Berkeley Lake Comprehensive Plan
In the spring of 2014, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) adopted revised standards for the preparation of local comprehensive plans. These new standards encouraged planning efforts which would recognize that:
- Assets can be accentuated and improved
- Liabilities can be mitigated and changed over time; and
- Potential can be sought after and developed.
In order to maintain qualified local government certification and thereby remain eligible for several state funding and permitting programs, each local government must prepare, adopt, maintain, and implement a comprehensive plan that meets these planning requirements.
Outside Assistance
Knowing that the new standards were coming, in late 2013 the city enlisted the assistance of the planning staff of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) to prepare a major update of the city's
2030 Comprehensive Plan and 5-year Work Program. The update was necessitated by two recent and significant changes in the city's character:
- Annexation activity in 2011 and 2012 brought a 2-mile segment of the Peachtree Industrial Boulevard commercial corridor and nearby areas as well as over 100 homes into the city;
- The creation of the City of Peachtree Corners in July of 2012, along with already-adjacent Duluth, meant that Berkeley Lake has no future expansion potential as it is completely surrounded by other incorporated areas.
A steering committee of community leaders was established to represent various stakeholder interests. Throughout 2014, ARC staff conducted a series of surveys and workshops to engage both the steering committee and city residents in the planning process.
2030 Comprehensive Plan Update
The draft Comprehensive Plan Update document was transmitted to the ARC and DCA for review and comment on October 28, 2014. On December 17, 2014, the city received notification from ARC that DCA had determined the document to be in compliance with the new standards and ready for adoption The 2014 Comprehensive Plan Update was adopted on January 15, 2015 as the city's policy document for decision-making and public investment for the future. The 2015-2019 Community Work Program contains a list of desired implementation actions to achieve during the time frame at the end of which an assessment of accomplishments and extended work program will be required.
In January of 2019, the City Council adopted an update to the Plan and a 2019-2023 Community Work Program which may be viewed here.
The City kicked off the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update on May 18, 2023 with a public hearing and presentation from the Atlanta Regional Commission. The first steering committee meeting was held May 31, 2023. At that meeting, the steering committee worked with the Atlanta Regional Commssion to develop the public input survey. The survey closed on August 31, 2023.
On August 26th, 2023 a public meeting was held at City Hall to further gather citizen feedback and help shape Berkeley Lake's future.
The steering committee met on September 5, 2023 to review the results from the public input survey and the feedback received at the open house. In addition, goals for the 2024 plan were discussed.
City Council held a public hearing November 16, 2023 to hear any final comments before transmitting the plan to the Atlanta Regional Commission for review.
City Council adopted the 2024 plan update on February 8, 2024.