Preliminar,y Report 
DEI'ERMINmG LOGICAL REGION BOUNDARIES 
m FOR AREA-WIDE PLANNING AND D.EVELOPMENT GEORGIA 
Planning Division Georgia Deparbllent of Commerce 
100 State Capitol Atlanta, Georgia 
 
 FOREWARn 
The following preliminary report presents and discusses briefly some of the factors which, in our opinion, should be considered by locaJ. groups when 
determining the geographic boundaries of areas to be organized tor cooperative, 
area-wide, planning and devel ..,....r.ent activities. It is hoped that this report will serve two purposes. They are  first, to act as a preliminary or stop-gap guide to local groups interested in establishing regional or area-wide planning and development organizations, and 
second, to serve as a tangible starting point tor 
preparation of a more comprehensive guide to determination of lo$ical regions for cooperative planning activity, by a pooling of knowledge fran the m.a.n:y agencies and organizations in the state which could contribute to such an undertaking. Your comments and criticisms will be welcoo 
V. R. Stuebing, Jr., Manager Planning Division Georgia DePartment of Commerce 
1 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
Page 
 
FORWARD                            1 
 
. . . . . . INTRODUCI'ION.    0     
 
. 
 
 1 
 
FACTORS INFWENCING REGIONAL DELINEATION          3 
 
. . Natural Environment  o 
 
..          3 
 
Cultural Environment.              4 
 
Transportation            o    4 
 
Communication.                4 
 
Urbari Centers.                4 
 
Polii;ical BOundaries             5 
 
. . . 'SOME "RQLES OF THUMB"  ..       
 
.  7 
 
FIGURES 
 
1. Major Drainage Areas 
2. Major Soil Areas 
3 Interstate Highway System 
4. PQpula.tion Centers 
5. Areas of' EmPloyment Influences 6. Retail Trade Centers - Areas of' Primary Dominance 
7. State Senatorial Districts 8. Congressional Districts 
 
. . . APPENDIX I: Excerpt From General Planning Enabling legislation      ..        
APPENDIX II: Sample Resolutions For Creating An Of'f'icial Regional Or Area-Wide Planning Commission  
 
ii 
 
 OO'RODUCTION 
At the present time there are over 140 city-,, county, or joint city-county planning commissions in Georgia. Each of these local planning commissions is engaged in the preparation of studies, plans, and recommendations dealing with such subjects as the local economy, population, roads and streets, traffic and parking, subdivision development, land-use, recreation, and the like. All of these activities are aimed at anticipating and encouraging devel~nt of a local physical environment that will best serve the present and future needs of the people living and 'WOrking in the local community or area. 
In addition to this planning activity at the individual city and county level, 
groups of cities and counties are banding together in several sections of the state - in both formal and informal organizations - to pool avail~ble talents and energies and to strengthen and provide a broader area-wide base and framework for the planning and development of their respective regions. 
One outstanding example of such a regional or area-wide planning organization is the eleven-coUnty Coosa Valley Area Planning and Development Commission in Northwest Georgia. The program already underwey by this organization includes employment of a full-time professional-technical staff which is working with various local, state, and federal agencies in developing coordinated regional planning for such matters as major highways~regional recreation facilities, regional development and promotion of tourist attractions, agricultural and industrial development, water resource development, and such other matters as can profitably 
be studied at a regional level. In addition, this staff is providing continuing 
assistance to local planning and development groups within the area. Several agencies and organizations have advised and assisted in the creation 
of the regional planning and development groups which have been organized'- to date; 
1 
 
 they have encouraged the logical groupings of these counties and cities into such organizations based on considerations of mutual interests and various other unifying factors. However, there is a recognized need for a more systematic approach to the identification and delineation of logical and appropriate regional planning areas. 
For the purpose of assisting in initiation of such an approach and of encouraging additional thought and effort toward this end by local groups and by the agencies and organizations interested in cooperating with and assisting these groups, presented hereafter are same of the factors and conditions which should be considered by local groups when delineating regions for cooperative planning and development activity. 
2 
 
 FACTORS INFLUENCING REGION DELINEATION 
 
There are numerous factors Which should be investigated prior to delineation of planning regions. In addition, there' are varying degrees of thoroughness that may be applied to an investigation of these factors. Some factors would prove very important in one area while less important in another, thus req?iring a subjective judgement as to the criteria that should have the most influence in the .. delineation of the boundaries of a particular region. 
A number of these factors will be reviewed in the following sections and, in most cases, illustrated on acc~ing maps. 
 
Natural Environment 
 
The physical features of an area, such as 
 
 climate, 
 
topography, 
... rivers, ... lakes, and ... soil conditions, 
 
can serve to unify or divide an area. For example, the presence of a large lake 
 
may create common objectives among the various communities located in its vicinity. 
 
On the other hand, the size and location of the lake ~ completely separate the 
 
local communities and thereby establish a natural division which crould serve as a 
 
region boundary. A drainage area can have a similar influence upon the unification 
 
or separation of an area. Figure 1, which shows the major watershed or drainage 
 
areas of Georgia, indicates, for instance, that Jefferson and Johnson Counties, 
 
although contiguously located, are in separate major drainage areas. .This would 
 
.' 
 
be 
 
a 
 
f.ctor 
 
for 
 
consideration in 
 
~ 
 
~ 
 
establishing 
 
a 
 
planning 
 
region. 
 
LikeWise, varia- 
 
tions in soil conditions and natural resources .mar serve as a unifying or dividing 
 
3 
 
 influence because of the resulting variations in agricultural and other potentials. The major soil areas of Georgia are shown on Figure 2. 
Cultural Environment The cultural environments consist of the constructions of man and the 
patterns of human settlement  The various for.ms of 
... transporation, 
communic a t i o n 1 
... urban centers, 
... political boundaries, 
and the like are cultural developments. Each plays a role in determining regional unity. Transportation. -- Tbe existence or non-existence of adequate means of transportation, either highway, water-way, or railway connect or disjoint an area. For instance, rapid and convenient means of transportation enable people to travel a number of miles to places of employment and trade. The completion of the Interstate Highway system in Georgia will unite areas that are at present separated by travel-time simply by reducing this travel-time. Figure 3 indicates the location of this highway system. Likewise, the improvements to and extension of navigation on various waterways within the state, such as the Chattahoochee and the Savannah, should also serve as a unifYing factor in particular regions. Communication. -- The areas inc'luded within t;,Ae circulation of newspapers, within the broadcasting range of radio and television stations, and within common telephone exchanges are i~fl~enced by common factors that create interrelations between communities. Urban Centers. -- An urban center may serve as the hub of a. logical planning region. This does not mean, however, that every region must be directly or+ented 
4 
 
 or tied to a single dominant urban center. It is possible that a logical planning region will contain a number of urban places all sharing certain interrelations and all conscious of a oneness, provided that the region does not become too ex- 
pansive for effective and convenient association. Figure 4 shows the urban places 
in Georgia of over 100 persons. An urban center might be the focal point of employment for persons living 
in various locations of the surrounding area. Figure 5 indicates some of the major employment centers within the state. A particular urban center may serve as the principal shopping area or amuse~nt center for the adjacent communities or be the location for the distribution of farm products. 
The relationship of an urban place to the surrounding area can be gaged in various ways. Some of the factors which might be investigated when determining the "sphere of influence" of an urban center are the extent of its 
 markets for products produced in the surrounding area, employment attraction area, hospital service area, distance and pattern of free parcel delivery by local stores, and distance and pattern of local newspaper distribution. 
Political Boundaries. -- A political boundary is perhaps one of the most dominant influences in creating the feeling of oneness in an area. This feeling exists to varying degrees within all levels of political jurisdictions. People share common interests as a direct result of their residing within the same 
   municipal boundaries, county boundaries, 
 state senatorial district, 
5 
 
 ... congressional district, or 
  0 judicial circuit  The boundaries of these jurisdictions, in most cases, have developed because of administrative necessity rather than by reason of any qualities inherent in the areas themselves. In other words, they are regions by designation rather than by evaluation. Therefore, caution should be exercised in simply designating a large political unit as a planning region. It would seem essential, however, to include the entire area of local political units (municipalities and counties) within the same planning region for obvious reasons of workability. 
6 
 
 The following "rules-of~thumb 11 are believed to provide sound general guidelines for establishing the boundaries of official regional planning 
organizations~ 
1. The spheres of influence of various natu1;al and cultural environmental factors in the area should be evaluatedo 
2o The entire planning region should lie within the borders of the Stateo (It is realized that a planning region might logically extend across the State line in certain instances. For example, there may be a logical orientation around some nattrral resource - Clark Hill ~eservoir, Jim Woodruf Reservoir, etc., =or an urban center = Columbus, Chattanooga, Augusta, etc., - that transcends state borders$ and cooperation in such instances should be encouraged. However, because of the compounded difficulties of formally organizing and carrying out programs across state lines, feasibility should be carefully considered.) 
3o The ''county" should be the basic unit or building=block; that is, the entire county should be in the same planning region. 
4. Other things being equal, State Senatorial Districts should 
as nearly as possible remain intact, with planning regions defined so as to include groups of whole Senatorial Districts. 
7 
 
 5. The optimum size for. a planning region would probably 
' 
range between five and fifteen counties, with a maximum distance of one hundred high~ miles between the farthest points in a planning region. 
8 
 
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FIGURE I Rl DGE Ll NES OF MAJOR DRAINAGE 
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 Section 2. Term of Office. The term of office for all members shall be 
 
five {5) years, except that the initial appointment by the 
 
shall 
 
(Name of County) 
 
be for a term of~--~~~~--~~~--~~--~ years. Any vacancy in member(See attached schedule of terms) 
 
ship shall be filled for the unexpired term by the governing authority making the 
 
appointment which has become vacant. The appointing authority shall also have 
 
the power to remove any member it may appoint for cause, on written charges, 
 
after public hearing. All members shall serve without compensation. 
 
Section 3 Or~anization, Rules, Staff and Finances. The Commission shall 
 
elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman from among its appointive members. The term 
 
of office of the Chairman and Vice op.airman shall be for one (1) year or until 
 
re-elected or their successors are elected. The Commission shall appoint a 
 
secretary who may be an employee of the Commission. The Commission shall meet 
 
at least once each month at the call of the Chairman and at such other times as 
 
the Chairman or Board may determine, shall adopt rules for the transaction of 
 
business and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings, 
 
and determinations, which record shall be a public record. The Commission may 
 
appoint such employees and staff as it may deem necessary for its work. In the 
 
performance of its duties, the planning commission may cooperate with, contract 
 
with, or accept funds from Federal, State, or local, public or semi-public agencies 
 
or private individuals or corporations, may spend such funds, and may carry out 
 
such cooperative undertakings and contracts. It may make expenditures for the 
 
purchase of required equipment and supplies. The expenditure of the Commission, 
 
exclusive of gifts to the commission and contract receipts, shall be within the 
 
amounts appropriated for the purpose by the participating governing authorities. 
 
Section 4. Powers and Duties. It shall be the function and duty of the 
 
Commission to make such careful and comprehensive surveys and studies of existing 
 
conditions and probable future developments and to prepare such plans tor physical, 
 
2 
 
 social, and economic growth as Will best promote the public health, safety, 
 
morals, convenience, prosperity, or the general welfare as well as efficiency 
 
and economy in the development of the entire 
 
Georgia area 
 
(Section of State) 
 
and each political subdivision therein. In general, the Commission shall have 
 
such powers and duties and res~onsibilities as set forth in the General Planning 
 
Enabling Act of 1957, as amended (Act No. 258). 
 
BE IT FU<RHIER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect from 
 
and a:fter its passage, the public welfare of 
 
County, Georgia 
 
(N~ of County) 
 
requiring it  
 
Adopted~-----------------------A~test~----------------------~---- 
 
3 
 
 (2) A MUNICIPAL ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH AN AREA PLANI'UNG COMMISSION 
 
An Ordinance to Provide for the 
 
Area Planning 
 
~.Name of' Area Commission}" 
 
and Development Commissiono 
 
Be It Ordained by 
 
of the City of 
 
, 
 
~Governing AuthoritYJ' 
 
(Name of City) 
 
Georgia, in order to guide and accomplish a coordinated and harmonious 
 
development of the municipality and the 
 
Georgia Area which 
 
~Section of State) 
 
will, in accordance with existing and ~ture needsj best promote public health, 
 
safetyj morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and the general welfare, as 
 
well as efficiency and economy in the process of development, that the 
 
~~--~~--~--~--~~ Area Planning and Development Commission, hereinafter (Name of Area Commission) referred to as the Area Planning Commissionj is hereby created and established 
 
as authorized by Georgia Code Section 69=1201, as amended, and said Area 
 
Planning Commissio~ shall be organized and empowered as follows~ 
 
Section. Membership,. l"he 
 
Area Planning and 
 
--r:(N=am-e-o-::f:--:-Are-a---:c=-o-mm-::-j-ss-i~o-n~Y 
 
Development Commission shall consist of two members from each of the counties 
 
participating in the area planning commission" Of the said two members from 
 
each county one shall be appointed by the governing authority of the municipality 
 
wherein the county seat is located and the other member shall be appoillted by 
 
the governing authority of the said countyo 
 
Section 2o Term of Officeo The term of office for all members shall be 
 
five (5) years, except that the initial appointment by the. 
 
. 
 
+r=ao_v_e_rn_._..,..ing-_,A_u..,.,th,_o-r"""i~ty_J_ 
 
of the City of 
 
J Georgia shall be for a term of (See atta_c,...he_d,.._s-c'""'h.-e~d-ul~e-o_f,....,.t_e_rms_) 
 
years o Any vacancy in the membership shall be filled for the unexpired term by 
 
the governing authority making the appointment which has become vacant. The 
 
appointing authority shall also have the power to remove any member it may 
 
appoint for cause, on written charges, after public hearingo All members shall 
 
serve without compensation, 
 
4 
 
 Section 3. Organization, Rules Staff and Finances. The Commission shall 
 
elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman from among its appointive members. The 
 
term of office of the Chairman and Vice Chairman shall be for one (1) year or 
 
until re-elected or their successors are elected. The Commission shall appoint 
 
a secretary who may be an employee of the Commission. The Commission shall 
 
meet at least once each month at the call of the Chairman and at such other times 
 
as the Chairman or Board may determine, shall adopt rules for the transaction 
 
of business and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings, 
 
and determinations, which record shall be a public record. The Commission 
 
may appoint such employees and staff as it may deem necessary for its work. 
 
In the performance of its duties, the planning commission may cooperate with, 
 
contract with, or accept funds from Federal, State, or local public or semi- 
 
public agencies or private individuals or corporations, may spend such funds, 
 
and may carry out such cooperative undertakings and contracts. It may make 
 
expenditures for the purchase of, required equipment and supplies. The expendi- 
 
tures of the Commission, exclusive of gifts to the commission and contract 
 
receipts, shall be. within the amounts appropriated for the purpose by the par- 
 
ticipating governing authorities. 
 
Section 4. Powers and Duties. It shall be the fUnction and duty of the 
 
Commission to make such careful and co~hensive surveys and studies of 
 
existing conditions and probable future developments and to prepare such plans 
 
for physical, social, and economic growth as will best promote the pqblic health, 
 
safety, morals, convenience, prosperity, or the general welfare as well as 
 
efficiency and economy in the development of the entire 
 
Georgia 
 
(Section of State) 
 
area and each political subdivision therein. In general, the Commission shall 
 
have such powers and duties and responsibilities as set forth in the General 
 
Planning Enabling Act of 1957, as a.nended (Act No. 358). 
 
5 
 
 Section 5. Be If Further Ordained, that all-ordinances in conflict 
herewith are repealed. BE IT FURrHER ORDAlNED, that this ordinance shall take effect from 
and after its passage, the public welfare of the City of_ _ _ _ _ _ _, Georgia requiring it. Adopted: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 
Attest: ------------------------- 
6 
 
 ( 3) A RESOLUTION ENDORSING AN AREA PLANN'Il'n AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION 
 
Whereas, the 
 
Area Planning Elnd Development 
 
(Name of Area Commission) 
 
Commission has been established to guide and accomplish a coordinated and 
 
harmonious development of the 
 
Georgia Area in a manner 
 
(Section of State) 
 
which will, in accordance with existing and future needs, best promote public 
 
health, safety, morals, order convenience, prosperity, and the general welfare, 
 
as well as efficiency and economy in the process of development, and 
 
Whereas, it is recognized that the work of the.,.,.,..--~-=--~~---=--~...... (Name of Area Commission) 
Area Planning and Development Commission will be beneficial to the future 
 
growth and development of 
 
, Georgia, as well as the entire 
 
(Name of City) 
 
Georgia Area; 
 
. ,. {S:::::-ee---:ot-::i-on-o-:f:::-:::St-=-a-:t:-e"'"<:)- 
 
Now Therefore, be it resolved by the 
 
of the City 
 
(Goverping Aut~ority) 
 
ot 
 
, Georgia, and it is hereby resolved that the City of_ ___.;._, 
 
(Name of City) 
 
Georgia endorses the objectives and program of the.;-~--~--~--=---:--.,... 
 
 
 
fName of Area Commission) 
 
Area Planning and Development Commission and pledge our cooperation and support 
 
to the work of said Commission.' 
 
Adopted: ___________________________ 
 
Attest~ 
 
7 
 
 APPENDIX II 
Excerpts from GENERAL PlANNING ENABLING ACT OF 1957 
(Including all amendments through the regulaT 1961 session of the 
General Assembly) 
AN ACT 
To authorize the governing authorities of the several municipalities and counties of this State to establish separate or joint plannjng commissions; to provide for the preparation and amendment of overall plans for the orderly growth and development of said municipalities and counties; to provide for the regulation of the subdivision of land; to provide for the regulation of structures in mapped streets, public building sites, and public open spaces; to repeal conflicting laws, and for other purposes. 
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: 
SECTION I 
PLANNING COMMISSION: CREATION AND APPOlNI'MENT. The governing authority of each municipality in this State is authorized to create by ordinance a municipal planning commission. The governing authority of each .county in this state is authorized to create by resolution a county planning commission. Any two or more municipalities are authorized to create a joint planning commission. Any two or more counties are authorized to create a joint planning commission. Any one or more counties and any one or more municipalities in any one or more of these counties are authorized to create a joint planning commission. Wherever the terms, "Municipal Planning Commission", "County Planning Commission", or "MunicipalCounty Planning Commission", are used hereinafter, they shall be construed to mean and shall include any planning commission established hereunder. The governing authorities of the political subdivision or subdivisions creating a planning commission shall select the name of the commission, but such a name must include the term "Planning Commi.ssion". A planning commission shall be composed of members who shall be appointed by the governing authority or authorities of the' political subdivisjon or subdivisions creating the commission. A majority of the members of a planning commission shall be persons who hold no other public office in the municipality or county from which they are appointed. Ex~officio members of the commission who hold public office shall serve on the commission during the time they hold such publ1c office. Other members of the commission shall be appointed for overlapping terms of three, four, or five years and shall serve until their successors are appointed. Original appointments may be made for a lesser number of years. so that the terms of said members shall be staggered. The compen~ sation of the members, if any, shall be determined by the governing authority or authorities of the political subdivision or subdivisions creating the commission. Any vacancy in the membership of a planning commission shall be filled for the une:xpired term in the same manner as the original appointnaent. The governing authority or authorities of the political subdivision or subdivisions creating the commission are hereby authorized to remove any member of the commission for cause after written notice and public hearing, 
1 
 
 SECTION 2 
 
PLANNING COMMISSION: ORGANIZATION, RULES, STAFF, AND FINANCES. The municipal planning commission, county planning commission, or the municipal-county planning commission shall elect one of its app6intive members as chairmen who shall serve for one year or until he is re-elected or his successor is elected. A second appointive member shall be elected as vice chairman, and he shall serve for one year or until he is re-elected or his successor is elected. The planning commission shall appoirtt a secretary who may be an officer or an employee of the governing authority or of the planning commission. The planning commission shall meet at least once each month at the call of the chairman and at such other times as the chairman or board may determine, shall adopt rules for transaction of business and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings, and determination, which record shall be a public record. The planning commission may appoint such employees and staff as it may deem necessary for its work. In the performance of. its duties, the planning co~ission may cooperate with, contract with, or accept funds from Federal, State, or local, public or semi-public agencies or private i~dividuals or corporation,~ expend such funds, and may carry out such cooperative undertakings and contracts. It may make expenditure :f:or the purchase of required equipment and supplies. The expenditures of the planning commission, exclusive of gifts to the commission or contract receipts, shall be with~ the amounts appropriated for the purpose by the governing authority or authorities who are empowered to determine, agree upon, and appropriate funds for the payment of expenses of the planning commission or their respective shares thereof. 
I 
SECTION 3 
 
PLANNING COMMISSION: PRINCIPAL. POWERS AND DUTIES. It shall be the function and duty of the municipal planning commission, the county planning commission, or the municipal-county planning commission to make such careful and comprehensive surveys and studies of existing conditions and probable.future developments and to prepare such plans for phySical, social, and economic growth as will best promote the public health, safety, morals, convenience, prosperity, or the general welfare as well as efficiency and economy in the development of its political jurisdiction. In particular, the planning commission shall have the power and duty to: 
 
L Prepare a master plan or parts thereof for the development of its political jurisdiction. ' 
 
2. Prepare and recommend for adoption to the appropriate governing authority or authorities a zoning ordinance orresolution and map for its political juriddiction. 
 
3" Prepare and recommend for adoption to the appropriate governing authority or authorities regulations for the subdivision of land within its political jUrisdiction, and to administer the regulations that may be adopted. 
 
4" Prepare and recommend for adoption,to t~e appropriate governing aut~ority or 
 
authorities, a plat or plats or an official map showing the exact location of the 
 
boundary lines of existing, proposed, extended, widened or narrowed streets, public 
 
open spaces or public building sites, together with regulations to control the 
 
erection of buildings: or other structures within such lines; Within its political 
 
juris~iction or a specified portion thereof. 
 
 
 
2 
 
 In addition, unincorporated areas adjacent to municipalities may be added to and included in the area under the jurisdiction of a municipal planning commission for general planning and for master plan preparation and for the preparation and administration of zoning ordinances or resolutions, land subdivision regulations, and official maps, provided that the governing bodies of the county and municipality shall agree to the boundaries of such additional areas, procedures for joint actionj procedures for the adoption and administration of ordinances and resolutions, and regulations app;t.y-ing to the area, and the manner of obtaining equitable representa= tion on the municpal planning commission and board of zoning appeals. Such agree~ ment shall be formally established by appropriate official action by the governing 
authorities involved. 
 
SECTION 4 
 
PLANNING COMMISSION~ MISCELLANeOUS POWERS. The municipal planning 
 
commission, the county planning commissionJ or the municipal-county planning 
 
commission may :make, publish, and distribute maps, plans and reports and recommen- 
 
dations relating to the plan and development of its political jurisdiction to 
 
public officials and agencies, public utility companies, civic, educational, pro- 
 
fessional and other organizations and citizens. It may recommend to the executive 
 
or legislative officials of its political jurisdiction programs for public improve= 
 
ments and the financing thereof. All public officials shall, upon request, furnish 
 
to the planning commis'sion, within a reasonable time, such available information 
 
as it may require for its work. The planning commission, its members and employees 
 
in the performance of its functions, may enter upon any land, make examinations and 
 
surveys, and place and maintain necessary monuments and marks thereon, provided, 
 
however, that the planning commission shall be liable for any injury or damage to 
 
property resulting therefrom. In general, the planning commission shall have such 
 
powers as may be necessary to enable it to perform its function and promote the 
 
planning of its political jurisdiction. 
 
 
 
SECTION 5 
 
PLANNING COMMISSION: REPORTS ON MATI'ERS REFERRED TO IT. The governing authority or authorities may be ordinance or resolution provide for the reference of any maxter or class of matters to the planni~ commission serving its pOlitical jur::Lsdiction before final action thereon by the public body or officer having final authority thereon,' with the provision that final action thereon shall not be taken until said planning commission has submitted its report thereon or has had a reason~ able time, to be fixed in said rule, to submit the report. 
 
SECTION 6 
 
MASTER PLAN. It shall be the .duty of the municipal planning commission, the county planning commission, or the municipal-county planning commission to make a master plan of its political jurisdiction and to perfect it from time to time. Such master plan may show, among other things; existing and proposed streets, highways, expressways, bridges, tunnels and viaducts and approaches there~o; routes of railroads and transit lines; terminals, ports, airports; park, pleygrounds, forest, reservations, and other public open spaces; sites for public buildings and structures; districts for residence, business, industry, recreation, agriculture, forestry; special districts for other purposes; limited development districts for purposes of conserva~ tion, water-supply, sanitation, drainage~ protection against floods, and the like; 
 
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 areas for housing develop:uents, slum clearance; and urban renewal and redevelopment; location~f public utilities whether publicly or privately owned, including but not limited to sewerage and watttr-supply systems; zoning districts, and other planning features, together with time and priority schedules and cost estimates for the accomplisb.JJJ:!nt of the proposals. The master plan shall be based upon and include appropriate studies of th.e location and extent of present and anticipated population, social and economic resources and problems, and other useful data. Such plan ~be adopted, added to, and changed from time to time, by a majority vote of the planning commission. It shall be a public record, but its purpose and effect shall be solely to aid the planning commission in the performance of its duties. 
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