What is a General Plan?

A city's general plan is a set of policies and programs that guide a community's long-term development. It's a blueprint for how a city should grow and is a key tool for influencing quality of life.

See Napa’s General Plan here:

https://www.cityofnapa.org/259/General-Plan

What is an EIR?

Environmental Impact Report

An EIR is a detailed report that analyzes the potential environmental impact of a proposed project. It includes information on: 

• The project's potential effects on the environment 

• Ways to reduce or avoid those effects 

• Alternatives to the project 

• The lead agency prepares an EIR when there is substantial evidence that the project may significantly impact the environment. 

• The public and other government agencies can provide input during the EIR process. 

• The EIR process includes a Draft EIR (DEIR) and a Final EIR (FEIR). 

See the General Plan EIR here:

https://www.cityofnapa.org/259/General-Plan

Did the city need to notify residents to the change in density?

No. Because it was in the General Plan and it impacted more than 1000 individuals, the city did not need to notify those. They did need to notify Napa citizens which was done so in the Napa Register and on TV (per the planning department).

What can we do now?

We can alert City Council of our concerns. City Council is the ultimate authority and approver on the Master Plan of the development and they are elected into office. We can do this by writing letters (clerk@cityofnapa.org) and attending meetings.