We are evaluating the existing Air Quality and Noise goals and policies of the General Plan with respect to the federal, state, local and regional regulations and changes in the City’s air quality and noise conditions. We are also evaluating inclusion of Environmental Justice goals and policies throughout the General Plan.

We completed a study of the existing Air Quality and Noise conditions and have also conducted an Environmental Justice screening analysis of the city. We posted videos and a survey asking for Air Quality, Noise and Environmental Justice concerns and top priorities. The outreach was completed in September 2020. See Details for outreach videos.

Study Sessions

• April 19 - Housing and Human Services Commission
• April 17 - Sustainability Commission
• Aug. 24, 2020 - Planning Commission

The purpose of the study sessions was to provide update and to request input. There were no formal decisions made during these study sessions. 

Upcoming Meetings

• July 10 - Planning Commission (adoption hearing) 
• July 25 - City Council (adoption hearing) 

Watch outreach videos summarizing the studies and screening analysis:

• Air Quality and Environmental Justice video
• Noise video

• General Plan

The Land Use and Transportation Element (LUTE) of the General Plan was recently adopted in 2017. During the update of the LUTE we concluded that an update to the Air Quality and Noise sections is needed.

Air Quality

The Air Quality element of the General Plan was originally adopted in 1992. Since 1992, there is population increase and economic growth within the city and the region. As a result, the city's air quality has changed. Additionally, the Air Quality section needs to be evaluated with the current regional and state-wide regulations.

Noise

The Noise element of the General Plan was last updated in 1997. One of our objectives is to update the existing goals and policies in this section to reflect current local and regional noise standards.

Environmental Justice

Environmental Justice promotes fair treatment and meaningful participation for people of all cultures, races, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.

State law requires local jurisdictions with disadvantaged communities to incorporate Environmental Justice policies and goals when adopting or revising two or more General Plan sections. Though there are no disadvantaged communities within the city, we have elected to voluntarily apply Environmental Justice requirements broadly throughout the General Plan.