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Importance of Updating a General Plan | FAQ
Each city and county in California is required by state law to prepare and maintain a planning document called a General Plan. A jurisdiction’s General Plan is an overarching guide to future land use and development.
All land use entitlements, such as subdivisions and new development projects, must be consistent with a jurisdiction’s general plan. In this way, a general plan is often referred to as a "constitution for development”.
Seven “elements” are required by the California Government Code (Section 65000 et seq). All General Plan elements are interrelated and must be internally consistent. The City may organize them in any manner.
Land Use Element: The Element provides policies, programs and land use maps addressing the general location, density and intensity of housing, business, industry, open space, education, public buildings and grounds, waste disposal facilities and other land uses.
Circulation Element: The Element identifies policies, programs and the general location and extent of existing and proposed major roads, transportation routes, terminals, and public utilities and facilities. It must be correlated with the Land Use Element and relates to energy and air quality.
Housing Element: The Element provides a comprehensive assessment of current and projected housing needs for all economic segments of the community. It sets forth local housing policies and programs.
Conservation Element: The Element addresses the identification, conservation, development and use of natural resources, including water, forests, soils, waterways, wildlife and mineral deposits.
Open Space Element: The Element details plans and measures for preserving open space for natural resources, the managed production of resources, outdoor recreation, public health and safety, and the identification of agricultural land.
Noise Element: The Element evaluates noise problems in the community and establishes policies and programs to protect the community from excessive noise.
Safety Element: The Element establishes policies and programs to protect the community from risks associated with seismic, geologic, flood, wildfire and other hazards.
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