FAQ
What is a General Plan?
The state of California requires every city and county in California to adopt a General Plan, which is the local government’s long-term blueprint “for the physical development of the county, excluding the area within the incorporated cities, that bears relation to its planning.” The General Plan represents the community’s view of its future and expresses the long-term growth and development goals. It addresses issues that impact the entire county, such as how land is used, where buildings are built, the locations of roads and parks, safety, noise, and more
The General Plan contains the goals and policies upon which the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission will base their land use decisions. All County plans, zoning, and private development must be consistent with the diagrams and policies in the General Plan.
Why is the County updating its General Plan?
The County’s current General Plan was last comprehensively updated in 1993. Glenn County is facing important demands and challenges (some new, some long-standing) on its land use pattern, economy, budget, and infrastructure network. Changing demographics and economic conditions, changes to the agricultural economy, and new state legislation are some of the important reasons that the County has decided to update its General Plan.
What is included in the General Plan Update project?
The General Plan Update work program includes preparation of a variety of important plans that will guide the County through 2040. These include:
Existing Conditions Report – The Existing Conditions Report will describe current conditions and regulations affecting the County associated with land use and growth, circulation, environmental justice, community services and facilities, safety and noise, climate change, agriculture, natural resources, and conservation. The Existing Conditions Report is prepared early in the process and serves as a resource to County decision-makers, the public, County staff, and the consultant team throughout the project.
Land Use Alternatives Report – The Land Use Alternatives Report will conceptualize the community’s general land use preferences regarding general land use characteristics, areas for change/growth, open space, recreation, and circulation improvements. The report will focus on opportunity areas for growth and change and will address the growth potential for each alternative, taking into account past development patterns and growth rates, land use capacity (residential units, population, and non-residential uses), agricultural and resource lands preservation, and jobs-housing balance.
General Plan Document – The General Plan document will address all state-required General Plan topics (see below) and other topics of local importance, including economic development, agricultural resources, and public facilities and services.
Environmental Impact Report – An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared to address all potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of the General Plan. The EIR will serve as a "tiering document" to facilitate streamlined environmental review of subsequent development, planning, and infrastructure projects undertaken in the County which are consistent with the General Plan.
What topics are addressed in the General Plan?
What topics are addressed in the General Plan?
General Plans are divided into elements based on specific topics. There are seven mandatory elements: land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, safety, and noise. State law allows local governments to organize and format their general plans however they desire, as long as the required topics or elements are addressed. Counties can also choose to include additional elements, economic development, and agricultural resources.
We expect to address all of these topics, and more, in Glenn County's new General Plan. As a part of preparing the General Plan Update, the existing elements may be reorganized and new elements may be added to emphasize new planning issues that have arisen since the current General Plan was adopted.
What is the schedule for the Glenn County General Plan Project?
The General Plan Update will take place over a two-and-a-half-year period from April 2019 through the fall of 2021.
How can I get involved?
The General Plan Update process provides an opportunity for community members to discuss and weigh-in on the County’s future. We encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities to participate, including meetings, workshops, online surveys, and public hearings.
In order to collect community input in an open, engaging, and actionable way, the County has designed a series of community venues and events where you will have the opportunity to participate in and be informed of the planning process. These include:
Visioning Workshops – Three Visioning Workshops will be held to introduce the community to the project and to provide opportunities for the community to identify their vision, goals and priorities, and land use and transportation preferences for the General Plan Update. Click here for details for the Visioning Workshops planned for spring and summer 2019.
General Plan Advisory Group (GPAC) - The GPAC will be selected by the Board of Supervisors to represent the community and work directly with the General Plan Update staff and consultant team to identify issues and concerns, review land uses, and prepare the draft goals, policies, and actions that will be the foundation for each element of the General Plan. GPAC meetings will be working meetings. The public is invited to attend, but the public will not participate in the GPAC discussion.
Stakeholder Interviews – Interviews of groups and organizations that represent various local and regional issues that affect Glenn County will be conducted to ensure that a broad range of perspectives are included early in the General Plan update process. Feedback collected during this stage will be subject to additional input from the broader community.
Community Workshops – Two community workshop will be held during the General Plan Update process. The first workshop will provide an overview of the Visioning process and community input and will focus on community feedback regarding the Land Use Alternatives Report. The second workshop will be held during the development of goals and policies for the update highlight the key points and ideas of the General Plan Update and to provide the community an opportunity to provide input on issues of concern, including community character, economic development, community facilities and services, and resource protection.
Public Review Draft General Plan – The Public Review Draft General Plan and Environmental Impact Report will be made available to the entire community for review and feedback before the plan is finalized.
Planning Commission and Board of Supervisor Hearings –The County will conduct public hearings before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors to consider the update to the General Plan. Community members are encouraged to attend these meetings.
Why should I get involved?
Glenn County is committed to involving the community in the planning process. The General Plan Update process provides residents, businesses, and interested parties the chance to help guide the future of the community. A successful General Plan will reflect the community’s vision and priorities, and we believe that your voice is vital to producing a plan that will reflect your vision for the county’s future. Community input is needed to establish the long-term vision for Glenn County and to identify key issues and priorities.
How will my feedback be used?
Public input from every engagement opportunity is meticulously reviewed and documented to ensure that planners, County staff, and decision-makers have a full understanding of public sentiment when drafting goals and policies. Public feedback on General Plan materials, including goals and policies, will be considered throughout the process.
How can I stay informed?
Visit the Get Involved page to view the dates of upcoming meetings and community events. If you wish to be added to the County’s mailing list to receive project updates and invitations to community events, use the contact form and request to be added to the mailing list.
The General Plan Update process is an opportunity for community members to discuss the county’s future. There will be many opportunities to participate, including meetings, workshops, and public hearings. All of these opportunities will be posted on this website.
