OPR Guidelines for General Plans – Each city and county in California must prepare a comprehensive, long term general plan in order to guide its future. To assist local governments in meeting this responsibility, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research is required to adopt and periodically revise guidelines for the preparation and content of local general plans. These guidelines are available online for the public to review.

SANDAG Smart Growth Map – Over the last five years, San Marcos has worked closely with SANDAG in establishing seven smart growth opportunity areas within the City. These consist of transit corridors along Mission Road, Rancho Santa Fe Road, and San Marcos Boulevard; an urban center across from CSUSM including the Civic Center; two special use centers for Palomar College and CSUSM; and a town center in San Elijo Hills. The SANDAG Smart Growth Concept Map identifies areas throughout the region as candidate sites for “Smart Growth” development. The term “Smart Growth” has been coined by planners to describe development patterns that occur along transportation corridors that are often compact with a mix of uses.
View the North County Smart Growth Map | Learn more about Smart Growth

California Climate Change Portal - The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) was passed by the state to address the threat global warming poses to the state’s “economic well-being, public health, natural resources and the environment.” California Executive Order 03-05 requires statewide greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced. Local governments play a critical role in addressing this important issue. To be consistent with state law and other recently enacted legislation, the San Marcos General Plan will address climate change and enact policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the City. The California Climate Change Portal contains a wealth of information on climate change.

The City of San Marcos does not endorse the sources above. Links above are provided as a courtesy to citizens who would like to find more information about city planning.