To address these
disturbing trends, LandWatch's recommendations are
generally aimed at slowing down the random,
uncoordinated development throughout Monterey
County in order to further assess the appropriate
and specific measures that will prevent the
deterioration of our quality of life. LandWatch
recommends the following actions:
- Monterey County and the cities should enact
immediate moratoria on any new subdivisions
(greater than 25 units and not already legally
vested) and General Plan amendments, until the
cumulative impacts identified in this report are
analyzed, mitigation measures approved, and
General Plans adopted that are consistent with
sound planning goals.
- Likewise, the Monterey County Local Agency
Formation Commission (LAFCO) should not approve
any further annexations until this assessment is
complete and the problems identified in this
report are addressed.
- Monterey County and the cities that have not
updated their General Plans in the last five
years (Carmel, Greenfield, Sand City, and
Monterey) should update them.
- State law requires the County Planning and
Building Inspection Department to provide an
annual report to the legislative body on the
status of the General Plan in its implementation
[Government Code Section 65400(b)(1)].
It is a top priority for the County to respond
to this legislative requirement
immediately.
LandWatch believes these actions are a critical
first step in assessing infrastructure constraints
and funding requirements for sustainable growth as
well as developing coordinated, comprehensive
general plans to manage future growth.
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