What is a General Plan?

Every city and county in California must have a general plan, which is the local government’s long-term framework for future growth and development. The general plan represents the community’s aspiration for its future and intentions for community development. The general plan also contains the goals and policies upon which the City Council and Planning Commission will base their land use decisions. Typically, a general plan is designed to address the issues facing the city for the next 20 years.

The general plan is made up of a collection of “elements,” or topic categories. The State currently lists nine elements as mandatory: land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise, safety, environmental justice, and air quality (only required in the San Joaquin Valley). As part of this Update, the City is updating the Land Use, Conservation and Open Space, and Noise Elements, as well as several optional elements.

A general plan has three defining features:

General

A general plan provides general policy guidance that the local government will use to guide future land use and natural resource decisions.

Comprehensive

A general plan is comprehensive, covering a range of topics, such as land use, housing, circulation, recreation, infrastructure, urban design, public safety, natural resources, noise, economic development, and much more.

Long-Range

A general plan provides guidance for reaching a future envisioned 20 or more years in the future. To achieve the vision, a comprehensive plan includes goals, policies, and actions that address both immediate and long-term needs.

Did you know?

A general plan is not to be confused with zoning. Although both the general plan and the zoning ordinance designate how land may be developed, they do so in different ways. A general plan has a broad, long-term outlook. It identifies the types of development that will be allowed, the spatial relationships among land uses, and the general pattern of future development.

A zoning ordinance regulates development through specific standards such as lot size, building setbacks, height, and allowable uses. However, the land uses shown on the general plan diagrams will typically be reflected in the local zoning maps as well and changes to the zoning map are required to be consistent with the adopted general plan map. Development must not only meet the specific requirements of the zoning ordinance but also the broader policies set forth in the general plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why Update the General Plan?

California requires that every city, town, and county in California create a general plan. The general plan represents the community’s view of its future and expresses the community development goals.

What are the legal requirements to update the General Plan?

State law requires the City to adopt a General Plan to address land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise, safety, and environmental justice. General plans may also address and emphasize other subjects of local importance. The updated and integrated plan will guide how Lompoc should develop and evolve, and the allocation of funds and resources for infrastructure, services, and programs.

What is the difference between the General Plan and zoning?

The General Plan sets forth long-term policies that guide future development. It identifies the types of development that the City will allow, the spatial relationships among land uses, and the general pattern of future development. Zoning implements General Plan policies through detailed development regulations, such as specific use types and building standards. State law requires the City to ensure consistency between land uses specified in the General Plan and the zoning ordinance. Development projects must meet the specific requirements in the Zoning Code, as well as the broader policies set forth in the General Plan.

Who is preparing the Technical General Plan Update?

The Technical General Plan Update is being prepared by City staff with direction from the City Council and input from the Planning Commission and the community. The development of the Housing Element is being led by City staff from the Planning Department. To assist in the preparation of the Update, the City has also hired a team of planning specialists that include community planners and technical specialists:

Mintier Harnish (lead consultant)
Rincon Consultants
DKS

Why should I get involved?

The General Plan Update process provides all residents and businesses with the chance to help guide the future of Lompoc. A successful General Plan will reflect the community vision and priorities, and we need public input to create the vision and priorities.

For more information on the structure and legal requirements of a general plan, or to see a list of planning-related terms and acronyms, review the following publications:

General Plan Guidelines

Published by The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (2017)

The California General Plan Glossary

Published by The California Planning Roundtable (2001)