This polygon shapefile represents General Plan data in Merced County for 2013. This file was obtained 12/4/2013 by UCSB Library staff. It was originally available via http://www.co.merced.ca.us/index.aspx?nid=441.
The following metadata was provided by the data creators: The General Plan comprises goals, policies, and implementation programs, based on the current and future needs and available resources. Once adopted, the Plan becomes the principal tool for the County to evaluate public and private development projects and infrastructure improvements. State law requires that each county and city have an adopted general plan “for the physical development within its jurisdiction and any land outside its boundaries which bears relation to its planning”. The General Plan is presented as a collection of chapters or “elements” of which seven are mandatory: *Land UseCirculationHousingConservationOpen SpaceNoiseSafetyIn addition to these mandated elements, the County will adopt two other elements:AgricultureEconomic Developmen