A General Plan is a long-term document that acts as a guide for future development and is used as the foundation for decision-making on the physical development of a community. The General Plan is required by State law and is used by local governments to make decisions about land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, and parks, among other issues. While planning horizons vary, it typically sets direction for the next 20-30 years.

General Plans are required to address land use, transportation of goods and people, housing, the conservation of resources, the preservation of open space, noise, and safety in chapters of the General Plan that are referred to as “elements.”

A General Plan contains goals that set values and direction, policies that guide decision-making, and programs to carry out the actions needed to achieve the goals.

While many community members are unaware of the General Plan’s role, it affects every person in Newport Beach by shaping the places where we live, work, and play. Therefore, it is essential that the General Plan reflect the needs and desires of the community so that Newport Beach grows and is preserved according to a shared vision for the future. The General Plan Update process includes an extensive outreach program consisting of surveys, events, workshops, advisory committees, and this interactive website to establish community needs and desires for the future of Newport Beach.

A General Plan update may have many benefits for the 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, and developing approaches to address wildfires and other natural hazards.

The General Plan Update process provides an opportunity for community members to discuss and weigh in on the city’s future. There will be layered opportunities for the community to participate, learn about the General Plan Update process, and provide invaluable input. Outreach will remain flexible and adaptable to what works best for the Newport Beach community. We encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities to participate, including visiting a pop-up event, attending an open house, and completing online surveys.

The City of Newport Beach General Plan is currently being updated to respond to social, economic, and environmental changes, and to comply with new State laws. Nearly 20 years have passed since the last General Plan was adopted and Newport Beach is presented with many new issues and opportunities. Therefore, the General Plan must be updated to reflect the ever-changing needs and desires of the community.

The City’s Housing Element for 2021-2029 was prepared starting in late 2019 over the span of 50 different public meetings and workshops. It was adopted by the City Council in September 2022 and certified as compliant with State law by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The Land Use Element is currently undergoing a separate but parallel update as part of the Housing Element Implementation Program to support housing production in the focus areas identified by the Housing Element. In accordance with State law, the City is required to complete the implementation by February 2025. The planned increase in housing units Citywide is expected to be on the November 2024 election ballot for a vote. However, the General Plan Update is a separate but parallel project. This General Plan Update will further assess land use changes that may be identified. It is noteworthy that, depending on the scope of the update, there may not be another vote of required and the General Plan Update could be adopted by the City Council without further action.