Planning and zoning was a cornerstone issue of the incorporation campaign for the city. Planning was seen as the mechanism for making West Valley City a more desirable place to live.

With tougher regulations, more consistency and stricter enforcement of existing ordinances, city officials hoped to accomplish three important goals: encouraging home ownership, improving the city's appearance and maintaining respect for individual property rights.

In 1984, the city developed a general plan to provide direction to future growth. The implementation of the general plan has helped transform West Valley City from a struggling bedroom community to a thriving employment center.