City of Calabasas, CA
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City and Regional Plans
The City of Calabasas, and all other cities and counties in the state, is required by law to adopt a general plan, which can be described as a ‘blueprint’ for future development. It represents the community's view of how its future land use patterns and overall design should look. It effectively becomes a constitution made up of the goals and policies upon which the city council and planning commission will base their land use decisions.
Beyond the General Plan, there are numerous Master Plans which are tailored to specific areas or goals of the City that require a more detailed set of guidelines for development.
The City of Calabasas 2030 General Plan (adopted in December 2008 and updated in 2015, 2022 and 2023) represents the City's comprehensive effort to define what makes Calabasas a special place, delineate a vision for its future, and formulate action-oriented programs to achieve that future. The Plan functions as a blueprint that defines not only how the City will evolve through 2030, but the steps the community will take to make this vision a reality.
- I. Introduction
- The Calabasas General Plan represents the City's comprehensive effort to define what makes Calabasas a special place, delineate a vision for its future, and formulate action oriented programs to achieve that future. The Plan functions as a blueprint that defines not only how the City will evolve through 2030, but the steps the community will take to make this vision a reality.
- II. Land Use Element
- The Land Use Element of the General Plan establishes Calabasas' vision and fundamental land use philosophy, including directing development to the most suitable locations, and maintaining the environmental, social, physical, and economic health and vitality of the area. The Element therefore focuses on the organization of the community's physical environment into logical, functional, and visually pleasing patterns that are consistent with local social values. Of primary concern are the type, intensity, location, and character of land uses that will be permitted in the future.
- The Land Use Element of the General Plan establishes Calabasas' vision and fundamental land use philosophy, including directing development to the most suitable locations, and maintaining the environmental, social, physical, and economic health and vitality of the area. The Element therefore focuses on the organization of the community's physical environment into logical, functional, and visually pleasing patterns that are consistent with local social values. Of primary concern are the type, intensity, location, and character of land uses that will be permitted in the future.
- III. Open Space Element
- The preservation of the remaining open space lands within Calabasas and acquisition of new lands for open space designation are consistently identified as the community’s highest priority. Open space is a key component of the City’s character, representing a scenic resource of great value and importance to the quality of life for Calabasas residents. Open space protection contributes to public health and safety, and creates opportunities for public recreation. It also protects significant environmental resources as many of the open space areas within and around Calabasas contain an abundance and variety of sensitive vegetative and wildlife habitats.
- The preservation of the remaining open space lands within Calabasas and acquisition of new lands for open space designation are consistently identified as the community’s highest priority. Open space is a key component of the City’s character, representing a scenic resource of great value and importance to the quality of life for Calabasas residents. Open space protection contributes to public health and safety, and creates opportunities for public recreation. It also protects significant environmental resources as many of the open space areas within and around Calabasas contain an abundance and variety of sensitive vegetative and wildlife habitats.
- IV. Conservation Element
- Calabasas recognizes its role as steward of all lands within its jurisdiction, as well as its responsibility to promote and participate in solutions to the global environmental concerns. The City will continue to take an active role in the management of its natural resources for the benefit of present and future residents.
- Calabasas recognizes its role as steward of all lands within its jurisdiction, as well as its responsibility to promote and participate in solutions to the global environmental concerns. The City will continue to take an active role in the management of its natural resources for the benefit of present and future residents.
- V. 2021-2029 Housing Element
- State housing element statutes (Government Code Sections 65580-65589.8) mandate that local governments adequately plan to meet the existing and projected housing needs of all economic segments of the community. The law recognizes that in order for the private market to adequately address housing needs and demand, local governments must adopt land use plans and regulatory systems that provide opportunities for, and do not unduly constrain, housing development. As a result, State housing policy rests largely upon the effective implementation of local General Plans and in particular, local Housing Elements.
- Additional information about development of the current Housing Element can be found here on the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element Update website.
- State housing element statutes (Government Code Sections 65580-65589.8) mandate that local governments adequately plan to meet the existing and projected housing needs of all economic segments of the community. The law recognizes that in order for the private market to adequately address housing needs and demand, local governments must adopt land use plans and regulatory systems that provide opportunities for, and do not unduly constrain, housing development. As a result, State housing policy rests largely upon the effective implementation of local General Plans and in particular, local Housing Elements.
- VI. Circulation Element
- The Circulation Element of the Calabasas General Plan addresses broad issues of physical mobility -- how people and goods move about within the community. Transportation is one of the most pervasive issues of the General Plan, and is related to land use, community design, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, recreation, emergency evacuation, and the City’s infrastructure. Moreover, circulation issues are not simply local concerns, but require coordination with regional, state, and federal agencies, as well as adjacent communities.
- The Circulation Element of the Calabasas General Plan addresses broad issues of physical mobility -- how people and goods move about within the community. Transportation is one of the most pervasive issues of the General Plan, and is related to land use, community design, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, recreation, emergency evacuation, and the City’s infrastructure. Moreover, circulation issues are not simply local concerns, but require coordination with regional, state, and federal agencies, as well as adjacent communities.
- VII. Safety Element
- The Safety Element is concerned with identifying and, whenever possible, reducing the impact of natural and man-made hazards that may threaten the health, safety, and property of Calabasas residents, business owners, and visitors. The element emphasizes hazards reduction and accident prevention for known hazards and potential disasters. In addition, the element emphasizes the importance of reducing risk and the effects of disaster prevention and/or preparedness.
- The Safety Element establishes mechanisms to reduce death, injuries, property damage and the economic and social dislocation resulting from hazards such as fires, floods, earthquakes, landslides, and other hazards. Hazards are an unavoidable aspect of life, and the Safety Element cannot eliminate risk completely. Instead, the Element contains policies to minimize the level of risk. Additional information, including hazard profiles, previous occurrences, potential loss estimates, and mitigation strategies can be found in the Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, of which the City is a participating jurisdiction.
- The Safety Element is concerned with identifying and, whenever possible, reducing the impact of natural and man-made hazards that may threaten the health, safety, and property of Calabasas residents, business owners, and visitors. The element emphasizes hazards reduction and accident prevention for known hazards and potential disasters. In addition, the element emphasizes the importance of reducing risk and the effects of disaster prevention and/or preparedness.
- VIII. Noise Element
- The purpose of the Noise Element is to limit the exposure of the community to excessive noise level. The Noise Element is to be used to guide decisions concerning land use and the location of common sources of excessive noise levels. To that end, the Noise Element identifies and addresses noise sources and establishes projected noise levels for significant noise generators.
- The purpose of the Noise Element is to limit the exposure of the community to excessive noise level. The Noise Element is to be used to guide decisions concerning land use and the location of common sources of excessive noise levels. To that end, the Noise Element identifies and addresses noise sources and establishes projected noise levels for significant noise generators.
- IX. Community Design Element
- The Community Design Element focuses on creating a desirable environment in which to live, work, and play. While the Community Design Element is an elective and not required element of the General Plan, community design includes the relationship between buildings, streets, land uses, open space, circulation, height, massing, natural features, and human activity and, as one of the most visible aspects of the City, warrants comprehensive coverage in the General Plan.
- The Community Design Element focuses on creating a desirable environment in which to live, work, and play. While the Community Design Element is an elective and not required element of the General Plan, community design includes the relationship between buildings, streets, land uses, open space, circulation, height, massing, natural features, and human activity and, as one of the most visible aspects of the City, warrants comprehensive coverage in the General Plan.
- X. Parks, Recreation & Trails Element
- Calabasas is committed to ensuring that its citizens have ample access to high quality spaces for leisure and active recreation. Despite constraints on land available for active use parks, the City has acquired or built a wide array of recreational facilities. Calabasas has also been an active steward of the natural environment, acquiring open space and partnering with other agencies to preserve natural resources. The City also provides a variety of recreation services such as sports leagues, education classes, cultural events, entertainment experiences, and other leisure activities for the community.
- Calabasas is committed to ensuring that its citizens have ample access to high quality spaces for leisure and active recreation. Despite constraints on land available for active use parks, the City has acquired or built a wide array of recreational facilities. Calabasas has also been an active steward of the natural environment, acquiring open space and partnering with other agencies to preserve natural resources. The City also provides a variety of recreation services such as sports leagues, education classes, cultural events, entertainment experiences, and other leisure activities for the community.
- XI. Cultural Resources Element
- Local history, cultural diversity, and artistic expression play vital roles in establishing identity and enriching human life in communities. Calabasas enjoys a richness in its history that sets the stage for ongoing community development in a way that acknowledges and memorializes the past, while informing decisions about the community’s ongoing cultural development. The Cultural Resources Element establishes policies that both lay a foundation to protect and interpret cultural resources (paleontological, archaeological, and historic) and encourage and foster the community’s cultural and artistic development.
- Local history, cultural diversity, and artistic expression play vital roles in establishing identity and enriching human life in communities. Calabasas enjoys a richness in its history that sets the stage for ongoing community development in a way that acknowledges and memorializes the past, while informing decisions about the community’s ongoing cultural development. The Cultural Resources Element establishes policies that both lay a foundation to protect and interpret cultural resources (paleontological, archaeological, and historic) and encourage and foster the community’s cultural and artistic development.
- XII. Services, Infrastructure & Technology Element
- Communities need a variety of basic services and infrastructure in order to function. The City provides some of these services and infrastructure, while others are provided by other agencies. Careful coordination of land development with both City departments and outside agencies that are responsible for providing municipal services and infrastructure is needed to avoid gaps in service provision.
- Communities need a variety of basic services and infrastructure in order to function. The City provides some of these services and infrastructure, while others are provided by other agencies. Careful coordination of land development with both City departments and outside agencies that are responsible for providing municipal services and infrastructure is needed to avoid gaps in service provision.
- XIII. General Plan Implementation
- The implementation programs of the Calabasas General Plan describe the specific actions that the City will take and will require for new development in order to implement the City's vision of its future as expressed in General Plan goals, objectives, approaches, and policies.
2030 General Plan: Final EIR
The City of Calabasas 2030 General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) evaluates the potential environmental effects associated with implementation of the 2030 General Plan, and also examines a range of alternatives to the 2030 General Plan.
General Plan 2030 and Development Code: Process and Update
Provides a comprehensive report on the development and final adoption of the 2030 General Plan – including public workshops, the role of the Planning Commission and City Council, and a record of updates made to the City of Calabasas Land Use and Development Code (Title 17).
Calabasas: Zoning Map
The Zoning Map is a graphic depiction of the boundaries for which a certain set of land use standards or regulations have been adopted by the City of Calabasas. The zoning map provides a visual reference for residents and the development community to view what type of land uses may be expected and allowed within each zone district. Land is divided into zone districts established in Article II of the Municipal Code which describes the intent and regulations of each particular zone category. A typical zone district will set forth regulations for permitted land uses, density, building height limits, and lot standards such as setbacks, lot size, etc.
Calabasas: Land Use Map
The Land Use Map is a graphic representation of the physical uses of the land, showing both current land use and plans for future land use, as determined by the General Plan. For each land use, a description of appropriate uses is provided along with a definition of the maximum allowable intensity that may be permitted.
Please Note: The following plans were adopted prior to the 2030 General Plan, and some policies contained within these plans may have been superseded by the policies established in the General Plan.
Headwaters Corner Master Plan
Headwaters Corner at Calabasas is a collaborative venture with the explicit goal of creating a unique educational center that will generate a population of future land stewards dedicated to protecting and preserving the biological diversity of the Santa Monica Mountains. The Headwaters Corner property, owned by the City of Calabasas, is managed by Mountains Restoration Trust, a local community based land trust. Together, the two partners, collaborating with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and other resource agencies, are committed to integrating the interests of residents, schools, businesses and government into the ever-evolving Headwaters Corner at Calabasas.
Bicycle Master Plan
The City of Calabasas Bicycle Master Plan, adopted in November 1996 and revised in March 1997, is the guide by which the City develops and implements an effective, safe and interconnected bicycle transportation system that will serve both commuters and recreational riders. The focus of the Bicycle Master Plan (BMP) is to provide bicycle mobility for vehicle trip reduction, however, it is recognized that recreational use of the bicycle system is an important element of a master plan as well.
Calabasas Park Centre Project Development and Design Guidelines
Las Virgenes Road Corridor Master Plan
The Las Virgenes Road Corridor Master Plan is a long-range planning document that makes recommendations for beautification, circulation and traffic improvements for Las Virgenes Road. The scope of the plan includes Las Virgenes Road from Mulholland Highway on the south end to the Ventura County line on the north end.
Las Virgenes Gateway Master Plan
The Las Virgenes Gateway Master Plan establishes more specific plans and guidelines for development occurring within the Las Virgenes Road and Ventura Freeway interchange area. Historically, this area has served as a rest stop area and gateway to the beaches along the Pacific Ocean., though more recently this corridor also serves the neighborhoods in western Calabasas, as well as a route to Pepperdine University, Malibu Creek State Park and the Santa Monica Mountains. The Las Virgenes Gateway Master Plan is intended to provide the City with additional planning (beyond the General Plan) to address land uses and private property development/design standards that have arisen from this confluence of land uses and users of the area.
Mulholland Highway Master Plan
The Mulholland Highway Master Plan for Capital Improvements is a long-range planning document that provides recommendations for traffic, circulation, roadway, and landscaping improvements along a 1.7 mile segment of Mulholland Highway. The corridor extends from Mulholland Drive to the southern Old Topanga Canyon Road intersection. The Master Plan provides the City with recommendations to respond to the City’s General Plan vision statement for the area, which is to restore the original beauty of the Mulholland corridor by developing a comprehensive Master Plan for the roadway.
Old Town Calabasas Master Plan
Adopted in March 1994, the Old Town Calabasas Master Plan was created in response to City residents’ desires to retain an important cultural resource and establish a historic retail “downtown” in Old Town Calabasas. The Master Plan provides design guidelines for Old Town to ensure that a “sense of place”, that is special and unique to the City of Calabasas is retained and enhanced, to reflect the history and spirit of Calabasas.
Parks Master Plan
The Parks Master Plan discusses the findings and recommendations for meeting existing and future park and recreation service needs in the City of Calabasas. The Plan identifies and evaluates existing park and recreation areas; assesses the need for additional park land, open space and specialized facilities; establishes criteria and standards for site selection, design, and management; and recommends an approach to implementation.
Trails Master Plan
The Calabasas Trails Master Plan provides a blueprint for the development of community trails over the next 10 years. The purpose of the Plan is to provide a continuous pedestrian, equestrian, and bicycle trail system that will incorporate trail connections to open spaces, public facilities, and nearby regional parks. The Plan will be used in fostering and guiding the creation of a citywide trail network. It is intended to provide guidance for the location and construction of trails in the City. Further, the Trails Master Plan is intended to improve the operation, design and utilization of the City's off-street trail system, allowing equal and safe use for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians.
West Calabasas Road Planning Guidelines
The West Calabasas Road Planning Guidelines are intended to provide clear and useful recommendations for the design, construction, review, and approval of all development in the West Calabasas Road Master Plan area. These guidelines are a reference point for a common understanding of the community’s minimum design expectations. The guidelines are offered as one way of achieving attractive and functional projects that will realize the goals of both the City and the community.
Plans Affecting the Region
The City of Calabasas is located in the northwest of Los Angeles County, immediately north of the Santa Monica Mountains, within a physically diverse area of Southern California. The highly urbanized environment of Los Angeles is juxtaposed by the open space and state/national park land of the Santa Monica Mountains. In order to minimize the impacts of urban sprawl on the natural environment of this area, several regional plans have been created to address air and water quality, development, and transportation.
Santa Monica Mountains North Area Plan (LA County)
The Santa Monica Mountains North Area Plan (North Area Plan is a synonym used in this document) is a component of the Los Angeles County General Plan. The North Area Plan's primary role is to provide more focused policy for the regulation of development within the unincorporated area of the Santa Monica Mountains west of the City of Los Angeles and north of the Coastal Zone boundary--the planning area--as part of the overall General Plan area of Los Angeles County. The North Area Plan refines the policies of the county-wide General Plan as it applies to this planning area.
Regional Water Quality Control Board Basin Plan
The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board Basin Plan is designed to preserve and enhance water quality and protect the beneficial uses of all regional waters. Specifically, the Basin Plan:
- designates beneficial uses for surface and ground waters,
- sets narrative and numerical objectives that must be attained or maintained to protect the designated beneficial uses and conform to the state’s anti-degradation policy, and
- describes implementation programs to protect all waters in the Region.
In addition, the Basin Plan incorporates (by reference) all applicable State and Regional Board plans and policies and other pertinent water quality policies and regulations.
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan
Every four years, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) updates Connect SoCal, the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) as required by federal and state regulations.
The plan was developed through a four-year planning process involving rigorous technical analysis, extensive stakeholder engagement and robust policy discussions with local elected leaders. Connect SoCal outlines a vision for a more resilient and equitable future, with investment, policies and strategies for achieving the region’s shared goals through 2050.
South Coast Air Quality Management Plan
The Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP or Plan) is a regional blueprint for achieving air quality standards and healthful air. The 2022 AQMP represents a comprehensive analysis of emissions, meteorology, regional air quality modeling, regional growth projections, and the impact of control measures.
State Laws Concerning Regional Plans and Systems
AB32
In 2006, the Legislature passed andGovernor Schwarzenegger signed AB32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which set the 2020 greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal into law. It directed the California Air Resources Board to begin developing discrete early actions to reduce greenhouse gases while also preparing a scoping plan to identify how best to reach the 2020 limit. The reduction measures to meet the 2020 target are to be adopted by the start of 2011.
SB375
In 2008 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signedSenate Bill 375, which enhances California's ability to reach its AB32 goals by promoting good planning with the goal of more sustainable communities. SB375 requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop regional greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for passenger vehicles. CARB will establish targets for 2020 and 2035 for each region covered by one of the State's 18 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). Each of California’s MPOs then prepare a ‘sustainable communities strategy’ (SCS) that demonstrates how the region will meet its greenhouse gas reduction target through integrated land use, housing and transportation planning. Once adopted by the MPO, the SCS will be incorporated into that region's federally enforceable regional transportation plan (RTP). CARB is also required to review each final SCS to determine whether it would, if implemented, achieve the greenhouse gas emission reduction target for its region. If the combination of measures in the SCS will not meet the region’s target, the MPO must prepare a separate “alternative planning strategy (APS)” to meet the target.