Shenandoah County Community Planning Project
Shenandoah County Comprehensive Plan
The first version of the Shenandoah County Comprehensive Plan was approved in 1978. Since 1978, the Plan has been revised several times. Consistent in each revision is the emphasis on the preservation of agriculture and the rural character as key elements of the County’s vision as stated in the Plan.
A comprehensive plan is the approved land use plan, adopted in all localities in Virginia. It contains information on the existing conditions and growth trends and makes policy recommendations to guide future growth and development.
To keep the Comprehensive Plan a “living” document — regularly and frequently updated and kept abreast of what’s going on in the County, the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors appointed the Citizens Advisory Committee. This Committee works with the County Planning Staff to provide regular Plan updates and revisions and report annually to the Board of Supervisors. Currently, the Advisory Committee is working on the 2025 plan update.
Vision Statement of the Shenandoah County Comprehensive Plan
In the year 2025, Shenandoah County will still be a primarily rural community that:
- Protects its natural resources.
- Directs its growth to the towns ensuring its open, agricultural character.
- Provides a variety of jobs in business, light industry, tourism and sustainable agriculture.
- Maintains moderate growth of a demographically varied population.
- Supports safe and efficient interstate transportation and maintains the rural character of its primary and secondary roads.
- Affords its students excellent and appropriate education.
- Serves its citizens with public facilities and services that enhance their quality of life.
- Ensures preservation of its natural beauty and unique, historical character by strictly adhering to the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.
Adopted June 2005, Shenandoah County Board of Supervisor