Title
Community Development Agency, Long Range Planning Division, recommending the implementation of the General Plan Amendment Initiation Process, and recommending adoption of the General Plan Initiation Policy including application criteria and process. (Est. Time: 30 Min.) (Board Policy J-6)
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost
There is no fiscal impact or Net County Cost associated with this item.
Background
On June 25, 2013, at the request of Supervisor Veerkamp, staff provided a draft Board Policy to establish a process requiring authorization by the Board of Supervisors to initiate a privately-sponsored General Plan Amendment application. As discussed in a memo to the Board dated June 21, 2013, amending the general plan is an important decision. In recognition of the role of the General Plan as a comprehensive, long-term plan for the physical development of the County, amendments to the General Plan should occur infrequently and with appropriate deliberation. Because a significant financial investment is involved both on the private and public side of processing a General Plan Amendment, early review and consideration of amendments are warranted.
On September 30, 2013, following a 30-day public review and comment period on the draft policy, the Board provided further direction, and requested staff return with a final draft policy for consideration.
Discussion
The final draft General Plan Amendment Initiation Policy includes the following provisions:
1. Allows an early evaluation by the Board of proposed General Plan Amendments, new Specific Plan Applications and/or Specific Plan Amendments (herein collectively referred to as "Applications") based on a simplified application with few exhibits.
2. Allows the Board to terminate Applications considered inconsistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan.
3. Applies to Applications that propose to increase residential density. It does not...
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