Master Plan of Policies

The Master Plan:

• Sets forth a COMPREHENSIVE LONG-RANGE STRATEGY for the City of Detroit
• The document is intended to be both LONG-RANGE & VISIONARY that provides guidance for actions
• The plan is DESIGNED TO CHANGE in response to new information and changing circumstances

The Master Plan of Policies text is organized into 17 elements. The goals and policies are intentionally general so as to provide the basis for developing implementation steps and strategies in coordination with various city agencies and community organizations.

The geographic organization of the Master Plan of Policies is based on the ten clusters established as part of the 1997 Community Reinvestment Strategy. Within the ten clusters, smaller geographic neighborhoods are identified based on the sub-sectors of the 1992 Master Plan of Policies. To a large extent, neighborhood boundaries recognize established community boundaries and service areas of various community organizations. Goals and policies are outlined for each of the neighborhood areas within the ten clusters. The goals and policies outlined for each neighborhood area are organized by the 17 elements of the citywide policies. The goals and policies are intentionally general so as to provide the basis for developing implementation steps and strategies in coordination with various city agencies and community organizations.

The plan contains Future General Land Use maps for each neighborhood. In general, these do not address small-scale situations less than 10 acres, the specific characteristics of residential development, or the specific types of commercial and other nonresidential uses.

City Planning Commission review and adoption are required by the State’s Municipal Planning Act (PA 285), and City Council approval via resolution is required by the City Charter. The Master Plan is amended 2-3 times/year on average. Reasons for amending include implementing neighborhood plans, changing conditions, and permitting the redevelopment of specific properties.