On November 30, 2006, the Council released the Highlands Draft Regional Master Plan.  The release follows months of data collection, technical report preparation, planning analysis, consultation with experts, policy discussion and public input. 
The release of the draft Plan represents the beginning of a process of public review, comments, and discussion. The Council anticipates making changes to the draft prior to adoption. The public comment period ran from the release through May 11, 2007. Extensive written and oral comments were received, through the mail, e-mail, and at our nine public hearings. The comments are being thoroughly reviewed and considered. Possible changes to the Plan will be discussed in public committee and Council meetings.
The draft Plan release includes the following items:

Text of the Plan:   The Plan establishes policies for the Highlands Region.  It outlines specific standards that apply in each of the zones in the region as reflected on the Land Use Capability Map.

Land Use Capability Map:   The Map establishes geographic zones based upon a comprehensive evaluation of natural resources and existing development.  The scale is 1:120,000. (Plotter Size Version)  (Shape files for the LUCM) (Abstract)

Digital (GIS) Spatial Data: Spatial data for use in geographic information systems and desktop mapping software is available here. 

 Atlas:  To assist the public in seeing Map details in specific areas, the Council has released an Atlas for the Land Use Capability Map.  The interactive map shows individual lots at a scale of 1:26,000 with zones superimposed on top.  Map users can search for a location on the Land Use Capability map Atlas by selecting from the municipal grid index.

Property Search Tool:   This tool allows the public to search for a property to determine if it is in the Highlands Act's Preservation or Planning Areas.  It will soon be updated to show Land Use Capability Map overlay zones.

Technical Reports: