General Plan

California law requires every city and county to adopt a comprehensive General Plan, which serves as a long‑range blueprint for the community. It provides a framework to guide decisions about growth, development, and public infrastructure, shaping the community’s future over time.

The Laguna Niguel General Plan is organized into “elements” (chapters) with goals and policies that guide decision-making on land use and design, transportation, public facilities and services (parks, utilities, public safety), open space and natural resources, and economic growth within the City. It includes all mandatory elements as required by State law, along with two optional elements: Economic Development and Public Facilities and Services.

A key feature of the General Plan is the Land Use Map, which uses color, shading, and symbols to illustrate the type and location of allowable land uses (e.g., Residential Detached, Residential Attached, General Commercial, Business Park, Public Institutional, Parks and Recreation, and Open Space). 

The General Plan is supported by an Existing Conditions Report (2025), a companion document that provides a snapshot of current conditions in City. It covers topics such as land use and community character, utilities and community services, conservation, community health and wellness, public safety and noise, and the regulatory environment.