Countywide Land Use Policies

GOAL 1. Maintain and enhance the environmental and economic integrity of Mono County while providing for the land use needs of residents and visitors.

Objective 1.A.

Accommodate future growth in a manner that preserves and protects the area's scenic, agricultural, natural, cultural and recreational resources and that is consistent with the capacities of public facilities and services.

Policy 1.A.1. Contain growth in and adjacent to existing community areas.

Action 1.A.1.a. Encourage infill development in existing communities and subdivisions. New residential subdivision should occur within or immediately adjacent to existing community areas. New residential development outside existing community areas and subdivisions should be limited to an overall density of one unit per 40 acres, plus an Accessory Dwelling Unit.

Action 1.A.1.b. New residential development for permanent year-round residents should be concentrated in existing community areas.

Action 1.A.1.c. Provide sufficient land to accommodate the expansion of community areas, including sites for affordable housing.

Action 1.A.1.d. Support the exchange of public lands into private ownership for community expansion purposes if consistent with General Plan policies.

Action 1.A.1.e. Future development projects with the potential to induce substantial growth or concentration of population, or to substantially alter the use and density on a parcel or parcels, shall assess potential impacts prior to project approval. The analysis shall:

be funded by the applicant;
be prepared by a qualified person under the direction of Mono County;
describe the existing conditions in the general project vicinity;
describe the growth-inducing impacts of the proposed development, including impacts on services, infrastructure, and traffic; and
recommend project alternatives or measures to avoid or mitigate the identified impacts to a level of non-significance.

Mitigation measures shall be included in the project plans and specifications and shall be made a condition of approval for the project. Projects having significant growth inducing impacts, or which substantially alter the use and density on a parcel, may only be approved if a statement of overriding considerations is made through the EIR process.

Action 1.A.1.f. Evaluate proposed amendments to the Land Use Maps based on the land use designation criteria listed in the Land Use Designation section of this element.

Policy 1.A.2. Assure that adequate public services and infrastructure are available to serve planned development.

Action 1.A.2.a. Require that necessary services and facilities, including utility lines, are available or will be provided as a condition of approval for proposed projects.

Action 1.A.2.b. Require that new development projects adjacent to existing communities be annexed into existing service districts, where feasible.

Action 1.A.2.c. Through permit conditions and mitigation measures, require development projects to fund the public services and infrastructure costs of the development. In accordance with State law (Government Code § 53077), such exactions shall not exceed the benefits derived from the project.

Policy 1.A.3. Work with the Public Works Department to ensure long-term solid waste disposal capacity.

Action 1.A.3.a. Future solid waste disposal sites are identified in the Mono County Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP), which contains sites and strategies to provide 15 years of waste disposal capacity. Sites and strategies currently under consideration include, but are not limited to, providing capacity at the Pumice Valley and Walker landfills within the existing waste footprint, increasing diversion rates, and/or converting to a long-haul transfer program.

Action 1.A.3.b. Existing locations and new concepts for Non-Disposal Facilities (e.g., transfer stations) are identified in the IWMP along with siting criteria, and shall be vetted through a public process prior to permitting.

Action 1.A.3.c. Future solid waste facility sites, if any, shall be compatible with the land use designation of the property.

Action 1.A.3.d. Consider requirements for bear-resistant trash receptacles in applicable community areas.

Policy 1.A.4. Designate most lands outside existing community areas for low intensity uses (e.g., open space, agricultural, resource management). Higher-intensity uses (e.g., industrial, resource extraction, large-scale resort development) may be permitted outside existing community areas if it can be demonstrated that the use cannot be accommodated in existing community areas, that the use is incompatible with existing community uses, or that the use directly relies on the availability of unique on-site resources. Higher- intensity uses shall not adversely impact the area's scenic, recreational, cultural and natural resources.

Action 1.A.4.a. Proposals for higher-intensity uses outside community areas, including mining operations, shall be addressed through the Specific Plan process. Such development may be allowed through a Specific Plan provided that at a minimum, the following findings can be made:

Permanent open space preservation is provided;
The development would not adversely affect existing or potential farming, ranching, or recreational operations;
Development is clustered, concentrated or located to avoid adverse impacts to cultural resources;
Development is clustered, concentrated or located to maintain the visual quality of the area;
Adequate public services and infrastructure for the proposed development are available or will be made available;
The development protects and is compatible with the surrounding natural environment and rural character of the area;
Housing is limited to that necessary to maintain the development; and
The development avoids or mitigates potential significant environmental impacts as required by Mono County General Plan policies and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Action 1.A.4.b. Development applications for higher-intensity uses outside community areas shall include an assessment of the potential significant environmental impacts as required by General Plan policies.

Action 1.A.4.c. Proposals for development on federal lands shall address 1) impacts to nearby communities, including impacts to services and infrastructure, and 2) potential environmental impacts of the project and measures to avoid or mitigate the impact.

Policy 1.A.5. Avoid the juxtaposition of incompatible land uses.

Action 1.A.5.a. The compatibility of adjacent uses (e.g., noise, traffic, type of development) shall be a major factor in determining land use designations for private property.

Action 1.A.5.b. Proposed projects that may include potentially incompatible land uses, or that may be incompatible with surrounding land uses, shall provide project alternatives or mitigation measures to reduce the potential impacts to a level of non-significance.

Action 1.A.5.c. Utilize the Specific Plan process, where appropriate, for large projects that may include potentially incompatible land uses, or that may be incompatible with surrounding land uses.

Policy 1.A.6. Regulate future development in a manner that minimizes visual impacts to the natural environment, to community areas, and to cultural resources and recreational areas.

Action 1.A.6.a. Implement the Visual Resource policies in the Conservation/Open Space Element.

Policy 1.A.7. Regulate the placement of group homes, juvenile facilities, schools and similar facilities that exceed state intensity thresholds.

Action 1.A.7.a. Incorporate standards and siting criteria into design guidelines.

Policy 1.A.8. Maintain or enhance the integrity of critical wildlife habitat in the county by limiting development in those areas and requiring mitigation in conformance to CEQA and this General Plan. Examples of critical wildlife habitat include, but are not limited to: key winter ranges, holding areas, migration routes, and fawning areas for mule deer; habitat for other big game species; leks, nesting areas and winter and summer range for sage grouse; fisheries and associated habitat; and riparian and wetland habitat.

Action 1.A.8.a. Implement policies contained in the Conservation/Open Space Element and appropriate Area Plans.

Policy 1.A.9. Regulate resource development projects in a manner that maintains environmental quality.

Action 1.A.9.a. Refer to Chapter 15, Resource Development Standards, for applicable activities and land use designations.

Action 1.A.9.b. In areas where the existing General Plan land use designation is inconsistent with Chapter 15, applications for mining operations, geothermal operations, small-scale hydroelectric generation facilities, wind and solar energy generation facilities, or similar resource extraction activities shall require a General Plan Amendment.

Action 1.A.9.c. Regulate mineral extraction activities in a manner consistent with the Mineral Resource Policies of the Conservation/Open Space Element.

Action 1.A.9.d. Regulate geothermal development and other energy development projects in a manner consistent with the Energy Resources Policies in the Conservation/Open Space Element.

Action 1.A.9.e. Existing mining operations, geothermal operations, and other existing resource-extraction operations, including salable materials operations (e.g., aggregate mining) have been designated Resource Extraction. Once these sites have been exhausted and reclaimed, the land use designation shall be revised to reflect the planned future land use.

Action 1.A.9.f. Regulate timber production activities on private lands in a manner consistent with policies in the Conservation/Open Space Element.

Policy 1.A.10. Development activity in the Bodie area shall be compatible with the cultural, historic, and natural values of the area.

Action 1.A.10.a. Development projects, including mining operations (but not exploration activities), in the Bodie area shall require a Specific Plan. The Specific Plan should focus on ensuring that the development project complies with Policy 9 above. The Specific Plan for a mining operation shall also specify post-mining land uses and requirements for those land uses.

Policy 1.A.11. Preserve the conservation values of Conway Ranch as outlined in the conservation agreement with the Eastern Sierra Land Trust.

Action 1.A.11.a. Comply with the Conway Ranch Management Plan, which provides that aquaculture and livestock grazing operations, natural resource management, and public uses be conducted in a manner and to an extent that will not impair the Conservation Values and that all uses are consistent with the terms and purpose of the Conservation Easement. Specific management direction for activities related to a sustainable working landscape, public access and recreation (etc.), protection of historic resources, commercial use, construction and maintenance/repair, natural resource management, and other activities are included in the plan (also see Mono County Ordinance 13.40).

Action 1.A.11.b. Ensure private development in the Conway Ranch subdivision meets all applicable County regulations, and work with the property owners to maintain compatibility with the Management Plan.

Policy 1.A.12. In order to protect the area's exceptional natural resources, cultural resources, recreational values and quality of life, and to ensure that future development is of the highest quality, development policies and standards shall be viewed as minimum requirements; development should strive to exceed those minimums whenever reasonably feasible. County staff may require project modifications as necessary to implement this policy.

Action 1.A.12.a. During preapplication and application processing, County staff and, when applicable, staff from applicable federal, state, and local agencies, shall work with applicants for specific plans, general plan and land use redesignations, tract and parcel maps, use permits, variances, director review permits, mergers, lot line adjustments, reclamation plans, building permits, grading permits and other applicable permits to ensure that the proposed development is of the highest quality and is consistent with or, when reasonably feasible, exceeds General Plan policies and implementing standards.

Policy 1.A.13. Coordinate planning efforts with applicable federal, state, and local agencies.

Action 1.A.13.a. The County shall coordinate its planning activities with the planning activities of other public agencies in Mono County; i.e., applicable Special Districts, resource agencies, and the Town of Mammoth Lakes.

Objective 1.B.

Plan for the management of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Policy 1.B.1. Reduce vehicle miles traveled through efficient land use patterns.

Action 1.B.1.a. Concentrate new growth and development within existing community planning areas (see Objective A, Policy 1, and the Regional Transportation Plan in the Circulation Element).

Action 1.B.1.b. Utilize the County’s community area boundaries and Local Agency Formation Commission’s (LAFCO’s) sphere of influence boundaries, and coordination through the multi-agency Landownership Adjustment Program (see Appendix), to focus growth and infrastructure investment in established community areas.

Action 1.B.1.c. Through the regional transportation planning process and the multi-agency Landownership Adjustment Program, (see Appendix) develop and adopt a preferred land use and transportation scenario for future development to reduce vehicle miles traveled.

Action 1.B.1.d. Concentrate future tourist-serving and nonresidential development around existing and planned transportation routes by providing incentives and removing potential barriers to the development of future projects near transit stops and along transit routes.

Policy 1.B.2. Increase greenhouse gas emission mitigation and adaptation planning efforts through local land use and development decisions, and collaborate with local, state, and regional organizations to promote sustainable development.

Action 1.B.2.a. Work with the Town of Mammoth Lakes to identify and address existing and potential regional sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

Action 1.B.2.b. Analyze impacts of development projects on safety and involve emergency responders and public safety staff early and consistently in development of growth plans.

Action 1.B.2.c. Collaborate with the Town of Mammoth Lakes and regional and state agencies to share land use and community design-related information.

Action 1.B.2.d. Continue to involve a diverse group of stakeholders through the Regional Planning Advisory Committees and the Collaborative Planning Team in planning processes to ensure that County planning decisions represent community interests.

Policy 1.B.3. Monitor GHG emissions and provide for streamlining under CEQA 15183.5.

Action 1.B.3.a. Annually monitor progress toward achieving resource efficiency (e.g. GHG emission reduction) targets as part of the annual General Plan review, and provide a report to RPACs, the Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors for review and consideration.

Action 1.B.3.b. Update the baseline emissions inventory and GHG reduction policies (e.g., the Resource Efficiency Plan) every five years, and provide a report to RPACs, the Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors for review and consideration

Action 1.B.3.c. Update and amend GHG reduction policies (e.g., the Resource Efficiency Plan) as necessary based on the update of the baseline emissions inventory if the County find that specific measures are not achieving intended emissions reduction.

Action 1.B.3.d. To monitor GHG emissions and provide for streamlining under CEQA 15183.5, the County shall implement the following:

Annually monitor and report progress toward achieving resource efficiency (e.g. GHG emission reduction) targets.
1. Prepare an annual progress report for review and consideration by the Regional Planning Advisory Committees, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors, in conjunction with the annual General Plan report.
Update the baseline emissions inventory and REP every five years.
1. Prepare an inventory report and evaluation of progress toward the target for review and consideration by the RPACs, Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.
2. Update and amend the REP, as necessary, should the County find that specific measures are not achieving intended emissions reductions.

Objective 1.C.

Provide a balanced and functional mix of land uses.

Policy 1.C.1. Designate adequate sites for a variety of land uses in order to provide for the land use needs of community areas.

Action 1.C.1.a. Establish Area Plan boundaries and associated policies in this Element.

Action 1.C.1.b. Update all Area Plans as needed, with the assistance of applicable Regional Planning Advisory Committees.

Action 1.C.1.c. Regulate the subdivision of land within community areas in a manner consistent with applicable area land use goals and policies.

Objective 1.D.

Provide for the housing needs of all resident income groups, and of part-time residents and visitors.

Policy 1.D.1. Designate adequate sites for a variety of residential development in each community area.

Action 1.D.1.a. Designate areas for high-density residential development only in existing community areas. High density residential development should be located in areas with convenient access to employment, shopping, recreation, and transportation, including public transit.

Action 1.D.1.b. Residential development outside existing community areas should be of a low overall density. Higher- density residential development in certain locations may be permitted through clustering and transferring densities.

Policy 1.D.2. Provide for affordable housing.

Action 1.D.2.a. Encourage the provision of a variety of rental housing in community areas.

Action 1.D.2.b. Implement policies in the county Housing Element pertaining to the provision of affordable housing.

Policy 1.D.3. Designate a sufficient amount of land for a variety of lodging facilities.

Action 1.D.3.a. Designate suitable areas in communities as "Commercial Lodging.”

Action 1.D.3.b. Designate suitable areas outside communities as "Rural Resort.”

Objective 1.E.

Provide for commercial development to serve both residents and visitors.

Policy 1.E.1. Concentrate commercial development within existing communities.

Action 1.E.1.a. Designate a sufficient amount of commercial land within communities to serve the needs of residents and visitors.

Policy 1.E.2. Commercial uses should be developed in a compact manner; commercial core areas should be established/retained in each community area, and revitalized where applicable.

Action 1.E.2.a. Orient new commercial development in a manner that promotes pedestrian use. Avoid strip commercial development.

Policy 1.E.3. Provide for adequate access and parking in commercial areas, including facilities for pedestrians, non-motorized vehicles, automobiles, public transit vehicles, and service vehicles.

Action 1.E.3.a. Implement policies in the Circulation Element pertaining to the provision of facilities for parking, non-motorized transportation, and transit.

Policy 1.E.4. Allow for the integration of small-scale commercial uses with associated residential uses, such as employee housing.

Action 1.E.4.a. Where appropriate, designate land "Mixed Use" (MU) to allow for a mix of residential and compatible commercial uses.

Policy 1.E.5. Commercial development should be compatible with community character.

Action 1.E.5.a. Commercial drive-through facilities (e.g., fast food) should be prohibited to protect community character and air quality, encourage visitors to park their vehicles and explore the community, and be consistent with healthy community policies.

Action 1.E.5.b. Implement the Visual Resources policies in the Conservation/Open Space Element, and encourage the use of the Design Guidelines (see Appendix).

Objective 1.F.

Provide for industrial land uses that are economically beneficial to the area and that are compatible with the environment.

Policy 1.F.1. Provide for local industrial land use needs.

Action 1.F.1.a. Designate a sufficient amount of land in appropriate community areas to meet local industrial land use needs (e.g., wood lots, equipment storage, etc.). Local industrial land use areas should be outside residential areas.

Policy 1.F.2. Provide for light industrial uses (e.g., light manufacturing, assembly work, etc.) that do not create significant environmental impacts.

Action 1.F.2.a. Designate suitable areas for light industrial uses. Criteria used to judge the suitability of a site for industrial uses shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Adequate access exists for industrial land uses;
Industrial development on the site would be compatible with surrounding land uses (e.g., noise levels, fumes, traffic levels);
Industrial development on the site would not significantly impact existing or potential farming, ranching, or recreational operations;
Adequate public services and infrastructure for industrial development are available or could be provided;
Development on the site could be clustered, concentrated, located, or screened to maintain the visual quality of the area. Screening may be achieved through the use of fences, vegetation, topographical features, berms, etc.; and
Development on the site would avoid potential significant environmental impacts or those impacts could be mitigated as required by Mono County General Plan policies and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Objective 1.G.

Protect open space and agricultural lands from conversion to and encroachment of developed community uses.

Policy 1.G.1. Protect lands currently in agricultural production.

Action 1.G.1.a. Designate large parcels in agricultural use as "Agriculture.”

Action 1.G.1.b. Implement and expand where feasible the agriculture development credits program detailed in Chapter 12 of this Element.

Action 1.G.1.c. Implement policies in the Conservation/Open Space Element.

Policy 1.G.2. Preserve and protect open space in order to protect natural and cultural resources and to provide for a variety of recreational opportunities.

Action 1.G.2.a. Implement policies contained in the Conservation/Open Space Element.

Action 1.G.2.b. Designate undeveloped lands owned by out-of-county agencies such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), and the Walker River Irrigation District (WRID), or by utility entities such as Sierra Pacific Power Company, and Southern California Edison (SCE) as "Open Space" ("OS") or "Agriculture" ("AG") in this Element. Exceptions to this policy may include lands adjacent to community areas needed for community uses, or lands outside community areas needed for public purposes.

Action 1.G.2.c. Designate California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Wildlife Conservation Board lands as "Open Space.”

Objective 1.H.

Prevent the exposure of people and property to unreasonable risks by limiting development on hazardous lands.

Policy 1.H.1. Restrict development in areas constrained by natural hazards, including but not limited to, flood, fire, geologic hazards, and avalanche hazards.

Action 1.H.1.a. Limit the intensity of development in hazard areas through the assignment of appropriate land use designation.

Action 1.H.1.b. Avoid intensive development outside existing Fire Protection Districts, unless an appropriate fire-protection entity is established as a condition of project approval.

Action 1.H.1.c. Implement the provisions of the Safety Element.

Objective 1.I.

Maintain and enhance the local economy.

Policy 1.I.1. Land use designations shall provide sufficient land for the economic development of community areas.

Policy 1.I.2. Assess the economic costs and benefits of proposed development projects.

Action 1.I.2.a. Future development projects with the potential to have significant local socioeconomic impacts shall provide a fiscal impacts analysis. The analysis shall:

be funded by the applicant;
be prepared by a qualified person under the direction of Mono County;
include a market analysis documenting:

demand for such a project over a reasonable time frame;
projected direct and indirect revenues generated by the project within the general project vicinity, over a reasonable time frame;
projected direct and indirect costs associated with the service demands generated by the project, its employees, and operations during the anticipated project lifetime;
projected short-term and long-term economic costs and benefits resulting from the project over its life span; and
phasing from initial construction to a point following termination of use or closure, if applicable;

analyze applicable significant socioeconomic implications of the project, such as employee housing, jobs generation, impacts on crime rates, impacts on schools, hospitals and other community facilities and services, effects of termination or closure of the project (where applicable) and changes in the quality of life resulting from the proposed project; and
recommend project alternatives or measures to avoid or mitigate economic impacts.

Mitigation measures shall be included in the project plans and specifications and shall be made a condition of approval for the project. Projects having significant socioeconomic impacts may be approved only if a statement of overriding considerations is made through the EIR process.

Action 1.I.2.b. In determining the significance of the environmental impacts of a development proposal, consider the relationship of the potential economic and social changes to the potential environmental changes resulting from the project.

Policy 1.I.3. Ensure that future development does not significantly impact governmental service providers.

Action 1.I.3.a. Impose permit conditions and mitigation measures that offset the impacts of development on governmental services and infrastructure (i.e., County services and other local service providers). Such conditions and mitigation measures shall also address impacts to County services and other local service providers from future development that occurs in the incorporated area. Affected County services include, but are not limited to, the following:

Social Services,
Health Services, including Behavioral Health Services,
Libraries,
Justice System, including Courts, District Attorney and Public Defender, Sheriff, and Probation departments,
Regional Parks and Recreation,
General Administration and Finance

In accordance with State law (Government Code § 53077), these exactions will not exceed the benefits derived from the project.

Objective 1.J.

Maintain an up-to-date and legally adequate land use system and General Plan.

Policy 1.J.1. Periodically review and update General Plan documents.

Action 1.J.1.a. Conduct a thorough review and update of General Plan documents every five years, or as required by state Law.

Action 1.J.1.b. Annually review the county General Plan, Area and Specific Plans, and the Master Environmental Assessment (MEA), and update as needed with the assistance of the Community and Regional Planning Advisory Committees. Provide a report to the Board of Supervisors in accordance with Government Code § 65400 (b).

Policy 1.J.2. Ensure consistency among General Plan documents and the County Code.

Action 1.J.2.a. Initiate necessary land development regulation amendments to ensure consistency with the provisions of the General Plan.

Action 1.J.2.b. Utilize Community and Regional Planning Advisory Committees to conduct necessary land use redesignation studies.

Action 1.J.2.c. Initiate an update to the county Subdivision Regulations and update as necessary.

Action 1.J.2.d. Prepare and update as necessary Airport Land Use Plans for the Bridgeport, Lee Vining, and Mammoth Yosemite airports.

Policy 1.J.3. Ensure consistency among General Plan documents and planning documents of other agencies.

Action 1.J.3.a. Review and comment on planning and environmental documents of other agencies to ensure consistency and coordination with the policies of the General Plan.

Action 1.J.3.b. Conduct an annual review of all capital improvement projects proposed by the County and Special Districts in the unincorporated area of the county to ensure compatibility with General Plan directives.

Policy 4. Implement programs identified in this General Plan.

Action 1.J.4.a. Prepare and update as necessary other ordinances and regulations necessary to implement this General Plan.

Action 1.J.4.b. Promote the use of interagency agreements and cooperation in implementing the General Plan.

Action 1.J.4.c. Seek funding to implement the General Plan.

Action 1.J.4.d. Maintain an active code enforcement and environmental monitoring program, supported with active citation and penal authority.

Objective 1.K.

Maintain compatibility and minimize conflict between Mono County’s existing military installations and adjacent land uses.

Policy 1.K.1. Notify the United States Armed Forces when development projects or substantial General Plan Amendments may affect operations of the Mountain Warfare Training Center.

Action 1.K.1.a. Create a local notification process by which the branches of the United States Armed Forces will be notified whenever a development project or substantial General Plan Amendment occurs within 1,000 feet of a military installation, special-use airspace, or low-level flight path.

Action 1.K.1.b. Provide a public forum for representatives of the military to keep the public informed about their current and future operations.

Action 1.K.1.c. Monitor military encroachment issues and consider additional measures as necessary, including the approval of a Military Influence Area and related property disclosures.

Policy 1.K.2. Consider impacts of development projects on the Lincoln Military Housing complex in Coleville.

Action 1.K.2.a. Create a local notification process by which the branches of the United States Armed Forces will be notified whenever a development project or substantial General Plan Amendment occurs within 1,000 feet of the Lincoln Military Housing complex.

Action 1.K.2.b. Consider the existing development, infrastructure, and environmental impacts of the Lincoln Military Housing complex when conducting long-term planning efforts in the Antelope Valley.

Action 1.K.2.c. Work with appropriate agencies to maintain current understanding of future development plans for Lincoln Military Housing complex so those plans might be considered a part of long-term planning efforts in the Antelope Valley.

Policy 1.K.3. Increase recognition of military operations within the county.

Action 1.K.3.a. Consider requiring real estate disclosures of military presence and joint operations associated with the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center for affected private properties within the county.

Action 1.K.3.b. Develop informational materials that educate residents and prospective buyers about military operations and their presence in the area.

GOAL 2. Develop a more diverse and sustainable year-round economy by strengthening select economic sectors and by pursuing business retention, expansion, and attraction in Mono County.

Objective 2.A.

Refine the Mono County Economic Development Strategic Plan in order for the Board of Supervisors to prioritize the strategies and formally adopt the plan.

Policy 2.A.1. Integrate the adopted Economic Development Strategic Plan into General Plan policies.

Economic Development Strategies:

Make economic development a priority throughout the county;
Expand tourism and marketing efforts;
Integrate Digital 395 into the local communities;
Secure the Highway 395 National Scenic Byway designation;
Provide education, training and resources to help retain and expand current businesses, including the establishment of government financing programs and grants to allow small businesses access to low-cost loans;
Be a catalyst for business idea sharing and networking;
Continue to streamline the County’s permitting process and review ways to simplify the approval process;
Develop regional food systems over the long term;
Develop targeted business attraction;
Identify funding sources to support the economic development strategy; and
Develop a regional economic development corporation.

GOAL 3. Foster residents’ health and well-being.

Objective 3.A.

Improve the health of all people by incorporating health considerations into decision-making across sectors and policy areas consistent with the Health in All Policies initiative.

Policy 3.A.1. Build relationships, work collaboratively with the community, and implement procedures that make health a priority for the community.

Action 3.A.1.a. At all levels of decision making and policy development, raise awareness of the connections between General Plan policies and community health, including, but not limited to, the following:

Land Use Element: Provides for housing needs, protects open space and agricultural lands, contains development within and adjacent to existing communities, identifies communities in need of health services, and promotes healthy food availability.
Regional Transportation Plan/Circulation Element: provides for all modes of transportation, walkable communities, bicycle routes, transit services, public spaces, and complete streets; emphasizes street design for all users, including an aging population, the disabled, and typical daily activities such as families walking with strollers.
Conservation/Open Space Element: Protects air quality, establishes resource efficiency policies to reduce energy use and vehicle miles traveled, and protects open space and agricultural lands.
Housing Element: Meets the County’s regional housing needs allocation.
Safety: Identifies natural hazards to prevent and mitigate unnecessary exposure and risk.
Resource Efficiency Plan: Incorporated into the Land Use, Circulation, and Conservation/Open Space Elements, this plan sets forth a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support sustainability, and reduce energy costs for residents and businesses. Potential health co-benefits of this plan include increased physical activity, reduced chronic disease, improved mental health, reduced air pollution, reduced household energy costs, promote healthy homes, among others.

Action 3.A.1.b. Develop regular channels of communication to increase collaboration between local health officials and planners.

Action 3.A.1.c. Engage the Regional Planning Advisory Committees (RPACs) and other interested community stakeholders in community health policy development and programs.

Action 3.A.1.d. Collaborate with local health and human service providers such as Public Health, Social Services, and Behavioral Health to collect health-related data and apply it to decisions about the built environment.

Policy 3.A.2. Promote health for all communities in the county, with particular attention to those that have been identified as lacking in amenities such as transit, clean air, grocery stores, bike lanes, parks, child care, education, health care and other components of a healthy community.

Action 3.A.2.a. Identify missing components of a healthy community and work with the community to integrate health concerns into local land use planning.

Policy 3.A.3. Create convenient and safe opportunities for physical activity for residents of all ages and income levels.

Action 3.A.3.a. Create a balanced transportation system that provides for the safety and mobility of pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized uses through complete street, walkable community, and main street revitalization policies in the Regional Transportation Plan.

Action 3.A.3.b. Support General Plan policies to contain growth in and adjacent to existing communities.

Action 3.A.3.c. Support safe and attractive programs and places for recreational exercise, such as community facilities, public lands, bicycling routes, and walkable communities.

Action 3.A.3.d. Pursue partnerships to provide programming of physical activities.

Policy 3.A.4. Provide safe, convenient access to healthy foods for all residents.

Action 3.A.4.a. Support efforts to increase and improve safe, convenient opportunities in all communities to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthful foods.

Action 3.A.4.b. Collaborate with interested agencies, communities and stakeholders to establish a healthy food system that links local agricultural producers with local markets through a viable distribution network, including programs such as Farm to School.

Action 3.A.4.c. Support opportunities for community gardens and encourage participation by residents.

Action 3.A.4.d. Preserve regional agriculture and farmland as a source of healthy, local fruits and vegetables and other foods.

Policy 3.A.5. Encourage healthy eating habits and healthy eating messages.

Action 3.A.5.a. Support educational efforts, events, and outreach.

Action 3.A.5.b. Encourage community classes and activities related to healthy lifestyles, such as gardening, composting, cooking, etc.

Policy 3.A.6. Pursue affordable housing consistent with the Housing Element to provide safe, affordable, and healthful living opportunities.

Policy 3.A.7. Support Mono County Public Health programs and collaborations, such as Maternal Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH), Tobacco Education and Nutrition, and Physical Activity Task Force.