The term, also simply known as Land Use Plan, by a general definition is a document designed to guide the future actions of a community. It presents a vision for the future, with long-range goals and objectives for all activities that affect the local government. It is then detailed or categorized by creating a guide on how to make decisions on public and private land development proposals. It ranges from land use optimization, creation and implementation of policies and the proper expenditure of public funds. Most of these plans have a range of activities within a 10 to 20 year period and is constantly reviewed and updated.

The CLUP has 12 main steps and these are:

1. Getting Organized. That is assembling the team that will be handing the creation of the CLUP. The core group includes personnel from the Local Planning Development Office, Local Environment and Natural Resources Office, Local Disaster Risk and Management Office, and Local Treasurer and Budget Office. Each roles and responsibilities are then defined. The work program, budget, and approval of proposals are also discussed in this step.

2. Identifying the Stakeholders. It starts with conducting a workshop to identify the stakeholders with the plan objectives at hand. That is, listing the interest groups and individuals. The action plan and strategy approaches are then formulated.

3. Visioning. Refining and adoption of the vision of the city or community. This unites the LGU and stakeholders into achieving a common direction of development.

4. Analyzing the Situation. The present situation and needs should be analyzed in order to determine if it is still in par with the projected needs of the community. The analysis can be based on the current data gathered, records and publications from the LGU and stakeholders.

5. Setting the Goals and Objectives. This step is the formulation of achievable goals and objectives and is then detailed by category/indicators and within the time frame of the CLUP.

6. Establish Developmental Tasks and Spatial Strats. This step of the process is to generate development options and selection of appropriate spatial strategies that are derived from the vision, goals and objectives stated in the earlier step.

7. Preparing the Land Use Plan. The vision, goals and objectives along with the development thrust and strategies are translated into the land use plan.

8. Drafting the Zoning Ordinance. This along with other ordinance will complement the implementation of the CLUP. Zones are identified including the division of the community into districts such as the residential, industrial, commercial, and etc. the use and development are then maximized and regulated based on the land use plan.

9. Conduct Public Hearing. Public Hearing and consultation is important in the refining of the CLUP and ZO. This is to encourage ownership and gain support from the public.

10. Review and Approval. This step is on the reviewing of the CLUP consistency to the level of provincial, regional and national perspective. The additional recommendations will have to be integrated before it can be approved.

11. Implementing CLUP/ZO. The LGU and co-management is now conducting the actual implementation of the plan in this step. Establish of the cooperation and partnership between the involved agencies is also important.

12. Monitor, Review and Evaluate. The goat is to assess effectiveness of the plan, the impact of land development and ensure completion of programs and projects in the plan.