Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a General Plan?

State law requires a city to adopt "a comprehensive, long-term general plan for its physical development" (Government Code §65300). A General Plan contains official Compton policy regarding the location of housing, business, industry, roads, parks, and other land uses; providing community services and programs; maintaining and building infrastructure; and protection of the public from environmental hazards. The Compton City Council and City staff are responsible for carry out the policies of the General Plan.

Q: What subjects does the General Plan address?

According to state planning law (Government Code §65302), a General Plan must address seven subjects as they relate to future citywide development: land use, circulation (transportation and infrastructure), housing, conservation, open space, noise, and safety. A City may also choose to address other subjects in conjunction with or addition to the seven mandatory subjects. In the updated General Plan will also address parks and recreation, community culture and services, environmental justice, historic preservation, and economic development.

Q: How can I get involved?

The General Plan Update is an opportunity for residents, business owners, community organizations, and other stakeholders to discuss how the City will grow through 2045. There will be many opportunities to participate, including meetings, workshops, pop-up events, and public hearings. You can join the email list or receive notification of upcoming events through our website. If you have any questions, or would like to provide us with comments, please contact visit our Contact Us page. Public input from every engagement opportunity is meticulously recorded and cataloged to ensure that City staff and decisionmakers have a full understanding of public sentiment when drafting goals and policies. Public feedback on General Plan materials (including goals and policies) will be considered when making final revisions.

Q: How are General Plan land-use designations different from Zoning?

Every parcel in the City of Compton is assigned a General Plan Land Use designation and a Zoning district. General Plan designations sets the long-term vision for properties and identify generalized uses such as Commercial or multi-unit residential. Zoning designations, which by law must be consistent with the General Plan designations, provide more detail on permitted uses and development standards. Once a new General Plan is adopted, the City will pursue an update of the Zoning Ordinance, as required by state law. The update will address inconsistencies between the General Plan designations and current Zoning designations.

Q: Once the General Plan is adopted, for how long will it be used?

State planning law simply states that a jurisdiction shall "periodically review and revise, as necessary, the General Plan" (Government Code §65103[a]). Once adopted, the City expects the new General Plan to provide guidance through 2045, though regular review may reveal the need for periodic revisions. An exception is the Housing Element, which must be updated every eight years pursuant to state law.