Why a General Plan is required?

California law requires that each county and city in the state develop and adopt a General Plan. The General Plan consists of a statement of development policies and includes a diagram or diagrams and text setting forth objectives, principles standards, and plan proposals. It is a comprehensive long-term plan for the physical development of the county or city. In this sense, it is a "blueprint" for development.

What elements make up the General Plan?

The General Plan must contain seven (7) state-mandated elements. It may also contain any other elements that the legislative body of the county or city wishes to adopt. The seven (7) mandated elements are:

  • Land Use
  • Open Space
  • Conservation
  • Housing
  • Circulation
  • Noise
  • Safety

The General Plan may be adopted in any form deemed appropriate or convenient by the legislative body of the city, including the combining of elements. The existing Vista General Plan 2030 includes all of the state-mandated elements; however, Open Space is included in the Conservation Element and is not a standalone element. Additionally, an element titled “Healthy Vista” is included in the General Plan. This is a non-mandated element that discusses the City’s healthcare and access to food among other topics.

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