Project Description
RICK’s Planning and Design Division assisted San Diego County with an update to its General Plan and Master Environmental Impact Report. RICK acted as an extension of staff to complete the planning analysis on 21 study areas around the county involving potential increases in land use designations for residential, commercial, and industrial uses. The analysis included a constraints and opportunities analysis related to land use compatibility, biology, geology, slopes, floodplain, visual resources, transportation, and General Plan Policy analysis.
The project required RICK staff to work closely with County staff in interpreting the analyses and in crafting the recommendations on whether to allow the potential development increases or alternative uses in various areas of the county. As part of the analysis, our team has completed conceptual land plans for key properties in unincorporated San Diego County to test a variety of development concepts. The work was completed in both a report and graphic format in order to be used in the community planning process to inform community members of key issues. The final phase of the work program is focused on preparing presentation materials for the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.
RICK also continues to assist San Diego County with day-to-day planning through a multiyear contract for “on-call” planning services. This day-to-day role includes the implementation of long-range plans, including the completion of planning assignments for specific areas within the county and economic analysis assignments associated with the review of various development proposals. For example, RICK is currently reviewing multiple specific plans, tentative maps, and environmental impact reports (EIRs) for projects located in the Otay Mesa master-planned development area. This work involves all elements of project review and EIR preparation and processing, and our team is also responsible for the preparation of staff reports for senior management.