In 2008, an environmental group challenged the adequacy of the EIR prepared in connection with the City of Stockton’s General Plan Update. The petitioner contended that the EIR lacked mitigation to address the sprawl development induced by the Plan. In a process led by the Attorney General’s office, the parties negotiated a landmark settlement. The City agreed to prepare a Climate Action Plan, one of the earliest such plans in California. The City also committed to several actions to reduce sprawl. To encourage infill growth, the City would consider measures such as less restrictive building height requirements and reduced permit fees to spur the development of downtown commercial and residential units. The City would also adopt several green building ordinances to ensure that new residential housing and commercial buildings are energy-efficient, conserve water, and are built with green materials.
Addressing Sprawl Development in the City of Stockton’s General Plan Update
