Final answer:
A master plan is the planning directive that provides essential guidance for directing the development, adaptation, or refinement of a plan or order. It considers regional impact and establishes a unified vision and regulations to guide future development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The planning directive that provides essential planning guidance and directs the development, adaptation, or refinement of a plan/order is typically referred to as a master plan. The master plan offers a comprehensive vision and a coherent set of regulations, guiding future development in a way that aligns with region-wide goals and priorities. Municipalities create these master plans, which are implemented via ordinances controlling zoning, subdivision developments, street plans, public facility plans, and building regulations. These directives ensure coordinated development efforts that consider the impacts on neighboring cities and reflect a cohesive approach to regional development.
Land-use regulation, guided by the master plan, is a primary tool in steering both existing structures and future developments. The regulations outlined in the master plan are shaped by various factors including ecological considerations, budgetary constraints, existing law, and legislative proposals. Effective application of these plans is central to maintaining a balance between development and conservation, as addressed in literature such as Soulé's guidelines on land use planning and wildlife maintenance.