City decision-makers rely on the General Plan for making decisions about land use and providing public facilities like roads, parks, and fire stations. It is also a policy document that guides decisions related to protecting, enhancing, and providing those things the community values most, such as open space, habitat conservation, beach preservation, arts and community character. All cities and counties in California are required by law to have a General Plan.

The Carlsbad City Council approved an update to the General Plan and a Climate Action Plan on September 22, 2015.

• What's a General Plan?
• Related documents

To implement and ensure consistency with the new General Plan, the city has initiated updates to the:

• Local Coastal Program - guides future development in the city’s coastal zone in a manner that protects and enhances coastal resources
• Zoning Ordinance - provides detailed land use and development regulations throughout the city

2015 General Plan elements