Ross postpones update to its general plan

Town Council Decides to Delay General Plan Update

The town of Ross has chosen to postpone the update of its general plan for the time being. During a recent meeting, the Town Council directed staff to hold off on seeking a consultant to undertake the necessary revisions. This decision was made due to the significant workload already placed on the town’s limited staff.

Mayor Julie McMillan reflected on the previous general plan that was finalized in 2007. She noted that the process involved a two- to three-year timeline, with numerous workshops, public outreach efforts, and meetings facilitated by a dedicated committee. “It was a ton of work,” she said, highlighting the extensive effort required to complete such a project.

Roberta Feliciano, the planning and building director, explained that the current general plan is set to expire this year. State law requires municipalities to maintain a general plan, which serves as a policy guide for development and growth. “In general, it is the community's vision, goals, policies, and policy programs that guide the future land use and resource decisions,” Feliciano said.

Town Manager Christa Johnson emphasized that the small staff is already overwhelmed with other responsibilities, particularly the ongoing project to update the municipal center. She recommended delaying the general plan update, noting that the planning director’s time is a critical concern. “I’m feeling that we won’t be that behind if we wait a couple of years to start on this process,” she said.

Financial Considerations and Options

Town staff presented four options for updating the general plan, with costs ranging from $300,000 to $600,000. Feliciano clarified that while an update is not strictly necessary, it is recommended to incorporate new state laws and evolving community needs. “There's really no penalty of having an expired plan, other than when you're reviewing the planning projects, you want to make sure your land use and planning entitlements are rooted in general plan policies and the zoning code, which you do anyway,” she said.

However, a staff report highlighted potential legal liabilities associated with an outdated plan, including vulnerability to lawsuits from residents, community groups, and developers. It could also limit the town’s ability to secure grants and state funding.

Cost Breakdown of the Update Options

A technical update without changes to land use policy could cost around $300,000. This option would involve updating the plan to conform with state laws, community outreach, and new community priorities and initiatives. Analyzing specific sections, like the land use plan and historic resources, would add another $50,000 for each element.

A full update that includes land use changes, new policies, and development patterns could trigger an environmental impact report, making it an expensive endeavor. A comprehensive update could cost approximately $600,000. The town’s 2025-26 budget includes $175,000 to start the process, and Feliciano recommended the technical update option.

Concerns and Suggestions from Council Members

Councilmember Teri Dowling acknowledged the staffing issue but expressed concerns about postponing the update indefinitely. “I wouldn't want to put it off forever, because I think that's a problem,” she said.

Councilmember Mathew Salter sympathized with the staffing challenges but noted that there will always be other projects demanding attention. He suggested considering hiring additional staff for the project. “We're never going to stop the flood, literally, from coming, but we can't stop the town's business for that,” he said. “The general plan is old, it needs to be updated, and we've been saving money to do it.”

The town has allocated an additional $352,800 for a general plan update, indicating a commitment to addressing the issue in the future.