What is the term for a government document that addresses future physical development?

The term that refers to a government document addressing future physical development is a general plan. A general plan serves as a comprehensive blueprint for a community's growth and development. It outlines land use policies, housing, transportation, public services, and environmental considerations, providing a strategic framework for decision-making by local governments concerning the direction of physical development and land use policies over a specified period, typically 20 to 30 years.

By establishing clear goals and objectives, a general plan helps ensure that development aligns with community values, economic conditions, and environmental factors. This allows for managed growth and helps to coordinate efforts between various agencies and stakeholders, facilitating sustainable development.

While zoning ordinances, land use plans, and regulatory frameworks may all play roles in development processes, they are often subsets or more specific than a general plan. A zoning ordinance, for example, implements the goals established in a general plan by specifying detailed zoning classifications and regulations for different areas within a community. A land use plan might refer to a specific component of a general plan focusing on how land in a particular area should be utilized. A regulatory framework could describe the broader set of rules and guidelines that govern land use and development, but it does not specifically encompass the comprehensive vision characteristic of a general plan.