By Lookout Staff

July 6, 2010--After six year of workshops and hearings, the Land Use & Circulation Element (LUCE) of the City’s General Plan is expected to be adopted at tonight’s City Council meeting.

The LUCE is a document that gives the guidelines for the next two decades of development in Santa Monica. It was last updated in 1984. Following the adoption of this document, City officials will begin crafting specific plans for various areas of Santa Monica. Also, Santa Monica’s zoning code will be revised

The council has been holding hearings on the LUCE since last month. During these sessions, various preliminary votes were taken on proposed adjustments to the draft LUCE document written by City staff, including recommended changes from the Planning Commission. At Thursday’s hearing, the council voted on building heights. For the most part, the council majority supported the Planning Commission’s recommendations.

To view the council’s proposed changes to the LUCE, go to http://www01.smgov.net/cityclerk/council/agendas/2010/20100706/s2010070608-a-6.pdf.

The LUCE promotes sustainability, supporters say, and restricts development in most of Santa Monica, including the neighborhoods. City officials say it will halt an increase in traffic during afternoon peak hours. But the document also paves the way for expansion on Santa Monica’s east end as long as the projects provide appropriate “public benefits” through development agreements.

Tonight’s hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The session will be televised live on City TV Channel 16 and webcast at www.smgov.net.