2030 Merced County General Plan

The 2030 Merced County General Plan project is a comprehensive planning initiative led by the County of Merced Community and Economic Development Department to align the County Zoning Map with existing General Plan land use designations. A primary focus of the project is the Mixed-Use Rezone Project, which involves rezoning approximately 544 parcels in the unincorporated communities of Delhi, Hilmar, Le Grand, and Planada. This effort ensures that the Mixed-Use zone is consistent with the 2030 General Plan, allowing for higher-density residential development alongside commercial or office uses without altering the overall land use densities or buildout capacities already defined in the General Plan. The project also encompasses the Housing Element Update Project, which addresses state-mandated housing goals for the 2023-2031 cycle and includes the upzoning of approximately 20 parcels to accommodate regional housing needs. These initiatives are supported by environmental evaluations and addendums to the 2013 General Plan Environmental Impact Report, ensuring compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, AB 32 sustainability requirements, and the California Code of Regulations. The project's scope includes updating eleven key elements, including land use, circulation, and water, to ensure the county's planning framework remains consistent with current state law and public interest.