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What is the General Plan?
A requirement of California law cities must adopt a General Plan to identify the community's priorities and vision of the future. The General Plan is our collective vision for how we want the community to improve during the next 10-20 years. It is the blueprint to determine the way Rancho Santa Margarita looks and feels, and for meeting anticipated future needs. When the City Council makes decision on land use, transportation, open space, community services, and other important topics, they are guided by this community blueprint. The General Plan is also used by the Planning Commission, boards, and city staff to evaluate proposed building and development projects and to make recommendations to the City Council.
As the name suggest, the General Plan provides general guidance to address the seven elements required by California law, in addition to topics that the community feels are important, such as Economic Development. The plan is implemented through more specific and detailed City programs, ordinances, and regulations such as the Zoning Ordinance and Capital Improvement Program.
For more information, contact the Planning Department at (949) 635-1800 x6701
A requirement of California law cities must adopt a General Plan to identify the community's priorities and vision of the future. The General Plan is our collective vision for how we want the community to improve during the next 10-20 years. It is the blueprint to determine the way Rancho Santa Margarita looks and feels, and for meeting anticipated future needs. When the City Council makes decision on land use, transportation, open space, community services, and other important topics, they are guided by this community blueprint. The General Plan is also used by the Planning Commission, boards, and city staff to evaluate proposed building and development projects and to make recommendations to the City Council.
As the name suggest, the General Plan provides general guidance to address the seven elements required by California law, in addition to topics that the community feels are important, such as Economic Development. The plan is implemented through more specific and detailed City programs, ordinances, and regulations such as the Zoning Ordinance and Capital Improvement Program.
For more information, contact the Planning Department at (949) 635-1800 x6701
2020 General Plan
General Plan Environmental Impact Report
- Draft EIR Cover
- Draft EIR Table of Contents
- EIR - Notice of Preparation
- Sec 01_00_Executive Summary
- Sec 02_00_Introduction
- Sec 03_00_Project Description
- Sec 04_00_Basis of Cumulative Analysis
- Sec 05_00_Environmental Analysis
- Sec 05_01_Land Use and Planning
- Sec 05_02_Population Housing
- Sec 05_03_Aesthetics
- Sec 05_04_Traffic Circulation
- Sec 05_05_Air Quality
- Sec 05_06_Noise
- Sec 05_07_Greenhouse Gas
- Sec 05_08_Geology and Soils
- Sec 05_09_Hydrology
- Sec 05_10_Hazards
- Sec 05_11_Tribal and Cultural Resources
- Sec 05_12_Biological Resources
- Sec 05_13_Fire Protection
- Sec 05_14_Police Protection
- Sec 05_15_School Facilities
- Sec 05_16_Parks and Recreation
- Sec 05_17_Water Supply
- Sec 05_18_Wastewater
- Sec 05_19_Solid Waste
- Sec 06_00_Other CEQA Considerations
- Sec 07_00_Significant Effects
- Sec 08_00_Alternatives
- Sec 09_00_Effects Found Not to be Significant
- Sec 10_00_Persons Consulted
General Plan Final EIR with Responses to Comments and Mitigation Monitoring Program
About the General Plan
- Land Use
- Noise
- Safety
- Conservation/Open Space
- Economic Development
- Housing*
- Circulation*
The Housing Element covers the period 2013-2021 and is scheduled to be updated in 2021 pursuant to state law.
*Updated in 2013
Goals and Policies
- Goal: A general statement describing a desired future condition.
- Policy: A statement of commitment designed to guide future decisions in such a way that the General Plan goals will be achieved.