Frequently Asked Questions
What is a General Plan?
1. What is the purpose of the General Plan?
2. Why do we need to update the General Plan?
3. What will a revised General Plan mean to local residents and businesses?
4. Will this General Plan really make an impact?
5. Who is working on the General Plan and how long will it take?
6. What will the General Plan actually look like?
What is the purpose of the General Plan?
The General Plan identifies our community’s land use, circulation, environmental, economic, and social goals and policies. The General Plan also informs residents, developers, decision-makers, and other cities and counties of the “ground rules” that will guide development in Richmond.
Why do we need to update the General Plan?
General Plans are not intended to be static and unchanging. They are usually updated as the community changes and new opportunities and challenges arise. The Richmond General Plan was last updated in 1994. Our community has grown and changed over the past twelve years, however, and the existing plan is now outdated and does not provide the direction we need to address the tough issues facing our city today. By updating the General Plan we can ensure that we preserve our resources, enhance our community’s character, and support our neighborhoods.
What will a revised General Plan mean to local residents and businesses?
The General Plan may affect the way key properties in your neighborhood and across the city are developed during the coming years. Because it will guide how and where we as a city will grow, the plan will influence the future look and feel of our community. The plan will be used to guide investment in new public facilities like recreation centers and libraries. The way we plan our city can have a large impact on our lives. For example, we can decide that only certain types of businesses can operate and certain types of housing be built in specific neighborhoods. We can decide where we need additional green space, playgrounds, and parks. We can develop guidelines that foster small, local businesses or help attract more stores and restaurants to the business district near your home.
Will this General Plan really make an impact?
Yes, if we focus the General Plan on the issues that matter the most to Richmond residents—and develop a realistic strategy for implementation. We believe that this General Plan can be a collaboration with Richmond residents that is technically sound, grounded in local realities, and designed creatively. You will be hearing a lot more about the General Plan in the coming months. If you take the time to participate, you will see, feel, and live in a different, more inclusive city in the future.
Who is working on the General Plan and how long will it take?
The City of Richmond is developing this plan jointly with the community and with other area planning professionals. The General Plan Advisory Committee, representing a broad cross-section of residents, business owners, and community leaders, has been formed to provide input into the General Plan Update process. Other City agencies are also participating to ensure that the plan will cover a variety of long-range planning issues. A draft plan is scheduled to be completed in Fall 2007 and approved by the City Council in January 2008.
What will the General Plan actually look like?
The General Plan will be written and designed to be a dynamic, user-friendly document, fully accessible to everyone. It will be restructured from its current form to be easier to use, be highly visual, and provide specific implementation guidance for citizens and decision-makers. The plan will also include a complete overhaul of Richmond’s zoning code. Graphics and maps will clearly communicate each of the plan’s recommendations.
How can I get involved?
Richmond residents expect to participate in neighborhood planning decisions. The General Plan revision offers the opportunity to build on this tradition by developing long-term recommendations for the city as a whole. This is your opportunity to help shape the kind of place our city will be for generations to come. Watch for opportunities to participate in meetings, workshops, and surveys. You can also join the e-mail list and receive notification of important events.
View a list of upcoming General Plan activities.
For more information please contact project manager Lori Reese-Brown at 510-620-6869.
