Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a General Plan?
What is the purpose of the General Plan?
The General Plan is a City’s most basic planning document which reflects and identifies our community’s land use, circulation, environmental, economic, and social goals and policies. The General Plan also informs residents, developers, decision-makers, and other cities and counties of the “ground rules” that will guide development in Encinitas.
Among the kinds of decisions that a general plan helps to guide are how to handle growth and development, where and how open space is treated, decisions about expanding major infrastructure, how to provide park and recreation services, and acceptable noise levels in neighborhoods.
Why do we need to update the General Plan?
The General Plan is a City’s most basic planning document which reflects and identifies our community’s land use, circulation, environmental, economic, and social goals and policies. The General Plan also informs residents, developers, decision-makers, and other cities and counties of the “ground rules” that will guide development in Encinitas.
Among the kinds of decisions that a general plan helps to guide are how to handle growth and development, where and how open space is treated, decisions about expanding major infrastructure, how to provide park and recreation services, and acceptable noise levels in neighborhoods.
What will a revised General Plan mean to local residents and businesses?
The General Plan may affect the way key properties in your neighborhood and across the City are preserved and/or revitalized during the coming years. Because the plan will establish a series of long-term policies and goals, it will influence the future look and feel of our community. The way we plan our City can have a large impact on our lives. For example, the plan will be used to guide investment in new public facilities like recreation centers and libraries. We can decide where we need additional green space, playgrounds, and parks. We can develop guidelines that foster small, local businesses or help attract more stores and restaurants to the business district near your home.
Will this General Plan really make an impact?
Yes, if we focus the General Plan on the issues that matter the most to Encinitas residents—and develop a realistic strategy for implementation. We believe that the development of the City’s General Plan must be a collaborative process and engage various cross-sections of the community. You will be hearing a lot more about the General Plan in the coming months and if you take the time to participate in this process, you will have the opportunity to better prepare Encinitas for the future.
Who is working on the General Plan and how long will it take?
The City of Encinitas is developing this plan jointly with the community and with planning professionals. The General Plan Advisory Committee, representing a broad cross-section of residents, business owners, and community leaders, has been formed to provide input into the General Plan Update process. Other City agencies are also participating to ensure that the plan will cover a variety of long-range planning issues. However, it is important to note that the residents of Encinitas will hold the primary role in developing the General Plan update through direction provided at public workshops and other public outreach venues. A draft plan was released for public comment on September 1, 2011.
What will the General Plan actually look like?
The General Plan will be a community-based plan so it will be written and designed to be a dynamic, user-friendly document that is fully accessible to everyone. The document will be restructured from its current form to be easier to use, be highly visual, and provide specific implmentation guidance for citizens and decision-makers. Graphics and maps will clearly communicate each of the plan's policies and recommendations.
How can I get involved?
This is an open invitation to take advantage of the opportunity to participate early and often in the process to help shape the kind of place our City will be for generations to come. This particular work program is anticipated to take two years and involves many opportunities to participate, including public workshops, advisory committee meetings, surveys, work sessions and neighborhood meetings. You can also join the e-mail list to receive periodic updates and notices regarding meetings, work products, reports and milestones related to the Comprehensive General Plan Update. For more information please contact Associate Planner Michael Strong at 760-943-2101 or via email at mstrong@cityofencinitas.org.
