Land Use Issues
The Working Group re-examined the purpose statement creating during the November 2001 Kick-Off meeting. Though the revisions are minimal, the updated statement is as follows:
Re-examine and re-describe as necessary the land use patterns, needs and issues, including the urban growth boundary and urban service area, within the planning area to guide desired future land use through criteria, objectives, policies and maps. Also identify criteria for future growth and annexations.
Issue 1: Address cumulative impacts of land development on high value open spaces.
Such as wildlife habitat and corridors, riparian corridors, agricultural lands, natural areas, visual, cultural and paleontological resources, and recreational areas.
The 1995 SSACP, two community surveys since, participants in the Kick-Off meeting and the Land Use Working Group members have all highlighted the importance of open spaces, of all types, to the community. Consideration must be given to what types of open space are available within the Plan area, analyze those lands identified, determine those resources that must be protected, and develop tools to ensure their protection.
Issue 2: Maintain Urban Growth Boundary concept and review current boundary in relation to current and projected population needs.
The Urban Growth Boundary “represent(s) the demarcation between those areas where future development of urban density and nature is deemed appropriate or inappropriate” (1995 SSACP.) An evaluation and analysis of current land use categories and build-out, the relationship of commercial and industrial space to residential uses, and current and future population information is needed to identify what the community needs are. This analysis should also consider the primary criteria identified in the 1995 SSACP:
• The desire to maintain the character of each planning area as development occurs,
• The use of major natural or geographic features (e.g. ridges, rivers or streams, etc.) to define boundaries that could be maintained over time, and
• The ability to provide urban services (e.g. water, wastewater, police protection, schools, etc.) cost effectively (pg. IV-5.)
Issue 3: Review land use categories for effectiveness and adequacy.
The land use categories of the 1995 SSACP described the desired land use types and patterns and the future land use plan was developed to reinforce and expand on the community design descriptions in the Plan. A review of whether the future land use plan was effective in implementing the desired outcomes is needed, along with an analysis as to whether the existing categories will continue to meet the community’s preferred directions.
Issue 4: Ensure neighborhoods with a diversity of uses and income levels.
There is a wealth of diversity within the community, each providing valuable contributions to the community as a whole. Information that identifies the various neighborhood uses and income levels within the community is needed and should include direction in regard to what tools and mechanisms are available to achieve balanced, well-rounded neighborhoods.
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