Salinas planners outline timeline for general plan and zoning-code updates, review seven tentative maps totaling about 3,962 housing units

Salinas planning staff on Sept. 17 told the Planning Commission they expect to release public drafts this fall of an updated general plan and related environmental review and to begin a multi‑phase zoning‑code update meant to comply with recent state law and make the code easier to use.

"We're aiming for October release," Jonathan Moore, senior planner, said of the formatted draft general plan and related documents, adding staff were working through internal comments and cross‑departmental coordination before public distribution.

The update matters because the general plan guides long‑range land use and the zoning code implements that vision. "PlaceWorks is scheduled to meet with the planning commission at least once," Courtney Grossman, planning manager, said, describing the consultant's role in explaining new state housing laws and helping shape a public engagement plan for the code update.

Why it matters: staff said the work will affect how future subdivisions and development proposals are reviewed and will include phased code changes so the city does not face a long period of inconsistency between a new plan and the existing code. "Phase 1" will prioritize compliance with state laws,…