Sustainable Land Use

Development of a landscape. Fiber art representation
Fabric art and image by Linda Gass

The Sustainable Land Use Committee (SLU) promotes smart, walkable, and equitable neighborhoods which group new homes, jobs, and shops near transit stations and corridors.  New development in our region should reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect the natural environment, and increase transit use. Development should balance the job/housing ratio and focus on mixed use developments with denser affordable housing close to public transit. It should also support cleaner mobility choices for local residents and businesses, and expand the range of choices and the variety of services available for all.

Contact the Sustainable Land Use Committee

Guidelines and Resources

SLU makes recommendations on plans and proposals based on our Guidelines’ six goals for infill development near transit: 

  • Compact Infill Housing and Mixed-Use Development - Livable, mixed-use communities with a diversity of housing options.
  • Community & Economic Benefits – Improved parks, additional shops and services, active downtown, healthy ecology and urban greening.
  • Pedestrian Priority – Prioritize walking and active lifestyles.
  • Transportation  Alternatives – Safe bicycle and micromobility facilities, reliable public transit, alternatives to driving.
  • Energy & Resource Efficiency – Green net-zero buildings and low-impact site development.
  • Healthy Ecology - For residents' and employees' wellbeing and for enhancing ecology.

Such plans include General Plans, Downtown Plans, Station Area Plans, Pedestrian Plans, Bicycle Plans, individual development proposals, etc. Learn More...

Projects

After reviewing a development plan, using our Guidelines, the Sustainable Land Use Committee will typically write a public comment letter to be sent to the project proponent and the City with recommendations about how to increase the sustainability of the plan.  Learn more...

Housing 

Every 8 years, California cities must plan for enough new housing to meet population and economic growth projections made by the State of California. The 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for our Chapter's cities and counties began in 2023 and lasts until 2031. Learn more...

Contact the Sustainable Land Use Committee

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