Stafford County Begins Five-Year Update to Comprehensive Plan

Virginia law requires counties and cities to review their Comprehensive Plans at least once every five years. Stafford County has begun updating its plan, which was last updated in 2021.

What Is a Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is one of the County's most important documents. It acts as a long-term guide for how Stafford County should grow and develop.

The plan sets goals and priorities for the future, describes the community's vision for growth, identifies where development should occur and outlines the type of development that is appropriate in different areas. It also addresses related issues such as transportation (roads, traffic, and transit); housing; schools and public facilities; utilities and infrastructure; and protection of natural and historic resources.

When new development projects are proposed, County officials use the Comprehensive Plan to determine whether they align with the community's goals and vision. In short, the Comprehensive Plan helps guide how Stafford County grows and changes over time.

Foundation for the Future

As part of this effort, Stafford is seeking community input to help create a plan that meets the needs of today's residents and future generations. There will be multiple opportunities for public input on the future of housing, public facilities, infrastructure, cultural resources and more. Work on the update is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. A Planning Commission Subcommittee Meeting on the Comp Plan Kickoff will be held on February 19, 2026, at 5:00 pm in Room C of the Courthouse Community Center, 29 Stafford Avenue, Stafford, VA 22554.

Public Input Opportunities

Stafford County residents are integral to the five-year update of the Comprehensive Plan. Public feedback will inform the goals, objectives and policies for the county's future over the next 20 years, including property development. There are multiple ways to ensure everyone has a voice. The first step is to visit the County's webpage on the update at https://www.staffordcountyva.gov/compplanupdate. On this webpage, individuals can find resources, timelines and comment feedback forms.