Frequently Asked Questions

Land Use and Transportation Element

Q: What is the LUTE update?
A:  The Land Use and Transportation Element (LUTE) is part of the City’s General Plan. The LUTE is an integrated document that establishes goals and policies for the general distribution, location and extent of land uses and the transportation system. The land use and transportation elements are integrated.  

Everything you see built around you is affected by the LUTE—from the roadways and sidewalks to the smallest or largest buildings in Sunnyvale.

The recently adopted Sunnyvale Community Vision: A Guiding Framework for General Planning will guide the update process and development of the LUTE document. The updated document is expected to provide guidance relating to economic development, incorporation of smart growth concepts, green technology and principles, and preservation and enhancement of existing neighborhoods.

In addition, the LUTE update will include an effective series of focused land use and transportation policies, action statements, and strategies to address the City’s desire to be a regional leader in environmental sustainability.

Q: Why is this update needed?
A: The LUTE was last updated in 1997. In the intervening 13 years there have been changes in community expectations and state and regional regulatory requirements. The update will allow the community to re-examine land use and transportation policies and determine what changes in policy are appropriate for Sunnyvale considering the new challenges of the 21st century.

Q. What is the Sunnyvale Community Vision?
A. The City Council adopted the Sunnyvale Community Vision: A Guiding Framework for General Planning in 2007. It describes the past, present, and desired future of Sunnyvale in broad, citywide terms. It provides both the background statement and the forward-looking vision upon which the functional elements of the General Plan are based. As such, it is the all-encompassing component of the General Plan, the source from which each of the functional elements springs.

Specifically, the Community Vision is the aspiration of the people of Sunnyvale to become:

• A strong, diverse community
• A vibrant and innovative local economy
• A regional leader in environmental sustainability
• A safe, secure, and healthy place for all people
• A city managed by a responsible and responsive government
• A distinctive identity

Q: Will there be extensive land use changes?
A: Most of Sunnyvale has already been built upon and most lands within the City will retain their current land use designations as part of the LUTE update. A few areas of the city could be identified for potential change in planned land use. It is more likely that the LUTE and CAP, which are "big picture" policy documents, will identify changes in policy on how to use or develop land with recommendations to implement these policies through amendments to the zoning code. The zoning code changes are not part of the LUTE update. 

Q: Will there be extensive Transportation System Changes?
A: Just as most of the land has already been developed, most of the transportation infrastructure has already been built in Sunnyvale. Although the current LUTE has planned infrastructure that has yet to be built, the basic circulation patterns in the city will not change. The LUTE update will examine ways to efficiently and effectively upgrade and use the transportation system including support and emphasis for travel other than single-occupant automobiles.

Q: What is the schedule for the update? How long will it take?
A: The update formally started with public outreach conducted in November 2009. Council authorized the formation of the Horizon 2035 Advisory Committee in 2010 to help guide the process. The update is expected to be completed by 2011.

Q: When will the public be involved?
A: Public participation is encouraged throughout the update process. An extensive public outreach and participation process begins in June 2010.

Come to our next workshop!

The Climate Action Plan

Q: What is a CAP?
A: A Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a planning document that identifies ways in which the community can reduce GHG emissions. It looks at four key sectors — energy, waste, transportation, and land use — to develop GHG reduction strategies.

Q: How will the greenhouse gas reduction goals of the CAP be achieved?
A: The goals of the CAP will be achieved through a series of reduction measures that will be outlined in the document. Some measures may include incentive programs for individuals and businesses to increase energy efficiency.

Q: Who is involved in developing the CAP?
A: From the City Council and City staff to residents, businesses, and organizations in Sunnyvale, all members of the community will be encouraged to participate in the development of the CAP.

Q: How can I provide input?
A: The best way to share your thoughts and provide input to the City is by attending one of the many public meetings planned throughout the coming months.

The Community Development Department also welcomes written comment via e-mail to Horizon2035@.ci.sunnyvale.ca.us