OVERVIEW
Butte County is updating the General Plan. Since the current General Plan was adopted, the devastating Camp and North Complex Fires destroyed nearly 17,000 structures, including more than 14,000 homes, and displaced many more residents. The updated General Plan will support the County’s efforts to rebuild and create a more resilient future. We are also using the update as an opportunity to address issues related to climate adaptation and environmental justice, as well as other new State laws. To achieve these goals, the County is working closely with community members and stakeholders to ensure we fully understand community needs and opportunities and how to address them.
WHAT IS A GENERAL PLAN?
The General Plan establishes the community’s long-term vision for the future, including where people in Butte County will live, work, shop, learn, and recreate. It guides all zoning and land use decisions within the unincorporated County. It will shape future housing, support job growth, foster healthy and resilient neighborhoods, protect and manage natural resources and agricultural lands, ensure community safety, and promote social and economic equity.
PROJECT GOALS
- Support Camp Fire and North Complex Fire recovery
- Address current and future needs of Butte County
- Engage community members as key decision makers for adaptation, community resilience, public safety, and environmental justice
- Comply with State regulations
COMPONENTS
- The updated Health and Safety Element will address the life changing impact of recent disasters like the Camp and North Complex Fires and the Oroville Dam crisis and respond to community needs, values, and priorities that have emerged in their aftermath. It will also provide a framework for adaptation and resilience to climate change, as well as develop community evacuation modeling to assist in the development of future evacuation plans.
- The updated Housing Element will include a plan to ensure that residents of all income levels can find housing, including rebuilding fire-destroyed units.
- The new Environmental Justice Element will address the topics of pollution exposure and equitable access to resources and opportunities to advance environmental justice in the county, as required by Senate Bill (SB) 1000. Environmental justice means the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes in decisions about land use and other environmental regulations so that no communities are disproportionately burdened by pollution.
- The Land Use Element will be revised to manage development in a way that supports the community’s vision for the future of Butte County as well as updating information regarding equitable access to infrastructure and public services in compliance with SB 244.
- The revised Circulation Element will address how the County evaluates the transportation impacts of new development. It will also respond to new and emerging County priorities, including increased support for active transportation, and changing conditions like new transportation technologies.
- The updated Water Resources Element will focus on water conservation opportunities to sustain Butte County’s groundwater, as well as policies to support resilient water supply and infrastructure.
PROJECT DOCUMENTS
GET INVOLVED
- Workshops [Coming soon]
- Sign up to join our email list and receive project updates! [Coming soon]
- Survey [Coming soon]
- Other opportunities to engage [Coming soon]
TIMELINE
HELPFUL LINKS
Butte County is in the middle of three other concurrent advance planning projects, including the Climate Action Plan Update, North Chico Village Plan, and the Upper Ridge Community Plan. Visit each plan's website below to learn more about what the county is doing and get involved to have your voice heard!
CONTACT
Mark Michelena Senior Planner, Butte County (530) 552-3683 mmichelena@buttecounty.net
Specific, Area and Neighborhood Plans
Specific, Area and Neighborhood Plan