General Information
The City Master Plan serves as a guide for public and private decision-makers regarding the future physical development of the City. The master plan is composed of six documents, or “elements,” that cover the City’s major geographical areas and its essential citywide facilities. These plans provide a framework for preserving the City’s unique character, ensuring its diversity, supporting investment and promoting desired change.
On May 5, 2009, the Ann Arbor City Planning Commission adopted the Master Plan: Land Use Element as an element of the City’s Master Plan. On November 5, 2009 City Council adopted the Plan as well. The Master Plan: Land Use Element consolidated the four City Area Plans (West, Northeast, South and Central) into one planning document. It includes land use recommendations, natural systems and land use goals, objectives, and actions as well as recommendations for West Stadium Boulevard, Lower Town and the University of Michigan’s North Campus. The document is available for no charge on the City’s web site, at each of the Ann Arbor Public Library branches (review for no charge) and at City Hall (review for no charge; fee to purchase). Other elements of the City’s Master Plan include the Downtown Plan (2009), Transportation Plan Update (2009), Non-motorized Plan (2007), Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan (2006), and Natural Features Master Plan (2004).
Master Plan Elements
- City Master Plan: Land Use Element-Consolidation of the 4 Area Plans (13 MB PDF)
This document is the result of consolidating the four City area plans (South, West, Northeast and Central) into one document. The intent of this consolidation is to create a document that includes all substantive information from each area plan that can be updated more regularly and includes goals and objectives that can be applied more broadly. No substantive information has been added during this consolidation process; major changes will be proposed in the second phase of this planning effort, which may be initiated in 2009.
For a breakdown of the Master Plan by Chapter, please click the links below:
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Appendix & Zoning Map
Area, Height & Placement Tables
The Planning Commission adopts an annual resolution naming the elements of the City Master Plan. These elements are:
Citywide Plans
- Land Use Element (2009)
- Downtown Plan (2009)
- Transportation Plan Update, including the Fuller/Geddes/Conrail Corridor Study (2009)
- Non Motorized Plan (2007)
- Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan (2006)
- Naturals Features Master Plan (2004)
Resource Documents
In addition to the recommendations provided in the City Master Plan, the Planning Commission relies on several resource documents that provide additional detail for interpretation and implementation of the recommendations. These documents are: