SCH Number 2023090467

Project Info

Title

Draft EIR for Contra Costa County 2045 General Plan and Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan 2024 Updates (aka Envision Contra Costa)

Description

Draft EIR for Contra Costa County 2045 General Plan and Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan 2024 Updates (aka Envision Contra Costa). Contra Costa County is one of the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties (see Figure 1, Regional Location). The County has prepared comprehensive updates to its existing General Plan and Climate Action Plan (CAP), which are applicable to the county’s unincorporated areas. The Draft EIR study area coincides with the unincorporated areas covered by the General Plan and CAP (see Figure 2, EIR Study Boundaries). Contra Costa County’s existing General Plan was adopted in 1991, with minor revisions occurring in 1996 and 2005. The overarching purpose of the General Plan update is to create a modern General Plan that articulates a long-term vision for the county’s physical development, addresses challenges such as climate change and housing insecurity, and enhances quality of life for Contra Costa County residents. The updated General Plan includes broad community goals and hundreds of specific policies and implementing actions aimed at achieving those goals. The updated General Plan modernizes the County’s land use policy framework consistent with the requirements of State law, with emphasis on environmental justice, economic development, community health, and sustainability. The updated General Plan also includes numerous land use changes in unincorporated communities where change or enhancement of existing uses is desired through 2045. State law requires general plans to contain chapters, called “elements,” addressing the following topics: land use, circulation, housing, open space, noise, safety, and conservation. Environmental justice must also be addressed, either in its own element or throughout a general plan (Contra Costa County is taking a hybrid approach). The content of the elements is outlined in State law and local agencies may organize them as they see fit. Local agencies may also adopt additional elements pertaining to planning issues within their jurisdiction. The Draft Contra Costa County 2045 General Plan includes the following elements: -Stronger Communities -Conservation, Open Space, and Working Lands -Land Use -Public Facilities and Services -Transportation Health and Safety -Housing -Growth Management The Housing Element was updated in process parallel to the rest of the General Plan update. The updated Housing Element was adopted by the County Board of Supervisors on December 12, 2023, and certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development on January 22, 2024. The project also includes an update to the County’s 2015 CAP. The CAP is a separate document that supports the General Plan by establishing goals and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in unincorporated Contra Costa County, consistent with State targets.

2 documents in project