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1. What is a General Plan?

State law requires that each city in California adopt and maintain an "up-to-date" general plan. A general plan is a city's blueprint, or constitution, to manage change and preserve community character. General plans help shape and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses. Generally, cities update their general plans every 10 to 15 years.

A general plan is more than just a policy document - it reflects the vision, values, and priorities of a community. It defines what is unique and special that should be preserved and identifies strategic ways to improve a city's quality of life. Because a general plan impacts so many members of the community - residents, visitors, business owners, and more - the process of updating a general plan is a unique opportunity to come together as a community to develop a shared vision for the future.

2. What topics will this General Plan Update cover?

The General Plan Update will cover wide range of topics that are important to members of the Ojai community. General plans are required by the State to address eight "elements", including land use, housing, conservation, open space, safety, noise, environmental justice, and mobility. This General Plan Update is focused on land use, transportation, safety, housing, and environmental justice. Other topics, such as parks and recreation, noise, conservation, and open space, will be addressed as needed to ensure consistency throughout the document.

3. Why is the City of Ojai updating its General Plan?

Ojai’s existing General Plan contains nine elements, updated between 1987 and 2013. Today, the City faces a new set of opportunities and challenges that invite new thinking and vision. An updated General Plan can produce many benefits for the Ojai community, including:

• Preserving and enhancing quality of life
• Guiding economic growth
• Providing direction for housing decisions
• Clarifying the decision-making processes of the City
• Promoting positive changes for public health and sustainability
• Protecting open spaces and natural resources
• Developing approaches to address wildfires and other natural hazards

4. How long will the planning process take?

The General Plan Update is a complex initiative, requiring a multiyear process. The City is committed to making sure the General Plan Update reflects the voices of the community and has designed a plan to bring the community together as collaborators. The update process is kicking off in the Fall of 2020 and is scheduled to conclude in the Fall of 2022 to 2023.

5. Who should get involved in the General Plan Update?

Our goal is to reach out to the entire community and strive for 100% participation in the General Plan Update. The best way to learn about events and activities is by signing up for email updates.

Throughout the process, the City will host a variety of community engagement activities, including:

• Community workshops, either virtual or in person
• “Pop-up” events
• Small group meetings
• Online surveys
• Meetings with stakeholder groups
• Commission study sessions
• City Council hearings

Due to COVID, the preliminary activities will be “virtual” or will involve minimum contact. We hope that later events can be held in person.

6. How to Get Involved?

Please sign up for updates and tell your friends and neighbors about the process. We want to hear from everyone!

7. Want to stay updated on the project?

Join the project mailing list for news and updates about the General Plan. Sign up by clicking the button below! Please also check this webpage frequently for project updates and documents.

View the online Sign Up form.

8. Any other questions?

If you have any questions, or would like to provide us with comments, please use this link to contact Lucas Seibert. Community Development Director, or 805-646-5581 x113.