Land records · Parcel maps · October 5, 2026
What Is a Future Land Use Map? Comprehensive Plans
A future land use map is part of a comprehensive plan showing how a community intends land to be used later. How it differs from zoning and why it matters.
What is a future land use map? A future land use map (FLUM) is a map in a city’s or county’s comprehensive plan that shows how the community intends land to be used in the coming years or decades, with categories like low-density residential, commercial, industrial, mixed use, agricultural, and open space. Unlike a zoning map, it usually does not directly regulate what you can build today. Instead, it guides decisions on rezonings, annexations, infrastructure, and code updates. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
Future land use map vs zoning map
| Feature | Future land use map | Zoning map |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Long-range vision | Current legal rules |
| Detail | Broad categories | Specific districts and standards |
| Legal effect | Guides decisions; binding in some states | Directly regulates use and building |
| How it changes | Plan amendment | Rezoning |
In some states, zoning must be consistent with the comprehensive plan, giving the future land use map more legal weight. See plat map vs a zoning map.
Common categories
- Rural or agricultural.
- Low-, medium-, and high-density residential.
- Neighborhood or regional commercial.
- Mixed use and town centers.
- Industrial or employment.
- Parks, open space, and conservation.
- Public and institutional uses.
Why it matters to owners and buyers
- Rezoning prospects: a request matching the future land use designation is more likely to succeed. See how to rezone a property.
- Neighborhood change: a field next door shown as commercial or high density may develop that way.
- Annexation and services: growth areas may be targeted for utilities and annexation. See what is annexation.
- Property value: future designations can affect land prices.
How to find the map
- Search the city or county planning department website for the comprehensive plan, general plan, or master plan.
- Look for an interactive GIS layer, often next to zoning layers. See zoning overlays in county parcel viewers.
- Read the plan text that defines each category.
Amending the future land use map
Owners can apply for plan amendments, often with hearings similar to rezonings. Some states limit how often plans can be amended each year.
Planning horizon
Comprehensive plans typically look 10 to 20 years ahead and are updated periodically with public input. Participating in plan updates is one of the best ways to influence future development nearby.
Reading the map carefully
Future land use maps are often generalized, with color blocks that do not follow parcel lines exactly. Read the accompanying policies, which may describe intended densities, building heights, and transitions between categories. When the map seems to split a parcel, ask planning staff how they interpret it.
Bottom line
A future land use map shows a community’s intended land uses over the long term and guides rezoning, annexation, and infrastructure decisions, even though it usually does not regulate directly. Check it alongside zoning before buying or planning a rezoning. View zoning layers on the Platbookmapper map.
What is a future land use map FAQ
What is a future land use map?
A comprehensive plan map showing intended future land uses.
Is a future land use map the same as zoning?
No. Zoning regulates now; the future land use map guides future decisions.
Can I build what the future land use map shows?
Not until zoning allows it, which may require a rezoning.
Where do I find a future land use map?
In the city or county comprehensive plan or GIS viewer.
Can the future land use map be changed?
Yes, through a comprehensive plan amendment.