City of Oakdale : What's a General Plan?

WHAT'S A GENERAL PLAN?

How is it Used?

California State law requires every county and city to prepare and maintain a general plan. Oakdale's 2030 General Plan will be the City's policy guide for the future. It sets policy guidelines for a wide variety of issues such as the City's economic growth, physical development, and social well being. Think of it as a guide for future development and the preservation of resources that are important to you.

The General Plan covers a range of topics that directly affect you such as land use, City services, the natural environment, and housing. The General Plan is divided into 'elements' addressing different topic areas.

Under State law, general plans must contain the following seven elements:

Land Use	Open Space
Circulation	Noise
Housing	Safety
Conservation

State law also allows cities and counties to include other "optional elements" that a community determines is relevant to their community. Oakdale could include the following optional elements, and potentially others, in the updated 2030 General Plan:

Community Design

Economic Development

Once adopted, the General Plan becomes the principal tool for the City to use when evaluating municipal services and land use proposals. Every service the City provides to you is guided by the goals and policies found in the General Plan. All land use decisions are governed by the General Plan and must be consistent with the General Plan's direction.