Abstract
This study evaluates the natural hazards elements of local comprehensive plans on the basis of three criteria: fact basis, goals and policies. Plans were chosen from a sample of communities in five states: California, Florida, North Carolina, Texas and Washington. Scores from communities mandated to develop comprehensive plans were compared to scores from non-mandated communities. Scores of mandated communities were analyzed on the basis of mandate characteristics and local control factors. The results showed that scores of plans from communities mandated to develop comprehensive plans were significantly different from nonmandated communities' plan scores. Further analysis showed that mandate characteristics had a stronger influence on plan scores among mandated communities than any of the control factors.
Prater, Carla Sue (1993). Enhancing the content and quality of local comprehensive plans: the role of state mandates. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1993 -THESIS -P912.