By Lookout Staff

June 10, 2010 --The final stretch is about to begin for the approval of a document that will set the guidelines for the next two decades of development in Santa Monica.

The City Council will hold its first hearing on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on the draft of the Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) of the City’s General Plan.

The planning Commission held a series of hearings during the past month on the LUCE, which was completed last fall after the process began in 2004.

The commissioners suggested modifications to the document, including increases in maximum building heights. The purpose of this was to allow more flexibility for construction, but the action has been criticized by some slow-growth advocates.

The LUCE promotes sustainability and limited development, and states that it will halt an increase in traffic during afternoon peak hours. But the document also paves the way for expansion on Santa Monica’s eastside as long as the projects provide appropriate “public benefits.”

Following the adoption of the LUCE, the City will devote its attention to creating specific plans for various areas within the city. Also, Santa Monica’s zoning code needs to be revised.

Additional City Council LUCE hearings are scheduled for June 15 and 24 as well as July 1 and 6. All the sessions will take place at Santa Monica City Hall and are broadcast live on City TV 16 as well as on the Internet at www.smgov.net.