***IMPORTANT NOTICE***

TO THOSE WHO USE THE BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN

The Butte County General Plan contains eleven separate documents or elements. Each element sets forth the County's adopted goals, objectives, policies and standards for various issues affecting Butte County. Together these Elements make up the Butte County General Plan. ( This is the latest information available. Please check with the appropriate department for any changes which may not have been posted online).

Elements
Click on Links below to view pages

1. Land Use

2. Circulation

3. Housing

4. Conservation

5. Open Space

6. Seismic Safety

7. Safety

8. Noise

9. Scenic Highways

10. Recreation

11. Agricultural (optional)

There are seven Elements  mandated by the State. Other Elements, although optional, have the same force and effect as mandated Elements once adopted. State law requires that zoning and subdivision approvals be consistent with the General Plan.

Each General Plan Element contains maps, diagrams, and written policies. Written policies carry as much authority as do those depicted graphically. Likewise all Elements of the General Plan have equal status and authority; no Element is more important than another. Thus, while most individuals are interested in the Land Use Element it is important to stress that all Elements of the General Plan are used to evaluate projects which require findings of consistency with the General Plan.

Because the Element contains several maps graphically depicting Butte County's land use policies. One map shows land use designations on a county-wide basis. In addition there are maps for various urban areas and other designated planning areas throughout the County (see Housing Element). Some of these more detailed maps either supplement (the white areas) or supersede the County-wide map as amendments. Please be certain to examine the maps, adoption dates and written policies closely.

The Board of Supervisors amends the General Plan from time to time (permitted by law three times a year). These amendments take two forms: changes to the maps and changes to the written policies of the text. Some amendments are initiated by individuals through an application and some are initiated by the Board or Planning Commission. Amendments to the planning area maps reproduced by blue print will be reflected in appropriate revisions to those maps. Amendments to the printed colored maps and text changes are provided as attachments.