The General Plan sets forth the direction the City will take in managing its future based upon a shared vision for the community. The General Plan contains a set of policies and programs that form a blueprint for physical development throughout the community. It defines the pattern of land uses, including residential, commercial and industrial uses and also establishes the system of streets, bikeways, and trails. It is a long-term document consisting of written text and diagrams that expresses how a community should develop, and is a key tool for influencing the quality of life. The General Plan addresses a wide variety of subject areas, including housing, traffic, natural resources, land uses, economic development, noise, and public safety. The General Plan is also a basis for land use decision making used by policy decision makers such as the Planning Commission and the City Council.

California law requires each local government to adopt a General Plan which must contain seven mandatory “elements” or chapters. These elements include a series of goals, policies, and implementation actions designed to achieve the community’s vision. A General Plan may include optional or permissive elements that address specific topics of local concern.

The La Habra General Plan Update involves preparing revised elements that include updated goals and policies along with strategies and programs to implement these goals to achieve the community’s vision. These will be developed by the City, public agencies, and residents of La Habra. It is important for all of these parties to work together toward a unified vision of the City in order to create a place where people enjoy living, working, playing, and spending time now and in the future. The La Habra General Plan Update will address the following topic areas:

Community Development

This chapter addresses issues related to the built environment and presents goals and policies pertaining to how existing development is to be maintained and enhanced and new development is to occur. Its components include:

Land Use – Designates the location, general intensity, and use of the land for housing, commercial, industrial, public facilities, open space, and other uses.

Economic Development – Identifies the strategy for maintaining a strong economic base and fiscal balance that permits continued and enhanced levels of high-quality public services within the community.

Historic and Cultural Resources – Defines processes for the preservation of the City’s historic and cultural buildings and sites.

Community Identity – Addresses the physical, social and cultural elements that contribute to La Habra’s distinct community identity.

Growth Management – Ensures that growth and development in La Habra is based upon the City’s ability to provide an adequate circulation system and infrastructure improvements.

Housing – Identifies the community’s housing needs and provides strategies for the production of housing for current and future residents of La Habra. Though the Housing Element is an integral part of this General Plan Update, it has been completed earlier due to the separate schedule for its update required by state law. Issues, goals and policies contained in the Housing Element will be incorporated into the General Plan Update.

Mobility and Circulation

Provides for the movement of goods and people including autos, trucks, transit, bicyclists, and other modes. It addresses key issues such as trip reduction, parking, traffic safety, and neighborhood traffic calming.

Infrastructure

Addresses the provision of public infrastructure, including water, sewer, storm drainage, solid waste source, source reduction and recycling, electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications.

Conservation and Natural Resources

Addresses the conservation and utilization of natural, cultural, and archeological resources within the community, including water, soils, minerals, air quality, as well as plant and animal resources. This chapter also discusses issues related to future air quality and climate change taking into consideration the effects of adopted plans and current legislation.

Community Services

Plans for the provision of public services including education, recreational programs and parks, libraries, schools, police, fire, and health services, consistent with the City’s growth and development strategy.

Community Safety

Plans for the welfare and safety of the citizens and their property by identifying and mitigating potential effects of natural and man-made disasters, including, but not limited to, earthquakes, flooding, fires, hazardous waste, and other natural or man-made disasters. This chapter also identifies existing and potential noise sources within the community and strategies to minimize the exposure of residents to noise.

Why Update the General Plan?

The current General Plan for the City of La Habra was last comprehensively updated in 1990. Since then, there has been no comprehensive assessment of the goals, policies, and programs in the General Plan except for those contained in the Housing Element. As the City has continued to grow and evolve since that time, much of the data, analyses, and policies do not reflect the current conditions and priorities in the City. In addition, there are a number of key legislative mandates enacted since the General Plan’s adoption that also must be addressed by an updated General Plan, including State legislation related to climate change and safety.

Thus, a comprehensive update of the General Plan is necessary to reflect current conditions as well as the community’s vision for development within La Habra over the next 20 years.