Community Development Director Nick said the city released a complete public draft of its general plan update over the summer and that the update is designed as a targeted compliance and policy refresh rather than a complete rewrite.

“The general plan is really the primary planning document for the city,” Nick said, adding that some people refer to it as “the constitution of the city.” He said the current general plan was last updated in the early 2000s and that the 2015 council direction launched the current update.

Nick said the update addresses changes in state law, will include new chapters on coastal resiliency and healthy communities, and will reflect the city’s certified housing element. Staff plans to prepare an environmental impact report for the general plan over the winter and spring, with public review of the EIR possibly late spring and hearings in late 2026, depending on timing.

Ending: Nick encouraged residents to review the public draft on the city website (posted by chapter or in full) and participate when the EIR is released for comment.