These plans are created for a particular part of the built or natural landscape. A special set of policies is developed and then supported by special zoning or other land use laws such as design guidelines, site plan or subdivision regulations, and other policies related to governance. In NY State, a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) can be used to incentivize conformance to the area-specific objectives.

To create a land-use framework for a part of the community that is so complex or of particular importance that it cannot be addressed adequately by the broader, municipal-wide comprehensive plan or through one or more zoning districts.

Needs to be supported by a well-coordinated set of policies, regulations and administration.

Capacity Requirements: additional administrative burden to manage a subset of particular land-use policies and associated regulations.

It is possible to tailor land-use policies to the particular goals and objectives of an important part of the community.