Pasadena’s Comprehensive Urban Planning: General Plan Principles UnveiledPasadena’s Comprehensive Urban Planning: General Plan Principles Unveiled The Pasadena Department of Planning and Community Development will present its General Plan Principles at a special meeting on July 1st. The presentation will showcase the city’s comprehensive approach to urban planning and cover various key elements. General Plan Elements The General Plan includes seven essential elements that shape the city’s vision and future: 1. Land Use: Determines permitted land uses, density, and intensity, focusing on sustainable growth and cultural promotion. 2. Mobility: Establishes a multimodal transportation plan, prioritizing cycling infrastructure, public transit, and parking. 3. Housing: Addresses housing needs, promoting healthy neighborhoods and diversity. 4. Open Space and Conservation: Protects natural resources and improves urban environments through open space preservation and recreational access. 5. Green Space, Recreation, and Parks: Emphasizes the importance of green spaces and recreational facilities. 6. Safety: Covers natural and man-made hazards, enhancing community safety and resilience. 7. Noise: Identifies noise sources and provides guidelines for noise-compliant land use. Environmental Justice In response to California Senate Bill 1000, the city is developing an Environmental Justice Element. This section will address health risks in underserved communities disproportionately affected by environmental pollution. Presentation Insights The presentation will provide insights into the city’s approach to balancing growth with community values and environmental considerations. The public is invited to attend and engage with city planners on the future shaping of Pasadena.
The Pasadena Department of Planning and Community Development will present its General Plan Principles at a special meeting of the Reconnecting Communities 710 Advisory Group on Monday, July 1. The presentation, scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, is open to the public.
The meeting will focus on Pasadena’s comprehensive approach to urban planning, as required by California law for all cities and counties. The General Plan, described as expressing “a vision of how a community will grow, one that reflects the community’s priorities and values while shaping its future,” includes seven key elements.
These elements include land use, mobility, housing, open space and conservation, green space, recreation and parks, safety, and noise. A new topic, environmental justice, will also be addressed in the plan. The California Office of Planning and Research (OPR) will establish general plan guidelines, including mandatory elements that must be addressed.
Pasadena’s Land Use Element, last updated in 2015, identifies permitted land uses and sets guidelines for density and intensity. It highlights specific planning areas and community places, with goals ranging from sustainable growth to promoting arts and culture. This element also establishes eight Guiding Principles for the development of the city.
The city’s Mobility Element, also from 2015, establishes a multimodal plan for transportation. It allocates street types based on context and function, and prioritizes cycling infrastructure alongside public transport services and parking considerations. Implementation programs include the Bicycle Transport Action Plan (2015), Pedestrian Transport Action Plan (2024), and Citywide Parking Strategic Plan (Draft, 2021).
The Housing Element, updated in 2022, focuses on existing and future housing needs. It addresses topics such as community profile, development constraints, and housing resources, with goals such as promoting healthy neighborhoods and housing diversity. This element must be updated every eight years.
The Open Space and Conservation, Green Space, Recreation and Parks elements aim to protect natural resources and improve urban environments. These sections emphasize the importance of preserving open spaces and improving access to recreational facilities.
The safety element, dating from 2002, covers natural and man-made hazards. It aims to improve community safety and sustainability and cover risks such as earthquakes, landslides and forest fires. The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) guides the city toward greater disaster preparedness and resilience.
Pasadena’s Noise Element, also from 2002, identifies various noise sources and provides guidelines for noise-compliant land use. The aim is to reduce the effects of noise from traffic, public transport and commercial activities on residential areas.
The city is currently developing an environmental justice element as required by California Senate Bill 1000. This new section will address health risks in underserved communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental pollution. An “underserved community” is defined as an area identified by CalEPA as a low-income area that is “disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that may result in adverse health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation.”
The presentation will provide insight into how the city plans to balance growth with community values and environmental considerations.
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