FAQ - What is the Role of a General Plan?
Answer: The General Plan is in essence a list of policies. Whether one constructs a residence, develops a building for businesses, builds a new municipal facility, or makes changes to the City's streets, it all must follow the policies in the General Plan. The City's zoning ordinance is the primary tool used to carry out the General Plan's land use policies, so it must be consistent with the General Plan. Similarly, the City's Capital Improvements Plan, the five-year plan for municipal facility improvements, must also comply with the General Plan, so that the infrastructure is appropriately sized to meet the needs of the community. As the fundamental role of the plan is to guide physical development of the community, it also addresses the local setting, its natural resources and natural hazards.