Planning commission outlines public outreach for Big Bear Lake general plan update

City staff told the Big Bear Lake Planning Commission that the city is launching its general plan update process, including a General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC), a joint study session with the city council and multiple public engagement opportunities such as a design charrette and a soon-to-launch project website for public comments.

Andrew Melon, the city’s community development director, described the process as beginning with a general-plan audit to identify items that need updating, followed by an "existing conditions" phase and then broader public engagement. Melon said the GPAC is an ad hoc advisory body and that the planning commission will have study sessions and opportunities to provide input; he mentioned an approximate mid-June timeframe for one of the design-charrette sessions but said dates are not locked in.

Commissioners discussed whether a small working group or subcommittee of the planning commission might provide more granular input to the GPAC and council. Several commissioners expressed willingness to participate; staff said public participation would be encouraged and that the GPAC will hold multiple meetings open to the public.

Melon said the city will publish materials and a website where residents can review documents and submit comments. Commissioners called the general plan the city's "constitution" for future development and encouraged participation from homeowners and business owners.

Staff did not record any formal decisions or votes on the general plan at this meeting; the discussion served to inform commissioners of the process and upcoming opportunities for input. The first GPAC and joint meeting was announced for the coming Tuesday on the record.