Lebanon updates comprehensive plan to address population and housing growth demands

The Lebanon Planning Commission has initiated a significant update to the city's comprehensive plan, addressing the rapid growth and development expected in the coming years. During the meeting held on April 21, 2025, city officials emphasized the need to revise the plan, which was last updated five years ago, to better reflect the changes brought about by projects like the LEAP Innovation District.

City officials highlighted that Boone County's population is projected to grow from approximately 77,000 to 98,000 by 2050, necessitating the addition of around 5,000 housing units in the county over the next five years. Lebanon alone will need to accommodate about 2,000 of these units, which translates to an ambitious target of 400 new housing units annually—more than double the city's previous output.

The comprehensive plan update aims to provide a clear framework for managing this growth, focusing on housing, land use, transportation, and economic development. The plan will be accessible both online and in print, ensuring that residents can easily engage with its contents.

In addition to the comprehensive plan update, the commission discussed two rezoning requests for commercial developments near the Lebanon Shell Building. Both requests aim to revert previously industrial-zoned properties back to general business zoning to facilitate new retail opportunities, including a proposed hotel and a fueling station. These developments are seen as essential to supporting the anticipated influx of businesses and residents associated with the LEAP District.

The commission unanimously voted to recommend the comprehensive plan update and the rezoning requests to the Lebanon Common Council, marking a proactive step towards accommodating the city's growth and enhancing community infrastructure. As Lebanon prepares for these changes, city officials are committed to ensuring that the community's needs are met through thoughtful planning and development.