Chapter 3
Land Use
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES




ISSUE ONE: DISTRIBUTION OF LAND USE

GOAL 3A
A physically balanced distribution of land uses that contributes towards and facilitates the City's long-term fiscal and economic viability, revitalization of economically depressed areas, conservation of existing residential neighborhoods, equitable distribution of public resources, conservation of natural resources, provision of adequate infrastructure and public services, reduction of traffic congestion and improvement of air quality, enhancement of recreation and open space opportunities, assurance of environmental justice and a healthful living environment, and achievement of the vision for a more liveable city.

Objective 3.1

Accommodate a diversity of uses that support the needs of the City's existing and future residents, businesses, and visitors.

Policies
3.1.1 Identify areas on the Long-Range Land Use Diagram and in the community plans sufficient for the development of a diversity of uses that serve the needs of existing and future residents (housing, employment, retail, entertainment, cultural/institutional, educational, health, services, recreation, and similar uses), provide job opportunities, and support visitors and tourism. (P1, P2, p18)
3.1.2 Allow for the provision of sufficient public infrastructure and services to support the projected needs of the City's population and businesses within the patterns of use established in the community plans as guided by the Framework Citywide Long-Range Land Use Diagram. (P1, P2, P18, P31)
3.1.3 Identify areas for the establishment of new open space opportunities to serve the needs of existing and future residents. These opportunities may include a citywide linear network of parklands and trails, neighborhood parks, and urban open spaces. (P1, P2, P19, P59)
3.1.4 Accommodate new development in accordance with land use and density provisions of the General Plan Framework Long-Range Land Use Diagram (Figures 3-1 to 3-4) and Table 3-1. (P1, P2, P18)
3.1.5 Allow amendments to the community plans and coastal plans to further refine General Plan Framework Element land use boundaries and categories to reflect local conditions, parcel characteristics, existing land uses, and public input. These changes shall be allowed provided (a) that the basic differentiation and relationships among land use districts are maintained, (b) there is no reduction in overall housing capacity, and (c) additional environmental review is conducted in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act should the impacts of the changes exceed the levels of significance defined and modify the conclusions of the Framework Element's Environmental Impact Report. (P1, P2)
3.1.6 Allow for the adjustment of General Plan Framework Element land use boundaries to account for changes in the location or introduction of new transit routes and stations (or for withdrawal of funds) and, in such cases, consider the appropriate type and density of use generally within one quarter mile of the corridor and station to reflect the principles of the General Plan Framework Element and the Land Use/Transportation Policy. (P1)
3.1.7 Allow for development in accordance with the policies, standards, and programs of specific plans in areas in which they have been adopted. In accordance with Policy 3.1.6, consider amending these plans when new transit routes and stations are confirmed and funding is secured. (P2)
3.1.8 Consider the formulation of plans that facilitate the local community's identification of precise uses, densities, and design characteristics for development and public streetscape for neighborhood areas smaller than the community plans, provided that the Framework Element's differentiation and relationships among land use districts are generally maintained, there is no significant change in the population and employment capacity of the neighborhood, and there is no significant reduction in overall housing capacity. (P25)
3.1.9 Assure that fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, incomes and education levels with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies, including affirmative efforts to inform and involve environmental groups, especially environmental justice groups, in early planning stages through notification and two-way communication. (P1, P18)

Objective 3.2

Provide for the spatial distribution of development that promotes an improved quality of life by facilitating a reduction of vehicular trips, vehicle miles traveled, and air pollution.

Policies
3.2.1 Provide a pattern of development consisting of distinct districts, centers, boulevards, and neighborhoods that are differentiated by their functional role, scale, and character. This shall be accomplished by considering factors such as the existing concentrations of use, community-oriented activity centers that currently or potentially service adjacent neighborhoods, and existing or potential public transit corridors and stations. (P1, P2, P18, P19)
3.2.2 Establish, through the Framework Long-Range Land Use Diagram, community plans, and other implementing tools, patterns and types of development that improve the integration of housing with commercial uses and the integration of public services and various densities of residential development within neighborhoods at appropriate locations. (P1, P2)
3.2.3 Provide for the development of land use patterns that emphasize pedestrian/bicycle access and use in appropriate locations. (P1, P2, P4)
3.2.4 Provide for the siting and design of new development that maintains the prevailing scale and character of the City's stable residential neighborhoods and enhance the character of commercial and industrial districts. (P1, P2, P18)

Objective 3.3

Accommodate projected population and employment growth within the City and each community plan area and plan for the provision of adequate supporting transportation and utility infrastructure and public services.

Policies
3.3.1 Accommodate projected population and employment growth in accordance with the Long-Range Land Use Diagram and forecasts in Table 2-2 (see Chapter 2: Growth and Capacity), using these in the formulation of the community plans and as the basis for the planning for and implementation of infrastructure improvements and public services. (P1, P2, P19, P43)
3.3.2

Monitor population, development, and infrastructure and service capacities within the City and each community plan area, or other pertinent service area. The results of this monitoring effort will be annually reported to the City Council and shall be used in part as a basis to:

a. Determine the need and establish programs for infrastructure and public service investments to accommodate development in areas in which economic development is desired and for which growth is focused by the General Plan Framework Element.

b. Change or increase the development forecast within the City and/or community plan area as specified in Table 2-2 (see Chapter 2: Growth and Capacity) when it can be demonstrated that (1) transportation improvements have been implemented or funded that increase capacity and maintain the level of service, (2) demand management or behavioral changes have reduced traffic volumes and maintained or improved levels of service, and (3) the community character will not be significantly impacted by such increases.

Such modifications shall be considered as amendments to Table 2-2 and depicted on the community plans.

c. Initiate a study to consider whether additional growth should be accommodated, when 75 percent of the forecast of any one or more category listed in Table 2-2 (see Chapter 2: Growth and Capacity) is attained within a community plan area. If a study is necessary, determine the level of growth that should be accommodated and correlate that level with the capital, facility, or service improvements and/or transportation demand reduction programs that are necessary to accommodate that level.

d. Consider regulating the type, location, and/or timing of development, when all of the preceding steps have been completed, additional infrastructure and services have been provided, and there remains inadequate public infrastructure or service to support land use development. (P42, P43)


Objective 3.4

Encourage new multi-family residential, retail commercial, and office development in the City's neighborhood districts, community, regional, and downtown centers as well as along primary transit corridors/boulevards, while at the same time conserving existing neighborhoods and related districts.

Policies
3.4.1 Conserve existing stable residential neighborhoods and lower-intensity commercial districts and encourage the majority of new commercial and mixed-use (integrated commercial and residential) development to be located (a) in a network of neighborhood districts, community, regional, and downtown centers, (b) in proximity to rail and bus transit stations and corridors, and (c) along the City's major boulevards, referred to as districts, centers, and mixed-use boulevards, in accordance with the Framework Long-Range Land Use Diagram (Figure 3-1 and 3-2). (P1, P2, P18)
3.4.2 Encourage new industrial development in areas traditionally planned for such purposes generally in accordance with the Framework Long-Range Land Use Diagram (Figure 3-2) and as specifically shown on the community plans. (P1, P2, P18, P21, P26, P37, P39)
3.4.3

Establish incentives for the attraction of growth and development in the districts, centers, and mixed-use boulevards targeted for growth that may include:

a. Densities greater than surrounding areas,

b. Prioritization of capital investment strategies for infrastructure, services, and amenities to support development,

c. Economic incentives (e.g., redevelopment, Enterprise Zones, Neighborhood Recovery, and other),

d. Streamlined development review processes,

e. "By-right" entitlements for development projects consistent with the community plans and zoning,

f. Modified parking requirements in areas in proximity to transit or other stan dards that reduce the cost of development, and

g. Pro-active solicitation of development.

(P1, P4, P18, P36, P38, P40, P69)



 

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