850-891-6400 or e-mailing planning@talgov.com. An application may not be submitted without a completed pre-application conference form.

Future Land Use Map Amendments

Applicants requesting a future land use map amendment to the Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive Plan must:

• Be the owner of the subject property or a legally authorized agent of the owner
• Attend a pre-application conference
• Submit a completed application

Text amendments are addressed under the section below on the 2025 amendment cycle.

Small-Scale Future Land Use Map Amendments (On-going)

Small-Scale Future Land Use Map Amendments (Effective July 25, 2024)
Beginning August 1, 2024, the Planning Department will accept applications for eligible small-scale future land use map amendments throughout the year. To be eligible for a small-scale Future Land Use Map amendment, the area subject to the proposed amendment must be 50 acres or less in size and cannot include text changes to the comprehensive plan. Pre-applications as mentioned above are required prior to application submittal. Please contact Planning staff at 850-891-6400 or at planning@talgov.com to learn more about this process.

Application Deadline
Applications are accepted on a continual basis and once a complete application is received, will be scheduled for processing based on the anticipated posted schedule. The department has 10 workdays to determine if the application is complete and sufficient. Incomplete or insufficient documented applications will not be placed on the available schedule until complete.

• Small-Scale Future Land Use Map Amendment Application Process
• Small-Scale Future Land Use Map Amendment Application
• Tentative Small-Scale Future Land Use Map 2025 Schedule

2025 Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Mobility Elements Update

The Tallahassee-Leon Comprehensive Plan is the community's plan for how growth and development occur in the City of Tallahassee and Leon County. It includes goals, objectives, and policies regarding how land is developed to accommodate projected population growth, how infrastructure is planned and provided to support anticipated growth, how natural features are protected, and how various other factors that promote a high quality of life are addressed in the community. The current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1990 and has been amended each year since adoption. In considering an update, the Commissions determined that two crucial elements, the Land Use and Transportation elements, should be the focus of the efforts.

The City and County Commissions directed that a consultant be used for the work in 2021. After an extensive selection process, Halff and Associates, Inc., was chosen and a contract secured in early 2023. The consultant initiated a kick-off and other activities in September 2023. Additional information about the activities between 2021 to 2025, including the development of a project website, data collection and analysis, and other efforts have been presented to the Commissions and the Local Planning Agency. The information and on-going efforts can be found on the plan update website at https://www.compplantlc.com/ Key available information on the website includes:

Public Input Portal
The page provides an on-line public input comment form for the draft Goals and Objectives for the plan update. The available draft goals and objectives present over-arching visions and measurable targets for how the community should grow through the horizon year of 2050 and will form the foundation for the development of specific future-oriented policies that will guide the way in which we develop and protect lands in Tallahassee-Leon County and how our transportation system should be planned, implemented, and maintained. This comment form will be open through January 31, 2025. Input received, to the extent possible, will be incorporated into a workshop with the Local Planning Agency on February 4, 2025, and a joint workshop with the City and County Commissions on February 25, 2025. It is anticipated that reading the draft goals and objectives and providing input will take approximately 30 minutes to an hour. If you prefer to review the draft goals and objectives prior to starting the comment form, they are available online. If you prefer to provide your comments in writing, please send them to planning@talgov.com or mail them to TLC Planning Department, 300 S Adams Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301.

Past Community Engagement Overview
A major component of the planning process is hearing the community's voice and translating that voice into a guiding vision for the future. Over the past two years, events and activities have included an Educational Roadshow (September 18-20, 2023), Vision Survey (Open through October 2023 - November 27, 2023), Exploration Tour Survey (September 18 - January 2024), Community Building Blocks Survey (December 2023 - February 2024), and Strengthen, Transform, Enhance, and Preserve (STEP) Framework meetings (January 29 and 30). More detailed information can be found on the website.

Vision Road Map
A vision plan roadmap is a blueprint for the future direction and development of a community, which is determined by the shared values of city staff, elected and appointed officials, and citizens. The visioning process resulted in identifying six community value statements.

• Stewards of the Environment - Tallahassee and Leon County shall be stewards of the built and natural environments. Sustainable development best practices will be deployed when reviewing and permitting new development and redevelopment. There will be equitable access to clean water, clean air, and healthy blueways and green spaces. Natural habitats will be preserved and maintained to ensure long-term viability and admiration in our urban and rural spaces.
• Growing Conscientiously - Tallahassee and Leon County will grow conscientiously, balancing the needs of growth and conservation to allow for purposeful development. Distinguishing between the rural and urban areas will provide for a clearer path for diverse lifestyle choices; the ability to guide development in areas where commercial and residential expansion should occur while deterring sprawl; and promoting fiscal and economic resilience.

• A Connected Community - Tallahassee and Leon County will be a well-connected community, providing affordable, equitable, and accessible mobility options. The network of roadways, trails, sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and transit services will provide complete and safe connections throughout the community.
• Diverse - Tallahassee and Leon County will promote and preserve prosperity in our beloved communities of diversity. Historical decision-making has left some communities adversely affected and disadvantaged Forward-thinking policies and investments will ensure the restoration and longevity of these thriving, cultural communities.
• Community Focused - Tallahassee and Leon County will be a community focused on neighborhoods, activity centers, and nodes that will be designed and built to achieve accessibility, safety, sustainability, and healthy environments. Residents varying in stages of life and income levels will have a variety of housing and community options that meet their needs.
• Prosperous - Tallahassee and Leon County will be prosperous communities promoting economic growth, innovation, and development by continuing to attract domestic and international businesses. The sound presence of government facilities and higher education will continue to support a strong, local economy that provides a job base for residents at all levels.

The framing of the Vision Plan Roadmap around these community values provides a foundation for building on and developing comprehensive plan goals, objectives, and policies.

Comprehensive Plan Amendment Tentative Meeting Schedule
The 2025 Tentative Meeting Schedule includes Local Planning Agency workshops and public hearings. The Local Planning Agency, City Commission, and Board of County Commissioners appreciate information that would be useful to them in their deliberations on the update.

The meeting schedule is subject to change in the event of unforeseen circumstances or direction by the entities involved in the development, review and approval of the comprehensive plan update. All meetings requiring public notice will be on the Column platform. Those interested are encouraged to review the schedule for updates and changes on a regular basis.

Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR)

The State of Florida requires local governments to periodically assess the effectiveness of their Comprehensive Plan to adequately address changes in local conditions and changes in the State's policy regarding planning and growth management. The latest EAR was reviewed and approved June 14, 2022 at a joint commission meeting.

Adopted Evaluation and Appraisal Report (PDF)