What must a home rule city do before adopting a general zoning scheme?

Before a home rule city adopts a general zoning scheme, it is essential for the city to engage in planning. This involves creating a comprehensive framework that defines the desired development and land use patterns that align with the community's goals and the needs of its residents.

Planning in this context allows the city to assess its current land use, infrastructure, and potential growth areas. This approach ensures that the zoning regulations ultimately adopted will effectively guide development in a way that promotes public safety, health, and welfare, while also being sensitive to environmental impacts and community character.

In addition, engaging in thorough planning provides foundational data and insight that will inform public hearings and recommendations from planning and zoning commissions, making the entire zoning process more effective and transparent. Ultimately, planning is a critical step that supports the legitimacy and functionality of the zoning scheme, ensuring that it serves the best interests of the community for the long term.