HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2026-02-24 Item 11.b. General Plan Study Session[[
ARROYO GRANDE
GENERAL PLAN &
DEVELOPMENT CODE
UPDATE
STUDY SESSION
OBJECTIVES
01. Overview of
the General Plan
Update
02. Summary of
the Draft General
Plan
04. Next Steps
ii
05. Council Discussion
03. Overview of
Feedback on Draft
General Plan
1 OVERVIEW OF
THE GENERAL
PLAN UPDATE
FOCUS OF THE GENERAL
PLAN UPDATE
•Ensure compliance with State laws and California General
Plan Guidelines
•Inclusion of adopted City policies
•Capture emerging trends and best practices
•Reflect community feedback:
•Focus on safe active transportation
•Increase housing opportunities
•Maintain character
PROJECT PROCESS
Community Engagement - Ongoing
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
Project
Initiation
1
Existing
Conditions
and Trends
2
Identify
Issues and
Opportunities
3
Vision and
Guiding
Principles
4
Land Use
Scenarios
5
Goals and
Policies
Development
6
Environmental
Impact Report
7
Citizens Advisory Group (CAG)
SUMMARY OF
THE DRAFT
GENERAL
PLAN2
ORGANIZATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN
The General Plan is organized into 10 chapters.
Chapters 2 - 10 are considered “Elements” and
address specific topics.
1.Introduction
2.Land Use Element
3.Natural and Cultural Resources Element
4.Safety Element
5.Noise Element
6.Park, Recreation, and Community Services Element
7.Circulation Element
8.Economic Development Element
9.Health and Equity Element
10.Housing Element
www.planarroyogrande.com
USING THE GENERAL PLAN
Introduction Text
Goal
•A goal is a statement that describes in general terms a desired
future condition or “end” state. Goals describe ideal future
conditions for a topic and tend to be very general and broad.
Policy
•A policy is a clear and unambiguous statement that guides a
specific course of action for decision-makers to achieve a
desired goal.
Implementation Program
•A program or measure that implements one or more policies
with timeframes for completion over the next 20-25 years.
HOW TO READ THE GENERAL PLAN
HOW TO READ THE GENERAL PLAN
LAND USE AND COMMUNITY CHARACTER
The Land Use and Community
Character Element provides a
framework to guide and shape
future physical development in
Arroyo Grande. This Element
includes the Land Use Diagram
and associated policies and
programs to balance preservation
and new development that is
consistent with Arroyo Grande’s
unique character.
LAND USE DIAGRAM
NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
The purpose of the Natural and
Cultural Resources Element is to
preserve, protect, enhance, and
celebrate the natural and
historical resources that make
Arroyo Grande a unique place. It
addresses topics including open
space, scenic resources,
habitat and creek protection,
water resources, geology and
soils, historic resources, tribal
cultural resources, and air quality.
SAFETY
The Safety Element looks at
safety risks and addresses
disaster preparedness and
emergency response.
To maintain a high quality of life
for residents, the City must
minimize natural hazard risks,
such as earthquakes, wildfire, and
flooding, as well as manmade
hazards and nuisances.
NOISE
The purpose of the Noise
Element is to evaluate noise
conflicts and hazards associated
with traffic and development in
Arroyo Grande, both existing and
potential. It establishes policies
and actions to avoid and reduce
these conflicts to protect
sensitive uses.
PARKS, RECREATION, COMMUNITY
SERVICES
The Community Services, Parks,
Recreation, Community Services
Element guides the long-range
maintenance, preservation,
accessibility, and conservation
of parks, recreational facilities,
and public services.
CIRCULATION
The Circulation Element
addresses the movement of
people and goods in and around
the city. The Circulation Element
seeks to create an efficient, safe,
balanced, and integrated multi-
modal transportation system that
is accessible to all users.
CIRCULATION MAP
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Economic Development
Element addresses the City’s
development, job creation, tourism,
and fiscal stability. The goals and
policies in the Economic
Development Element support the
continued growth of the local
economy and overall improvement
in the quality of life for Arroyo
Grande residents, visitors, and local
business owners.
HEALTH AND EQUITY
The Health and Equity Element
includes goals, policies, and
implementation programs that
encourage and support local efforts
to increase civic participation in the
local political process, provide more
inclusive governance, and to
promote healthy lifestyles for all
residents of Arroyo Grande.
SUMMARY OF
FEEDBACK3
FEEDBACK ON THE
PRELIMINARY DRAFT
December 3, 2025
Community Open House
December 2, 2025
Planning Commission
Study Session
December 3, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Online Community Survey
November 19, 2025 – Present
Accepting public comments via project website and
email
FEEDBACK ON THE
DRAFT GENERAL PLAN
Overall positive feedback on the focus and structure of the Draft
General Plan
Concern about the impact of proposed growth on infrastructure and
water supply
Refinement and clarity of North Fair Oaks and Frederick Focus Areas
(open space, access, and density assumptions)
Include section on telecommunications and high-speed internet
More emphasis on expanding local and regional recreational
opportunities and facilities
Incorporate flexible commercial/industrial spaces into land use plan to
encourage smaller businesses/industries
NEXT STEPS4
NEXT STEPS
NE
X
T
S
T
E
P
S
Release the Public Review
Draft General Plan
Revise the Preliminary
Draft General Plan based
on Council feedback
Continue to solicit feedback from the
public
Initiate the Preparation of the Environmental
Impact Report and Continue work on the
Climate Action Plan
COUNCIL
DISCUSSION5
THANK
YOU
Michael Gibbons, Project Manager
Michael@mintierharnish.com
Andrew Perez, Planning Manager
aperez@arroyogrande.org