Work Products

Over the next two and a half years, a variety of documents will be prepared to support preparation of the City’s updated General Plan. As the work products are published, they will be posted to this page. For more information related to community meetings and workshops, please see the Community Workshops page on our website.

Draft Proposed Land Use Map

Press Release - November 9, 2022

In May 2022 the City circulated the Land Use Alternatives Report which evaluated potential land use changes throughout the City and solicited public input through online surveys and in-person workshops. The Planning Commission discussed the land use alternatives on June 6, 2022 and the City Council and General Plan Advisory Committee convened a joint session on June 16, 2022 to discuss the topic.  Based on the input received during this review process, the City has prepared a Draft Proposed Land Use Map, available now for public review. Parcel-specific public comments were due by December 16, 2022 at 5:00 pm. For general comments, please use the link below.

Interactive Draft Proposed Land Use Map
Draft Proposed Land Use Map (PDF)
Updated Fiscal Impact Analysis
Provide General Comments

Land Use Alternatives Report

Potential changes to the City’s Land Use Map is a key component of this General Plan Update. The Land Use Alternatives Report, available now, provides the City with a tool to examine different possible approaches to accommodate future development, economic growth, maintain fiscal sustainability, and ensure adequate protection of resources and open space. Feedback provided on information contained in the Land Use Alternatives Report will be used to create the draft Land Use Map that will be considered as part of the General Plan Update public review and approval process. 

Land Use Alternatives Report
Interactive Land Use Alternatives Map
Fact Sheet Summary | En español

For more information on upcoming opportunities to provide your input, please visit the calendar for event details.

General Plan Existing Conditions Report

An Existing Conditions Report has been prepared to support the General Plan Update. This material is intended to serve as a baseline of available information. As additional project documents are prepared, this information will be continually evaluated and updated as necessary.

Combined Existing Conditions Report Part 1 (Cover through Chapter 4)
Combined Existing Conditions Report Part 2 (Chapter 5 through Chapter 10)

00 - Cover and Table of Contents
0 - Introduction
1 - Demographics, Land Use, and Community Character
2 - Mobility
3 - Utilities and Community Services
4 - Hazards, Safety, and Noise
5 - Conservation and Natural Resources
6 - Community Health and Wellness
7 - Environmental Justice
8 - Market Conditions
9 - Regulatory Environment
10 - Glossary of Terms

Updated Safety Element (Public Draft)

Press Release - September 7, 2021

The Public Safety Element is an element of the General Plan required by the State of California. The goal of the Public Safety Element is to reduce the potential short and long-term risk of death, injuries, property damage, and economic and social dislocation resulting from fires, floods, droughts, earthquakes, landslides, climate change, and other hazards. This targeted update to the City’s Public Safety Element has been prepared in accordance with State law and addresses new requirements related to potential and existing hazards in the city including fire hazards, climate adaptation, and resiliency planning. A robust update to the City’s Public Safety Element will occur as part of the City’s recently restarted comprehensive General Plan Update.

Environmental Justice Element (Public Draft)

Press Release - September 7, 2021

The Environmental Justice Element is an optional element of the General Plan. The City has prepared a new Environmental Justice Element for inclusion in the City of San Marcos General Plan, in accordance with State requirements. The goal of the new Environmental Justice Element is to promote a more equitable, safe, and healthy lifestyle for all residents. It is expected that the Environmental Justice Element will be further refined and updated as part of the City’s comprehensive General Plan update. 

Public Comments on Safety and Environmental Justice Elements

  • Completing the fillable electronic public comment card available here.

  • Mailing written comments to: Dahvia Lynch, AICP CEP, Development Services Director

  • City of San Marcos, 1 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos CA 92069

  • Emailing comments to: dlynch@san-marcos.net

  • Delivering written comments to the City during limited public counter hours.  Please check our website for more information as hours are subject to change due to COVID-19: COVID-19 Response | San Marcos, CA (san-marcos.net)

2021-2029 Housing Element Update (Adopted)

The City of San Marcos is pleased to share the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, adopted by the San Marcos City Council on July 13, 2021. The community’s input regarding housing issues and priorities has been an important part in helping shape San Marcos’ 2021-2029 Housing Element. Updating our Housing Element also involved a detailed analysis of existing conditions, a review of existing City plans and programs, and the inclusion of new policies and programs (which can be found in Part 1: Housing Plan) to comply with current State housing law. The City was notified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) that the updated Housing Element meets all state Housing Law requirements.

Below are some key facts about the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update:

  • The Housing Plan recommends only minor modifications to the City’s current Housing Element Goals and Policies

  • No land use changes were necessary to accommodate our Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA); future residential development is expected to occur in those areas already identified for residential uses including the Creek District and University District

  • The Housing Plan includes a number of new programs to address State housing law including future required updates to the San Marcos Municipal Code, new programs to support affirmatively furthering fair housing, and tracking and reporting requirements for our Housing Sites