General Plans

General Plans

Every city and county in California must adopt a general plan. The general plan has been described variously as a blueprint, guidebook, operating manual, roadmap, and touchstone, and constitution for land use and development. General plans are long-term plans for city or county growth and development. They must address a minimum set of topics, such as land use, transportation, and housing, be internally consistent, and legally enforceable. The topics are typically addressed in chapters referred to as “elements.” While the housing element of the general plan is the primary focus for addressing housing goals, policies, and programs, other parts of the general plan and the actions surrounding general plan preparation affect housing as well. In this section, six general plan topics are addressed:

  • General Plan Policies and Programs
  • General Plan Annual Reports
  • Community Engagement
  • Environmental Justice
  • Hazard Mitigation
  • Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)