Every city and county in California is required by state law to prepare and maintain a planning document called a General plan. The general plan is the long range "blueprint" for a jurisdiction and guides development decisions, identifies long-term objectives for the next 15-20 years and contains policies and actions to help achieve community goals over the period of time. The general plan addresses all aspects of growth and development and includes topics such as land use, housing, economic development, circulation, safety, parks and recreation, and public facilities. In summary, the General plan serves to: Articulate a 15-20 year vision or picture for the future growth of the City; identify the City's land use, circulation, housing, environmental, economic, and social goals, policies and actions; and provide direction in the planning and evaluation of future development and resource decisions.