General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendments to Satisfy State Law Requirements (Case Nos. 24-0003-GPA and 25-0001-ORD)

The City is required to prepare amendments to the General Plan pursuant to Government Code Sections 65302(g)(2)–(5), 65302(h), 65302.15, and 65565.5. These requirements focus on the Safety Element, Open Space Element, and environmental justice (EJ). New Safety Element-driven requirements include consideration of new information and policies related to (1) flood, (2) fire, (3) climate change hazards, and (4) emergency preparedness, including evacuation routes. New Open Space Element requirements include policies that address (1) access to open space for all residents in a manner that considers social, economic, and racial equity, (2) climate resilience and other co-benefits of open space, and (3) rewilding opportunities. The City must also adopt EJ goals, policies, and objectives. The policies, integrated in other elements, must (1) reduce the unique or compounded health risks in disadvantaged communities by means that include, but are not limited to, the reduction of pollution exposure, including the improvement of air quality, and the promotion of public facilities, food access, safe and sanitary homes, and physical activity; (2) promote civic engagement in the public decision-making process; and (3) prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of disadvantaged communities.