Before a home rule city can adopt a general zoning scheme, what must it first do?

For a home rule city to adopt a general zoning scheme, creating a plan is a fundamental step. This is essential because a zoning plan outlines how land within the jurisdiction will be used and guides future growth. It serves as a comprehensive framework that addresses land use, density, and community needs, allowing city officials to make informed decisions and set policies that align with the city's vision and goals.

Having a plan ensures that zoning decisions are not made in isolation but are instead part of an overarching strategy that considers various factors such as infrastructure, environmental impact, and community demographics. This planning process typically involves gathering data and engaging with the community, which can include conducting surveys or public discussions, but the creation of a formal plan is the prerequisite for establishing a coherent and effective zoning scheme.

Other options, though potentially valuable steps in the process, do not serve as prerequisites for adopting a general zoning scheme. For instance, gathering public opinion and completing a land use survey may occur during the development of the plan, but they are not the initial requirements. Similarly, conducting a zoning review may be part of the evaluation process of an existing scheme but is not necessary before creating a new one. Thus, the establishment of a solid, strategic plan is paramount for effective zoning implementation in a