Master-planned community
A master-planned community is a large development built in phases under one plan, with homes, roads, parks, and often schools and shops.
Also called MPC or planned community.
What it tells you
A new master-planned community means years of lots, homes, roads, and utilities in one place, often with several homebuilders. Its first filings, like an annexation or development agreement, come well before the first home permits.
How it moves through a city or county
- The developer assembles land and may seek annexation.
- A planned unit development, specific plan, or development agreement sets the overall plan.
- A special district is often formed to finance roads, water, and sewer.
- Each phase then goes through plats and site plans over many years.
The tools differ by state: planned unit developments in many places, specific plans in California, and districts like MUDs in Texas or metro districts in Colorado for financing.
Recent communities with 500+ homes
From public filings in Florida, Illinois, and Texas.
| Project | Location | Developer | Type | Size | Stage | Latest meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 599-Unit Single-Family Planned Unit Development | McHenry, IL | Lennar | Single-family | 599 homes293 acres | Approved | |
| 2,192-Unit Residential Development | Palm Bay, FL | DRP Solaris FL 2, LLC | Single-family | 2,192 homes829.3 acres | Seeking approval | |
| 594-Unit Residential Development on 269 Acres | Iowa Colony, TX | CWT Sierra, LP | Single-family | 594 homes269.4 acres | Recommended |
As of How we count
Common questions
- How do master-planned communities pay for roads and utilities?
- Master-planned communities often pay for roads and utilities through a special district, like a MUD in Texas or a metro district in Colorado, which sells bonds repaid by taxes or assessments on the homes. A development agreement may split costs.
- When do homebuilders get involved in a master-planned community?
- Homebuilders often contract for lots after the overall plan is approved and before the first plats are recorded. The plan, annexation, and development agreement filings show which communities are coming.
Rules vary by state, county, and city. These pages describe common practice, not legal advice.
See new communities near you.
Search Boardwalk for "master planned", or filter residential projects by acres or homes.