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ISSUES |
GENERAL PLAN 2007 - 2027 |
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ISSUES,
OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS Issues define
the general scope of the work that must be undertaken and the course of
action that must be followed in the planning process. This section identifies
important local and regional issues that should be addressed in the general
plan, as well as existing constraints and opportunities. These form the
context within which the general plan will be updated. While
state law establishes the basic contents of the general plan, the full list
of issues contained in §65302
and other statutes are not intended to apply in every jurisdiction. Section §65301(c) provides that each
state-mandated element need address only those issues that are relevant to
the County’s planning area. This is commonly referred to as the
“shoe-fits” doctrine (from the old saying, “if the shoe
fits, wear it”). For example, open-space issues in a county where
agricultural land and wildlife habitat are important will be very different
than those in an urbanized city, which may have parks as its only open space.
The exception is the housing element, which must meet all the specific
requirements of §65580,
et seq. |
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A general plan must address a broad range of issues. The plan
must address the County’s physical development, such as general
locations, appropriate mix, timing, and extent of land uses and supporting
infrastructure. The broad scope of physical development issues may range from
appropriate areas for building factories to open space for preserving
endangered species. This may include not only those issues described in the
planning statutes, but regional issues as well. |
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Land use decisions have not only immediate and future physical
and environmental impacts, but also social and economic impacts. Because a
general plan represents the most comprehensive local expression of the
general welfare as it relates to land use regulation, recognizing social and
economic concerns in the general plan is appropriate. Social and economic
issues may be discussed within the context of the mandatory elements, such as
housing and land use. Environmental justice, which recognizes that land use
decisions have consequences for social equity, may also be addressed within
the context of the mandatory elements. |
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Whether the jurisdiction is a city or county, rural or urban,
mature or growing will color its analysis and define the issues that are of
greatest importance. The general plan should focus on those issues that are
relevant to the planning area. |
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Below are links
to the issues identified for each topic addressed by the Plan: |
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The
following links will allow one to continue reviewing the process for the
Plan: |
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