General Plan
Purpose of General Plans
A General Plan is a long-range policy and planning document that guides the physical development and resource management of the City. The General Plan is required to be prepared in accordance with the requirements of California Government Codes Section 65300 et seq. The Plan addresses the seven mandatory elements of the California Government Code, which are land use, circulation, housing, open space, conservation, safety, and noise. Specifically, it establishes goals and policy direction to ensure that a high quality of life is preserved and enhanced for Yorba Linda residents, businesses, and visitors.
State law requires every city and county to adopt a General Plan to layout the jurisdictions’ future—looking ahead 20 years or more. The last comprehensive update was completed in 2016; however, the Housing Element has been periodically updated with the last update was completed in 2013. State law requires the Housing Element to be updated every eight years. The City’s current Housing Element is for the period 2021 through 2029.
Plan Elements
The City of Yorba Linda General Plan consists of a Land Use Policy Map and the following elements, or chapters, which together fulfill the State requirements for a General Plan:
- Land Use Element
- Circulation Element
- Economic Development Element
- Housing Element
- Housing Element Appendices
- Historic Resources Element
- Open Space & Recreation Element
- Conservation Element
- Public Health & Safety Element
- Public Services & Utilities Element
- Noise Element
- Growth Management Element
Housing Element Update
The City of Yorba Linda, along with all jurisdictions throughout the State, is mandated by California State Law to prepare a Housing Element update for State certification. The Housing Element is part of the City's General Plan and includes goals, policies, programs, and quantified objectives to further the development, improvement, and preservation of housing. State Housing Element law requires that each City and County identify and analyze existing and projected housing needs within their jurisdiction during an eight-year planning period, which for jurisdictions in the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region, extends from October 2021 through October 2029 for the 6th cycle planning period.
The City has launched a website to keep the public informed and to allow the public to participate in the process of updating the Housing Element. The City encourages residents to visit www.YLLocalControl.com and to check back frequently for updates. If you have any questions, please email our Housing Element team.