CC 2017-03-28_09g 2016 General Plan Annual Report
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: TERESA McCLISH, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BY: MATTHEW DOWNING, PLANNING MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF THE 2016 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT
DATE: MARCH 28, 2017
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council review and accept the 2016 General Plan Annual
Report (the “Annual Report” or “Report”) and direct staff to forward the Report to the
Governor’s Office of Planning and Research.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
Financial impacts include staff time and resources of approximately $500 to prepare the
Annual Report. It is anticipated that this report will continue to be built upon for future
Annual Reports.
BACKGROUND:
California Government Code Section 65400 requires all cities to file a General Plan
Annual Report to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR). The purpose
of the Report is to monitor the City's implementation of the City's General Plan over
time, to help identify statewide trends and inform local decision makers. Prior to
submittal to the state, the Annual Report must be presented to the City Council for
review and acceptance.
The City's General Plan was adopted in October 2001. A number of activities have been
undertaken that implement the goals and policies of the General Plan since that time,
including the optional elements adopted by the City. The last major update of the
General Plan was completed in March 2016, with the adoption and certification of the
2014-2019 Housing Element Update. The Housing Element was certified by the
Department of Housing and Community Development in September 2016.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission received and filed the Annual Report at the meeting of March
7, 2017. The Planning Commission recommended the Report be submitted to the City
Council for final acceptance.
Item 9.g. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF 2016 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT
MARCH 28, 2017
PAGE 2
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
The Annual Report provides an overview of the activities completed or undertaken
during 2016 to implement or update the General Plan. With the exception of the
Housing Element Update, no other amendments to the General Plan were adopted
during 2016. Activities have been conducted to work toward updating other General
Plan Elements while opportunities to implement the General Plan were completed as
they became available. It should be noted that the Annual Report is not a
comprehensive list of activities undertaken by the City during 2016.
The City’s Annual Report is formatted into two (2) sections:
Section 1: Introduction, including the legal requirements of the Annual Report
and status of the adopted Elements of the General Plan; and
Section 2: Summary of Activity for 2016.
The Report does not include information regarding the City’s progress toward meeting
its share of regional housing needs and local efforts to reduce governmental constraints
to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing pursuant to
Government Code Section 65583. This is due to the fact that the Council adopted and
the Department of Housing and Community Development certified the Housing Element
Update during the previous year, solidifying actions to be taken and goals to be met.
This information will be included in the 2017 Report.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
Accept the 2016 General Plan Annual Report and direct staff to forward the
Report to OPR;
Do not accept the 2016 General Plan Annual Report and provide direction to staff
regarding modifications to the Report; or
Provide other direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
The City will be providing the State with data in compliance with the California
Government Code.
DISADVANTAGES:
There are no disadvantages identified with filing the Annual Report.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Environmental review is not required for this item.
Item 9.g. - Page 2
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF 2016 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT
MARCH 28, 2017
PAGE 3
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2. At the time of report publication, no comments
have been received.
Attachment:
1. 2016 General Plan Annual Report
Item 9.g. - Page 3
ATTACHMENT 1
General Plan Annual Report
2016
Item 9.g. - Page 4
Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2016 Page 2
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
City Council
Jim Hill, Mayor
Tim Brown, Mayor Pro Tem
Kristen Barneich
Barbara Harmon
Caren Ray
Planning Commission
Lan George, Chair
Terry Fowler-Payne
John Mack
Glenn Martin
Frank Schiro
Community Development Department
Teresa McClish, AICP, Community Development Director
Matt Downing, AICP, Planning Manager
Kelly Heffernon, AICP, Associate Planner
Sam Anderson, Planning Technician
Debbie Weichinger, Administrative Secretary
Contact Information
City of Arroyo Grande
Community Development Department
300 E. Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Phone: (805) 473-5420
Website
www.arroyogrande.org
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Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2016 Page 3
Contents
Section 1 - Introduction .................................................................................................................. 4
A. Purpose of the Annual Report ................................................................................................ 4
B. Purpose of the General Plan ................................................................................................... 4
C. Status of the Adopted Elements of the City’s General Plan ................................................... 4
Land Use Element (Adopted October 2001) ............................................................................... 6
Circulation Element (Adopted October 2001) ............................................................................ 6
Housing Element (Adopted March 2016) ................................................................................... 7
Agriculture, Conservation, and Open Space Element (Adopted October 2001, Amended June
2007)............................................................................................................................................ 7
Safety Element (Adopted October 2001) .................................................................................... 7
Noise Element (Adopted October 2001) ..................................................................................... 7
Economic Development Element (Adopted October 2012) ....................................................... 7
Parks and Recreation Element (Adopted October 2001) ............................................................ 7
Section 2 – Summary of Activity – 2016 ......................................................................................... 8
Planning Commission .................................................................................................................. 8
Building and Life Safety Division ................................................................................................. 8
Planning Division ......................................................................................................................... 9
General Plan Policies and Programs ............................................................................................ 9
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Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2016 Page 4
Section 1 - Introduction
A. Purpose of the Annual Report
This report reviews the activities that took place to implement the Arroyo Grande General Plan
between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. This report fulfills the requirements of
Section 65400 of the California Government Code, which requires the City to file an annual
report addressing the status of the General Plan and progress made toward goals and
objectives. This annual report provides a means to monitor the success of implementing the
General Plan and determine if changes need to be made in the plan or its implementation
programs. The City is required to file the annual report with the Office of Planning and Research
(OPR), as well as to their legislative bodies. The legislative body for Arroyo Grande is the City
Council.
B. Purpose of the General Plan
The General Plan is the foundation development policy document of the City of Arroyo Grande.
It defines the framework by which the physical, economic and human resources of the City are
to be managed and utilized over time. The General Plan is available for public review at City Hall
and on the City’s website.
As an informational document, the General Plan acts to clarify and articulate the intentions of
the City with respect to the rights and expectations of the public, property owners, and
prospective investors and business interests.
C. Status of the Adopted Elements of the City’s General Plan
State law requires that the General Plan include seven elements. These mandatory elements
must cover the following topics: Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Safety, Noise, Conservation,
and Open Space. State law allows the City to adopt any additional general plan elements that
the City deems necessary. Additionally, the elements of the general plan may combine
elements as it deems necessary. The City of Arroyo Grande General Plan combines Agriculture,
Open Space, and Conservation elements into a single element. The following is a breakdown of
the City’s General Plan:
Arroyo Grande
GP Elements
Required GP
Elements Examples of Topics Covered
Agriculture, Conservation
and Open Space Element
Agriculture
(Optional)
Define policy for the protection of significant
natural resources, providing the setting or
context for urban land use development and
incorporated City areas.
Conservation
Open Space
Fringe and Urban Area
Land Use Element
Land Use Provides for the types, density or intensity,
design and distribution of existing and potential
City areas.
Circulation/Transportation
Element
Circulation Identifies the street pattern and other circulation
infrastructure and transportation systems
needed to support the uses identified Land Use
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Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2016 Page 5
Arroyo Grande
GP Elements
Required GP
Elements Examples of Topics Covered
Element.
Housing Element Housing Identifies and provides an analysis of existing and
projected housing needs, an evaluation of
housing constraints, a statement of goals,
policies, quantifiable objectives and financial
resources, and scheduled programs for the
preservation, improvement, and development of
housing.
Safety Element Safety Provides for the protection of lives and property
from the adverse effects of natural and man-
caused hazards.
Noise Element Noise Identifies the sources and outlines policy to
protect land uses against adverse noise levels
associated with necessary circulation and related
activity.
Economic Development
Element
Economic
Development
(Optional)
Defines the objectives, policies and proposals for
improved employment, business retention and
expansion, and fiscal growth of the community.
Park and Recreation
Element
Parks and
Recreation
(Optional)
Outlines these public facilities and services
desired to support the City and area residents,
businesses, and visitors’ leisure-time activities.
The City’s General Plan was adopted in October 2001. The City’s last major update of the
General plan was completed in March 2016, with the City’s adoption and certification of the
2014-2019 Housing Element Update. The 2014-2019 Housing Element was certified by the
Department of Housing and Community Development in September 2016. The following is a list
of updates to the General Plan since the document’s adoption:
Amendment No. Date Type Project
GPA 02-001 November 2003 Land Use Map Parkside Residences
GPA 02-002 June 2003 Land Use Map Berry Gardens Subarea 2
GPA 03-001 April 2003 Land Use Map Village Core Extension
GPA 03-002 September 2003 Land Use Map Agriculture Designations
GPA 03-003 March 2004 AG/C/OS Conversion of Prime Ag
Land, Farmworker
Housing, and Ag
Conservation Easements
GPA 04-001 Withdrawn by
applicant
Land Use Map Alder House
GPA 04-002 August 2004 Land Use Map Noyes Road Properties
GPA 04-003 March 2005 Housing Element Housing Element Update
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Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2016 Page 6
Amendment No. Date Type Project
GPA 06-001 August 2006 Land Use Map Castillo Del Mar
GPA 06-002 November 2006 Circ & Parks and
Rec Elements
Bike and Pedestrian Plan
GPA 06-003 November 2007 Land Use Map S. Elm Multi-Family
Designation
GPA 06-004 February 2007 Land Use Map Sunset Drive
GPA 07-001 June 2007 AG/C/OS Creek Protection Policies
GPA 07-002 November 2007 Housing Element Affordable Housing
Requirements
GPA 07-003 Placed on hold due to
competing priorities
AG/C/OS Conservation Element
Update
GPA 09-001 September 2009 Land Use Map 2009 Land Use Map
Cleanup
GPA 09-001B October 2009 Land Use Map Pearwood Annexation
GPA 11-001 Withdrawn by
applicant
Land Use Map Hillcrest
GPA 11-002 October 2013 Housing Element 2007-15 Housing
Element
GPA 12-001 Withdrawn by
applicant
Land Use Map Alder House
GPA 12-002 July 2012 Circulation
Element
Bicycle and Trails Master
Plan
GPA 12-003 October 2012 Economic
Development
2012 Economic
Development Element
GPA 14-001 March 2014 Land Use Map Heights at Vista Del Mar
Annexation
GPA 14-002 October 2015 Land Use Element Courtland/Grand
GPA 14-003 March 2016 Housing Element 2014-19 Housing
Element
The following is a brief overview of actions taken in 2016 relative to each individual Element:
Land Use Element (Adopted October 2001)
No text or map amendments to the Land Use Element occurred in 2016. The Community
Development Department has begun collecting necessary data and the City Council has
allocated some funding to begin the update of the Land Use Element following the Circulation
Element update.
Circulation Element (Adopted October 2001)
No text amendments to the Circulation Element occurred in 2016. The Community
Development Department is currently working on an update to the Circulation Element with an
estimated public draft being available in summer 2017.
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Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2016 Page 7
Housing Element (Adopted March 2016)
The Housing Element was updated and adopted in March 2016 for the 2014-2019 Regional
Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Cycle. Since its adoption, a Development Code Amendment
(DCA 14-006) was adopted by the City Council regarding emergency shelters and supportive
and transitional housing, as directed by Senate Bill 2 and Government Code Section 65583.
Additional work on the Housing Element included the identifying actions to be completed
during the implementation of the Housing Element. It is anticipated that further discussion of
these activities will occur in future annual reports.
Agriculture, Conservation, and Open Space Element (Adopted October 2001,
Amended June 2007)
No text amendments to the Agriculture, Conservation, and Open Space Element occurred in
2016. The City did secure Creek Easements for future creekside trails along Arroyo Grande
Creek in March 2016, consistent with Objectives and Policies of the Element.
Safety Element (Adopted October 2001)
No text amendments to the Safety Element occurred in 2016. The City is working on text
updates to incorporate the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and address fire and flood hazards in
accordance with State Law.
Noise Element (Adopted October 2001)
No text amendments to the Noise Element occurred in 2016.
Economic Development Element (Adopted October 2012)
No text amendments to the Economic Development Element occurred in 2016. The City is
currently working on an Economic Development Strategic Plan and considering opportunities to
combine that work effort with other work efforts such as the East Grand Avenue Master Plan in
order to increase implementation of the plan and investment by property owners.
Parks and Recreation Element (Adopted October 2001)
No text or map amendments to the Parks and Recreation Element occurred in 2016. The City is
currently in the initial stages of updating the Parks and Recreation Element. A small team of City
staff have been assembled and are reviewing the existing Element to identify actions taken to
implement the policies and programs and begin developing recommendations to policy
amendments.
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Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2016 Page 8
Section 2 – Summary of Activity – 2016
The City of Arroyo Grande policies and programs identified in the General Plan include tools
already in place and used on a day-to-day basis in the City. Some of the various tools available
to further the City’s goals and objectives include the City Council’s annual goals and priorities,
Budget/Capital Improvement Program, Specific Plans and Master Plans of Development, Zoning
and Subdivision Regulations, CDBG Funds, etc.
Planning Commission
The City of Arroyo Grande Planning Commission is designated as the "Planning Agency", as
authorized by Section 65100 of the Government Code. The Commission has the discretionary
and advisory responsibilities that are authorized by Chapters 2.18, 16.04, and 16.08 of the
Arroyo Grande Municipal Code.
During 2016, the Planning Commission approved the following:
Six (6) conditional use permits;
One (1) lot merger;
Two (2) architectural reviews;
Three (3) tentative parcel maps;
One (1) amended conditional use permit;
One (1) plot plan review;
Two (2) variances;
One (1) time extension;
One (1) lot line adjustment;
One (1) pre-application;
Two (2) minor exceptions;
Three (3) planned unit developments;
One (1) viewshed review; and
One (1) Development Code interpretation.
In their advisory role, the Planning Commission forwarded recommendations to the City Council
that included three (3) land use entitlements, four (4) amendments to the Development Code,
and two (2) amendments to the General Plan.
Building and Life Safety Division
The City’s Building and Life Safety Division reviews project plans, issues permits, and provides
inspection services for compliance with California's building, fire, mechanical, electrical,
plumbing, energy, and disabled access codes, as well as city ordinances.
In 2016, the Building Division received 621 building permit applications and issued 523 building
permits. During the past year, City building inspectors made 2,154 construction and safety-
related inspections associated with building permit activity. The Building Division finaled and
completed 452 building permits in the same period.
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Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2016 Page 9
Planning Division
The Planning Division assists the community, the City Council, and the Planning Commission in
preparing for the City's future growth and development, as well as reviews current
development plans for consistency with local ordinances. The Planning Division administers the
Development Code and deals with transportation, housing, community facilities, public safety,
open space, design, and the use of land.
The Planning Division provides support staff to the Planning Commission, Architectural Review
Committee, Historical Resources Committee, Downtown Parking Advisory Board, and Traffic
Commission. Administrative functions include the scheduling of meetings, preparation of
agendas, posting of hearing notices, and preparation of minutes.
The Planning Division provides land use analysis, environmental review as required under the
California Environmental Quality Act, and prepares staff reports for the aforementioned
Commissions and Committees, including the City Council.
In 2016, the Planning Division received 219 applications for various land use entitlements
(permits), including, Development Code Amendments, land divisions, Conditional Use Permits,
Minor Use Permits, and Sign permits.
General Plan Policies and Programs
Community Development Department staff is currently working on a number of items
specifically related to the General Plan, as referenced above. Prioritized work efforts for the
General Plan include the Circulation Element Update, defining attainable housing, identifying
incentives for attainable housing, and ensuring the City’s emergency shelter regulations are
consistent with State law, as part of the Housing Element (HE-A.14, HE-A.14-1, and HE-K.2-1),
and the Economic Development Strategic Plan (ED6).
Item 9.g. - Page 12