California law requires each City and County to adopt a comprehensive long-term general plan for its physical development. A City's General Plan is its blueprint for the future and, through appropriate goals, policies, and programs, it serves as a decision-making tool to guide future growth and development. 

The General Plan (map of General Plan) represents an opportunity for a community to formulate a "vision" of what its residents would like to see in the future. The visioning process extends beyond the basic statutory requirements to adopt a General Plan. The Plan must offer innovative and creative solutions for the future that are consistent with the fundamental goal of preserving and protecting the positive and enjoyable aspects of Laguna Niguel. In addition, the Plan must offer preferred solutions for alleviating identified problems facing the City.