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City of Big Bear Lake

2050 General Plan Update

City of Big Bear Lake

2050 General Plan Update

Welcome

The General Plan Update is a decisive opportunity to shape the future of the City of Big Bear Lake. Through the Update process, the City and consulting team, with input from the public and stakeholders, will document and analyze existing conditions, identify issues and opportunities, analyze land use alternatives, and develop goals, policies, and programs to guide the City through 2050.

As this project progresses, this website will be your primary source for information related to the 2050 General Plan, including an overview of the basics of a general plan to get you oriented to this process, project documents, and meeting dates and times.

The City initiated the 2050 General Plan in November 2025. The multi-faceted project includes updates to the City’s General Plan, Housing Element, and Development Code. The Project is estimated for completion in December 2028.

Click here to download an estimated schedule for the 2050 General Plan

Upcoming Events

September 8, 2026: City Council Study Session #1

Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | 11:00am

Location: City Hall (39707 Big Bear Blvd)

The City Council will be holding a Study Session to review the findings from the Background Report, input received from Workshop#1 and the Planning Commission Study Session, and the next steps in the process.

The Council will provide input and make recommendations to the Project Team; however, no formal action will be taken by City Council during this meeting.

This meeting is open to the public, and you are welcome to attend to comment, ask questions, and learn more.

September 11, 2026: Big Bear Lake Farmer's Market

Date: September 11, 2026 | 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Location: Ski Beach Park (41220 Park Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315)

Join us on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 4:00pm-8:00pm at the Big Bear Lake Farmer’s Market! Check out our table to learn more about the General Plan Update Project, provide input, and win some giveaways!

September 12, 2026: Summer Concert Series

Date: September 12, 2026 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: Summer Concert Series in The Village (corner of Pine Knot Avenue & Village Drive)

Join us on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 5:30pm-8:30pm for the next installment of the Summer Concert Series! Stop by our table to learn more about the General Plan Update Project, provide input, and win some giveaways!

Draft Background Report

The Background Report documents the current state of the community, analyzes existing conditions, and identifies key trends that will guide the General Plan Update and the city's future. The Report provides a concise and reader-friendly overview of the many topics covered in the General Plan, setting the context needed for the overall update effort.

We want to hear from you! The Background Report is now available for public review and comment. You can submit any questions, comments, or feedback on the draft Background Report by:

  • Clicking the green "Send a Comment" button on the right side of the screen
  • Send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
View Draft Background Report

Want to get future project document releases directly to your inbox? Click the orange "Join eMail List" on the right side of your screen to sign up for our project email list.

The General Plan Process

1. Initiate
(January 2026 - Complete)

Phase 1 includes a kick-off meeting with City staff, establishing a community engagement strategy and schedule, and a kick-off study session with the City Council, General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC), and Planning Commission.

2. Evaluate
(Winter and Spring 2026)

Phase 2 includes compiling data necessary to prepare the Plan, completing an audit of the existing General Plan, meetings with the GPAC, a community workshop, drafting the Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook, and study sessions with the Planning Commission and City Council.

3. Envision
(Summer and Fall 2026)

Phase 3 includes a multi-day planning and design charrette, drafting of land use alternatives, and meetings with the GPAC, Planning Commission, and City Council to determine a preferred land use alternative.

4. Plan
(Winter 2026 to Summer 2027)

Phase 4 includes drafting the General Plan, revising the draft for public review, meetings with the GPAC, Planning Commission, City Council, and CAL FIRE to discuss the included policies and programs, and tribal consultation and referrals.

5. 7th Cycle Housing Element
(2027 and 2028)

Phase 5 includes completing community workshops, stakeholder interviews, and study sessions, drafting and revising the Housing Element, and coordinating State review and certification.

6. Mitigate
(Summer and Fall 2027)

Phase 6 includes evaluating and mitigating environmental impacts of the General Plan and Housing Element, as required by State law.

7. Embark
(Spring 2028)

Phase 7 includes public adoption hearings with the Planning Commission and City Council.

8. Implement
(Summer and Fall 2028)

Phase 8 includes identifying issues and inconsistencies in the Development Code, completing stakeholder interviews, modernizing zoning district provisions and administrative provisions within the Code, updating the Subdivision Ordinance and Zoning Map, public review of the revised Development Code, and adoption hearings.

Join the Conversation

Provide your email address to stay up to date on meetings and key milestones. The Project Team will send out timely emails throughout the process regarding upcoming events, workshops, meetings, and project documents.

Click the orange "Join Email List" tab on the right edge of this website to sign up.

Join eMail List

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By clicking the "Send" button below, you are requesting to be added to the e-mail list for the Housing Element and Development Code updates. You will be sent e-mail announcements about upcoming meetings, events, and documents.

Send a Comment
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By clicking the "Send" button below, you are requesting to be added to the e-mail list for the Housing Element and Development Code updates. You will be sent e-mail announcements about upcoming meetings, events, and documents.