Elements of Humboldt's General Plan Update

This chapter describes the general location and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, and other local transportation facilities. It includes consideration of roads, public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian travel, airports, and marine and rail transportation.

This Element identifies existing and projected housing needs and establishes goals, policies, standards and implementation measures for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing. It meets detailed requirements of state housing element law, including requirements for a residential land inventory sufficient to meet the County’s share of the state prescribed regional housing need.

This optional element provides an overview of the economy, characterizing the trends, land, and infrastructure needs that will shape the future. A set of goals, policies, and implementation measures are included to promote and sustain economic prosperity.

This chapter combines the Plan’s required Conservation Element and Open Space Elements and includes the following sections: Biological Resources; Mineral Resources; Waste Management; Cultural Resources; and Scenic Resources.

These elements guide the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources, as well as the long-range preservation and conservation of open-space lands. Together, these elements present a framework of goals and policies for use and protection of natural resource and open space assets of the county.

This optional element addresses water planning issues including river and stream water quality, stormwater runoff, groundwater management, water needs of fish and wildlife, water consumption, conservation and re-use methods, and state and federal regulations. The primary purpose of this element is to ensure that the County’s water resources are sustained and protected.

This optional element presents policies and programs to address energy needs, use, and conservation. The element provides goals, policies, standards, and implementation measures that strive for sustainable renewable energy and self-sufficiency.

This element identifies the County’s approach to managing noise levels to minimize the exposure of community residents to excessive noise. The analysis follows the guidelines adopted by the Office of Noise Control of the California Department of Health Services.

The purpose of the Safety element is to reduce the risk of death, injuries, property damage, and economic and social dislocation resulting from earthquake, fire, flood, and other hazards. The element identifies hazards and hazard abatement provisions to guide local decisions related to zoning, subdivisions, and entitlement permits.

This optional element describes the county’s existing air quality, sources of air pollution, and strategies for improving air quality. Policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change are included in this Element.

Introduction, Public Guide, and Governance Policy

These chapters comprise the introductory part of the General Plan. They include information on the purpose of a general plan, plan organization, the relationship to other documents, and key terms. The governance policy chapter includes information on administration, amendments to the general plan, and inter-governmental coordination.