ABSTRACT
The term planning when used in a general sense, can be defined as being “goal-directed problem solving activity.” Planning is a widely used process, which typically includes problem identification, goal setting, design of alternative solutions, evaluation of potential impacts, decision-making, and implementation. Urban and regional planners have used one form or another of the planning process since the inception of the planning profession. The urban planner may use the planning process when attacking a single subject or function, such as off-street parking, housing for the elderly, or library services. The urban planner also uses the planning process to plan concurrently for a wide range of interrelated topics that are of concern to a particular urban area. This activity is generally known as comprehensive planning. Documents that result from this process are called Comprehensive Plans or General Plans. The major development options open to the community should also be identified at this time.
