A two-part educational program series is planned in April to acquaint citizens with the update of the city’s comprehensive General Plan in progress now.

The first program, set for April 4, will cover the basics of the city’s comprehensive General Plan, including such topics as state law and how general plans are used by municipalities.

The second program, set for April 23, will focus on the various elements of the General Plan and on the environmental review process.

Both programs will begin at 7 p.m., and will be held in the Council Chamber of Fullerton City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave.

The General Plan is used by city officials to guide long-range planning and development.  The document consists of several state-mandated elements on topics such as land use, circulation, housing, resource management, and community health and safety.

State law requires cities to update their general plans every 10 years.  Fullerton’s last comprehensive update was completed in 1996.

The update process will evaluate current and future community needs, challenges and opportunities through extensive outreach efforts with Fullerton residents.  Workshops, meetings, discussion groups, and other presentations are planned throughout the community.  Ultimately, the updated General Plan will establish the official planning policy for the City of Fullerton. 

The April programs will be the first of what will be many opportunities for the public to offer input to the process.  In addition to public meetings, newsletters, fliers and website information will be made available throughout the update process, which will continue throughout 2007 and 2008. 

Further information about the programs or the process may be obtained either by logging onto the General Plan Update section on the City of Fullerton website at www.ci.fullerton.ca.us, or by calling Bob St. Paul, Fullerton senior planner, at (714) 738-6559.