What is a General Plan?

A General Plan is a long-range planning document that addresses the key factors for a well-functioning community.  A General Plan identifies the community’s priorities and its vision.  Twentynine Palms current General Plan has been piecemealed overtime and a comprehensive update has not been prepared in the past.  A new General Plan will provide a “blueprint” for growth and development in Twentynine Palms and it will include long-range goals, policies, and maps addressing important community topics ranging from land use to transportation to safety.

There are seven mandatory topics (or “elements”) that must be covered in every General Plan.  These include land use, circulation, housing, safety, conservation, open space, and noise.  For each element, the General Plan will include goals, policies, and programs to address the issues.

§          Land Use – identifies areas for residential, commercial, industrial, public facilities, open space, and other uses

§          Circulation – identifies an adequate street system that is designed to meet the City’s projected capacity

§          Housing – determines the amount of current and future housing needs including provisions for affordable housing

§          Safety – identifies natural and man-made hazards, including emergency response facilities and services

§          Conservation – outlines the preservation of natural resources including soils, water, and cultural resources

§          Open Space – outlines the preservation of natural open space and biological resources

§          Noise – identifies existing and future noise sources and policies for protecting residents from noise

In addition to these required elements, the General Plan will also cover a Recreation element, which will address the need for parks and other recreational facilities and programs in the City.