Envision Contra Costa 2040

Overview

Envision Contra Costa 2040 is a comprehensive update of the Contra Costa County General Plan, Zoning Code, and Climate Action Plan. The project began in September 2018, with adoption of the updated documents anticipated for 2024.

What is a General Plan?

State law requires each city and county in California to prepare and maintain a general plan. A jurisdiction's general plan serves as its "constitution" for decisions concerning land use planning and expresses a community's long-term goals and vision for its physical growth, conservation, and community life in the unincorporated area, and contains the policies and actions necessary to achieve those goals. County staff members use the General Plan to guide decisions about zoning, permitted development, provision of public services, and transportation improvements. Contra Costa County’s current General Plan was adopted in 1991 and reflects the data, attitudes, and assumptions of this time. All decisions on planning matters (rezonings, subdivisions, use permits, etc.) must be consistent with the adopted general plan.