Section 8A-1-1 - Legislative findings(a) The Legislature finds, as the object of this chapter, the following: (1) That planning land development and land use is vitally important to a community;(2) A planning commission is helpful to a community to plan for land development, land use and the future;(3) A plan and a vision for the future is important when deciding uses for and development of land;(4) That sprawl is not advantageous to a community;(5) A comprehensive plan is a guide to a community's goals and objectives and a way to meet those goals and objectives;(6) That the needs of agriculture, residential areas, industry and business be recognized in future growth;(7) That the growth of the community is commensurate with and promotive of the efficient and economical use of public funds;(8) Promoting growth that is economically sound, environmentally friendly and supportive of community livability to enhance quality of life is a good objective for a governing body; and(9) Governing bodies of municipalities and counties need flexibility when authorizing land development and use.(b) Therefore, the Legislature encourages and recommends the following: (1) The goal of a governing body should be to have a plan and a vision for the future, and an agency to oversee it;(2) A governing body should have a planning commission, to serve in an advisory capacity to the governing body, and promote the orderly development of its community;(3) A comprehensive plan should be the basis for land development and use, and be reviewed and updated on a regular basis;(4) A goal of a governing body should be to reduce sprawl;(5) That planning commissions prepare a comprehensive plan and governing bodies adopt the comprehensive plans;(6) Governing bodies, units of government and planning commissions work together to provide for a better community;(7) Governing bodies may have certain regulatory powers over developments affecting the public welfare; and(8) Based upon a comprehensive plan, governing bodies may:(A) Enact a subdivision and land development ordinance;(B) Require plans and plats for land development;(C) Issue improvement location permits for construction; and(D) Enact a zoning ordinance.