The LUP was created through the application of socio-economic data, planning principles, existing conditions data, conservation goals and economic development expectations. The socio-economic data was developed in the Population, Economic Development and Housing elements of the Comprehensive Plan. This data established the number and type of population growth York County can expect in the future, as well as the economic and housing needs of future residents. The planning principles were derived in the Land Use Element and established the type and form of growth York County wants to achieve. Existing conditions data was derived from components of the Land Use Element depicting areas that are stable, changing or expected to encounter future development pressure. Existing conditions were also derived from the Cultural Resources Element as well as natural resource information from the Natural Resources element. Conservation goals were formulated in the Open Space Element to establish conservation areas and the Economic Development element provided areas for future industrial development.
All of the data, principles, conditions, goals and expectations from the Comprehensive Plan Elements provided a physical and ideological framework for the creation of land use districts depicted in the Land Use Plan. These districts were drawn using roads, streams, parcels, parks and other manmade as well as natural boundaries. The district types are intended to concentrate higher densities near urban areas and limit suburban sprawl while protecting natural resources and accommodating residential, commercial and industrial development growth.