California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Home Habitat Conservation Planning CEQA General Plan Review Procedures

General Plan Review Procedures

State Planning Law requires local governments to adopt a comprehensive, long-term, general plan for the physical development of lands within their jurisdiction. The general plan consists of a development policy, objectives, principles, standards, and various proposals. Each plan must include a discussion of the following mandatory elements: land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise, and safety. In addition, the general plan may include other elements that have the weight and importance of mandatory elements.

Regions may choose to review or participate in the development of those general plans of counties where the potential for major conflicts between fish and wildlife habitat needs and development exists. In addition, Regions shall review general plans when notified by any county which anticipates a conflict due to its proposed developments.

The Regional staff takes the lead in assembling all data, maps, and other pertinent information on fish and wildlife populations and habitats. Additionally, Regional staffs assemble relevant property information from County Assessor's files, correlating this information with data on habitat and other resources of concern. The mapped information is analyzed and a strategy is developed that will protect fish and wildlife that are proposed for development. Regional staff is strongly encouraged to collaborate with the county staff and constituents in developing data and recommendations. Finally, maps, other information, and recommendations to avoid or reduce impacts to fish and wildlife resources are then transmitted from the appropriate Regional Manager to the local lead agencies.

Email Link Contact CEQA Program – CDFW staff cannot make decisions or intercede on CEQA projects under the jurisdiction of another lead agency. Please address project-specific comments to the project's lead agency.