The Comprehensive Plan is a long-range guide for growth and development, establishing a vision of what Hanover County could look like in twenty years. The plan addresses a variety of topics, including land use, housing, economic development, and natural resources. It identifies objectives and strategies that can be implemented to realize the community’s vision. 

The County first adopted a comprehensive plan in 1972. As required by the Code of Virginia, comprehensive plans must be reviewed and updated periodically by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission prepares and recommends the draft comprehensive plan to the Board of Supervisors, which votes to adopt the final plan. The County first amended its plan in 1982 and has since updated the plan every 5 years. Throughout 2022 and 2023, Hanover County worked with residents, businesses, landowners, and other community members to update this guiding document. This latest version of the plan, which is called Envision Hanover, was adopted on September 27, 2023. 

Between five-year reviews, citizens may apply for changes or amendments to the Comprehensive Plan.