TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
1. WHAT IS A GENERAL PLAN?
2. ORGANIZATION AND CONTENT OF THE PLAN
General Plan Elements
Goals, Objectives, Policies, and Programs
Background Information
3. GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE OF THE PLAN
4. THE GENERAL PLAN PROCESS
5. ADMINISTERING THE PLAN
Implementing the Plan
Amending the Plan
6.VISION AND GOALS FOR NOVATO
Vision
Goals

LAND USE
1. INTRODUCTION
Growth Management Program
Applying Land Use Policies to Specific Properties
Related Policies in Other Parts of the General Plan
2. BACKGROUND
Comparison with 1981 General Plan
Existing Conditions and Potential Development
Hamilton Field
Buck Center for Research in Aging
Projected Growth of Population and Jobs
Evolution of the Plan
Relationship to the Marin Countywide Plan
3. OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS
Land Use Designations Map
Infrastructure and Public Services
Constraints Analysis
Sphere of Influence
Interjurisdictional Coordination

TRANSPORTATION
1. INTRODUCTION
What is "Level of Service"?
Coordinating Regional Transportation Planning
2. BACKGROUND
Streets and Roads
1995 Levels of Service
Coordinating Land Use and Transportation
3. OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS
Alternatives to the Automobile
Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
Access for the Mobility-Impaired
Transportation Funding
Air Transportation

HOUSING
OVERVIEW OF THE NOVATO HOUSING ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
Housing Element Purpose and Contents
Housing Elements Requirements
How the Housing Element Was Prepared
Relationship of the Housing Element to Other General Plan Elements
HOUSING NEEDS ANALYSIS
Population and Employment Trends
Housing Conditions
Household Characteristics
Housing Costs, Household Income, and the Ability to Pay for Housing
Special Housing Needs
"At Risk" Housing
Evaluation of Current Housing Element
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES ANALYSIS
ABAG Regional Housing Needs Determinations
Available Land and Ability to Meet the ABAG Needs
Potential Non-Governmental Constraints and Opportunities
Potential Governmental Constraints and Opportunities
Opportunities for Energy Conservation
A FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION
Overview
Key Findings from the Housing Needs and Opportunities Analysis
HOUSING VISION, GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
Vision for Housing in Novato
Housing Goal
Housing Objectives
HOUSING POLICIES AND IMPLEMENTING PROGRAMS
Sense of Community and Creation of Successful Partnerships
Equal Housing Opportunities
Housing Design
Existing Housing and Neighborhoods Preservation
Housing, Jobs and Transit Linkage
Variety of Infill Housing Choices
Mixed Use Housing
Affordable Housing Sites and Incentives
Residential Inclusionary Housing
Accessory Dwelling Units
Special Needs Housing
Special Needs Support Programs
Funding and Financial Equivalent Incentives for Housing
Effective Implementation and Monitoring
APPENDICES
A - Evaluation of Current Housing Element Programs
B - Potential Residential Development Sites
C - Summary of Novato Housing Element Implementing Programs

ENVIRONMENT
1. INTRODUCTION
2. BACKGROUND
Streams and Other Bodies of Water
Wildlife, Vegetation, and Habitats
Wetlands
Ridgelines and Other Scenic Resources
Energy Conservation
Archaeological Resources
Historic Resources
Air Quality
Water Quality
Solid Waste
Mineral and Geological Resources
Open Space and Parks
3. OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS
Watercourses, Wetlands, and Bayfront Areas
Wildlife and Native Plant Protection
Agriculture
Woodlands
Scenic Resources
Energy Conservation
Air Quality
Water Resources
Solid Waste Reduction
Mineral Resources
Open Space
Parks and Trails

SAFETY & NOISE
1. INTRODUCTION
2. OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND PROGRAMS AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Seismic Hazards
Non-Seismic Geologic Hazards
Flood Hazards
Emergency Preparedness
Fire Protection
Police Service
Emergency Medical Care
Hazardous Materials
Electromagnetic Fields
Aviation Hazards
Noise
Noise Characteristics
Human Response to Noise
Noise and Land Use Compatibility Standards
Existing Noise Environment
Future Noise Levels

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND FISCAL VITALITY
INTRODUCTION
Economic Development
Existing Conditions
Office, Retail, and Industrial Activity
Employment: Novato Workers and Novato Residents
Downtown
Visitor and Tourism Activity
Issues and Concerns Facing the City
Land
Social Capital
Industries and Infrastructure in Transition
City's Influence on a Sustainable Economy
Objectives, Policies, and Programs for Economic Development
Fiscal Vitality
Existing Conditions
Fiscal Conditions of City (Current)
Trend/Projected Fiscal Condition of City
Issues and Concerns Facing the City
Increasing Demands for City Services/Decrease in City's Revenue
Fiscal Impacts of Development
Estimated Costs of General Plan Implementation
Existing/New Sources of Revenue
Administrative Reform & Accountability
Regional Planning
Public/Private Partnerships/Privatization
Objectives, Policies, and Programs for Fiscal Vitality

HUMAN SERVICES
1. INTRODUCTION
2. BACKGROUND
Care of Senior Citizens
Child Care
Care of Disabled People
Youth Services
Social Service Programs
Medical Services
Other County Programs
3. OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS

PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES
1. INTRODUCTION
2. BACKGROUND
Water
Wastewater Treatment and Disposal
Flood Control and Storm Drainage
Schools
Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services
Other Public Facilities

COMMUNITY IDENTITY
1. INTRODUCTION
2. BACKGROUND
3. OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS
Open Areas and Landscaping
Pedestrian Circulation
Downtown
Historic Resources and Public Art
Conservation of Architectural and Historic Resources
Public Art
Appendix A: Novato Neighborhoods
Appendix B: Reference Materials
Novato General Plan Glossary
Bibliography
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