SLO County to Integrate Smart Growth Principles into General Plan

"Smart Growth" is a compact, efficient and environmentally sensitive pattern of development that provides people with additional travel, housing and employment choices. It focuses future growth closer to existing and planned job centers where public services and sustainable resources are available.

If approved, the new policies would amend the County General Plan by incorporating Smart Growth principles, goals, policies and implementing strategies into the overall policy document, Framework for Planning, for both the Inland area and the Coastal Zone. Framework for Planning is Part I of the Land Use and Circulation Elements of the County General Plan; Coastal Zone Framework for Planning is also part of the Local Coastal Program.

The proposed amendments address general land use goals; public services, expansion of urban and village areas; design of streets and roads, scenic roads and highways, pedestrian circulation, bikeways and public transit; and guidelines for Land Use Category amendments. The location of the request is county-wide within the unincorporated area, including the Coastal Zone.

The proposed amendments include the following Smart Growth principles:

1. Preserve open space, scenic natural beauty and sensitive environmental areas. Conserve energy resources. Conserve agricultural resources and protect agricultural land.
2. Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities.
3. Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place.
4. Create walkable neighborhoods and towns.
5. Provide a variety of transportation choices.
6. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices.
7. Encourage mixed land uses.
8. Take advantage of compact building design.
9. Make development decisions predictable, fair and cost-effective.
10. Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration.
11. Strengthen regional cooperation.

Take Action

Please let the Board of Supervisors know that you support Smart Growth and want them to vote YES on the proposed amendments. There are two ways you can take action:

Attend the Board of Supervisor's Meeting
Please attend the Board of Supervisors meeting on March 25 and tell them that you support the County adopting Smart Growth principles. Numbers really do matter - so bring some friends with you, too. The meeting will be held at County Government Center Board Chambers (map). Please check the Board's agenda to find out when the item will be open to discussion. For more information about the meeting, please visit the County Board of Supervisor's website.

Make a Public Comment
Can't make it to the meeting? Submitting a public comment before the Board of Supervisor's meeting will let them know that this issue is important to you. Send public comments to:

Susan Baker
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
County Government Center
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

or

sbaker@co.slo.ca.us (please request that all Supervisors receive copies)

More Information

• Read the Revised Negative Declaration online
• Exhibit A: Framework for Planning - Inland Area - Planning Commission Recommended Draft
• Exhibit B: Framework for Planning - Coastal Zone - Planning Commission Recommended Draft
• The documents above are also available at the Department of Planning and Building Permit Center for a nominal fee. Drafts can also be ordered by contacting Chris Macek at 781-5708.