What is a General Plan, and how is it used?
A General Plan is a city’s long-term guide for growth, development, and community services. It outlines goals and policies that shape everything from where housing and businesses go to how streets, parks, and public safety are planned. In California, every city is required by State law to have a General Plan and to keep it up to date, usually every 15 to 20 years. The plan is organized into sections called elements, similar to chapters in a book. Some elements are required by the State, while other optional elements may be included and based on local needs or directives.
Required Elements/Topics
- Land Use
- Circulation
- Housing
- Conservation
- Open Space
- Noise
- Safety
- Environmental Justice
- Air Quality
Common Optional Elements/Topics
- Historic Preservation
- Urban Design
- Economic Development
- Climate Action
- Health
What is a Land Use Element, and how is it used?
The Land Use Element is one of the most important parts of the City’s General Plan. It acts as a roadmap for how land in El Segundo can be used—now and in the future. It guides where homes, businesses, parks, industry, and public facilities can go, and plays a role in shaping how the city grows and functions over time. For example, every service the City provides to its citizens, from police and fire protection to park maintenance, can trace its roots back to goals and policies found in the General Plan. All land use decisions are ultimately governed by the General Plan and must be consistent with the General Plan's direction. General Plan goals, policies, and implementation measures are based on an assessment of current and future needs and available resources.
Why update the Land Use Element?
It has been over 30 years since El Segundo last updated its Land Use Element. With big changes in how people work and a growing demand for housing, El Segundo must find ways to evolve while keeping the qualities that make the City special.
A Land Use Element includes both big-picture goals and detailed tools like a land use plan and density standards. This update will provide a clear, citywide plan to address today’s challenges, support smart, sustainable development for the future, and give the community a chance to have a say in how the city grows.
How does the General Plan Land Use Element affect development?
The General Plan establishes policies that regulate new development projects within City limits, both directly and indirectly. Directly, General Plan policies give direction about what types of projects can and cannot be approved. As for the General Plan's indirect influence, development projects must comply with the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and design guidelines, all of which are implementation tools for General Plan policies.
When will El Segundo Vision 2050 be adopted?
El Segundo Vision 2050 will continue through Fall 2026. Phase one will focus on understanding existing conditions and gathering input from the community. Phases two and three will include exploring land use options and drafting policies, followed by public review and adoption by the City Council.
How can the community get involved?
Community input is essential to this process. We’ll be hosting a variety of opportunities — like workshops, pop-up events, questionnaires, and focus groups. Through these activities, residents, workers, and business owners can share their ideas, concerns, and priorities. This is your chance to help shape the future of land use in El Segundo. To stay informed or get involved, visit the Vision 2050 homepage to sign up for updates.
What is the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)?
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is made up of representatives from various City boards and commissions as well as members of the City's Executive Team. their role is to advise the Project Team during the development of the updated Land Use Element. The TAC is not a decision-making body and will not have access to information or take action that differs from the opportunities made available to all outreach participants. However, TAC members will provide feedback on project products and help refine materials before they are presented to the greater community.
What is the role of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)?
TAC members are active participants in the planning process at each stage, from visioning through adoption. Members represent a variety of constituent groups and perspectives, and their primary role is to serve as project liaisons, encouraging participation throughout the planning process.
The TAC will meet up to 5-6 times during the planning process to review and discuss emerging concepts and strategies, review work products, and refine community input takeaways. TAC members will serve as liaisons to their constituent groups, inviting input into the process and encouraging community participation throughout the planning process.
Who is the Project Team?
The Project Team includes lead City staff from the Community Development Department and members of the consultant team (Fehr & Peers, KMA, and MIG, Inc.). This group meets regularly to coordinate project work, organize community events, and discuss planning issues with the community and local decision makers. Please submit your questions or comments to Vision2050@elsegundo.org.
