Salinas unveils Vision Salinas 2040 draft general plan; staff outlines outreach, new elements and timeline
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Summary
City staff presented the draft Vision Salinas 2040 general plan update — the first comprehensive update since 2002 — highlighting new climate and environmental justice elements, multilingual outreach, place-type land-use classifications, and a schedule to finish draft chapters and the zoning update in 2025.
City staff presented the draft Vision Salinas 2040 general plan update to the Historic Resources Board, describing the update as the city’s first comprehensive general plan revision since 2002 and laying out the public-engagement and adoption schedule.
Grant Leonard, planning manager, said the draft incorporates recent community plans, adds a climate action plan and the city’s first environmental justice element, and aligns policies with prior local efforts including the Alisal vibrancy and Chinatown revitalization plans. Leonard said the city completed more than 22 workshops and multilingual outreach, including targeted pop-ups and indigenous-language engagement, and has used working groups and a citizen steering committee to develop new chapters.
The update introduces “place types” — a land-use classification intended to allow more mixed and flexible uses — and emphasizes transportation policies focused on closing sidewalk gaps, completing bike and trail networks, and using technology and design (for example, roundabouts) to improve circulation. Leonard said the housing element was updated in 2023 to comply with state law and remains integrated throughout the general plan.
Regarding schedule, Leonard said the draft plan was released Dec. 19, and staff expect to release revised chapters and the required environmental impact report in the spring. The zoning code update is already underway; staff aim to complete the first compliance-focused phase by June 30, after which phases 2 and 3 will follow post-adoption.
Board members asked whether “2040” is a completion deadline or a long-term target; Leonard replied it is both an implementation target and a horizon for many ongoing programs, and chapters include implementation sections with timelines. He also confirmed the community design chapter (which includes historic preservation goals and actions such as Mills Act administration and a new historic survey) was attached to the draft and available with the HRB agenda packet.
What happens next: staff will continue outreach, finalize outstanding chapters (economic development, climate action plan, the environmental document) and schedule study sessions with boards, commissions and the city council as the update moves toward formal adoption.
