Nodal Plan

A nodal plan is a document based on a prescribed radius around the intersection of two or more major thoroughfares. This plan studies specifically defined criteria such as vehicular and pedestrian circulation and connectivity in association with the density and intensity of proposed land uses.

In the hierarchy of plans, a nodal plan is under the category of “special area” plans. This plan’s level of study and detail is restricted because the boundaries are restricted. The process could take 6 to 12 months.

When is a nodal plan appropriate?

Examples when this type of plan is useful are:

• The study of major road intersections where large-scale commercial developments are proposed.
• A siting study is requested for a public facility, branch libraries or community building, where the service area radiates outward from the site.

Purpose or reasons to use a nodal plan are to:

1. Provide guidance on matters of land use, development and site layout to possible area residents or investors.
2. Provide implementation recommendations for coordination of development with adequate public facility’s goals.
3. Provide information regarding the area’s needs, priorities, and proposed projects.
4. Determine if development proposals and land use changes are in accordance with the community’s long term vision.
5. Provide a shared vision for area’s residents/owners and local government entities.
6. Provide a framework to guide an area’s development efforts and track development trends and progress.

Typical Process

The typical process of a nodal plan and the plan its self could include any of the following:

• Identify the study area boundary
• Identify key stakeholders
• Public meetings
• Traffic counts
• Inventory survey and data analysis
• Goals, visions, policies, and objectives
• Plan drafts
• Adoption process
• Maps of existing and proposed