The Cochise County Comprehensive Plan adopted in 1984 and last revised in 2011 serves to promote orderly and well-planned County growth. The Plan consists of a written document establishing land use, transportation, water conservation and public facility goals and polices and a series of maps that serve as a blueprint for the intensity and type of land uses expected near the incorporated cities and towns and in the outlying rural areas. 
 
Community and area plans are amendments to the Comprehensive Plan that address the future growth of a specific community or region of the County. They offer an opportunity for citizens who live and work in an area to have voice in the location, type and intensity of growth in their community. Seven community plans have been adopted: the Naco Community Plan and Development Map, the Mid-Sulphur Springs Valley Area Plan (for an area surrounding Sunsites and Pearce), the Southern San Pedro Valley Area Plan (for an area south of Hereford Road), St. David Community Plan, Tres Alamos Community Plan, Elfrida Community Plan and the Babocomari Community Plan. These plans based on long discussion with the community are designed to support land uses that enhance and protect an area’s unique character.
 
Staff, the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors use plans as a guide for making decisions on land use changes. Existing zoning is not changed by the adoption of a plan or a revision to the Comprehensive Plan.