In addition to the most recent character area adoption (2021), this layer contains versions of previously adopted character areas that are now considered historical (2012, 2017). This dataset contains a field named "Adoption Year" and it should be used to view each character area version by using definition queries. The metadata below is presented by adoption year.

Adoption Year 2012

The future development map provides a description of development patterns that the community seeks to encourage and provides an outline of preferred growth over the long range planning period. This map was approved as part of the major comprehensive plan update (2012 – 2032) on March 15, 2012 by the FC Board of Commissioners. This layer was replaced by the Character Areas adopted in 2017.

Adoption Year 2017

This layer delineates community character areas as developed in the 2017 - 2037 Forsyth County Comprehensive Plan.

The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to guide the intensity, location and timing of development and to ensure compatibility with existing uses, infrastructure and economic trends while protecting natural and cultural resources.

Forsyth County's Comprehensive Plan serves as a policy guide as decisions are made in relation to growth and land use change. The plan addresses critical issues and opportunities through the incorporation of a shared vision for the community's future.

Adoption Year 2021

These changes were adopted on March 4, 2021 and include revisions to the Campground and Sawnee Mountain character areas as well as edits relating to recent annexations by the City of Cumming.