Once adopted, the General Plan does not remain static. It is important to evaluate and report the effectiveness of programs to decision-makers so programs can be continued, modified or replaced in order to continue progress toward goals. As time passes, certain assumptions made in the General Plan may no longer be valid, due to changing circumstances or new information. As the formal policy position of the City, it needs to be kept current.
State law provides for this by allowing amendments to any one of the mandatory elements of the General Plan up to four times per calendar year. This limitation does not apply to amendmentof optional elements or components; amendments requested and necessary for affordable housing; and amendments necessary to comply with a court decision involving the legal adequacy of the General Plan.
State guidelines direct the Planning Department to report annually to the City COuncil on the status of the plan and progress in its implementation. State guidelines further recommend that "...The entire plan, including the basic policies, should be thoroughly reviewed at least every five years and revised as necessary to reflect new conditions, local attitudes and political realities." |
