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Adopted May 8. 2008 • • LAND USE ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Purpose 101. Los Altos Hills is a residential community We want the sun and air nestled in the scenic foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Once a rural agricultural area, the and quiet of a community community has become one of the premier which has given itself residential areas in Silicon Valley. Over the years, the population has grown and land use enough space to breathe patterns have changed. The farmhouses, cattle in; the relaxed pace of ranches and orchards of the past have become countrylife and rural today's private homes, riding stables and vineyards. The community has gradually pursuits. urbanized over time but still retains a semi-rural From the Green Sheets published in 1956 prior atmosphere, with large lots and expanses of to the Town's incorporation. open space as envisioned by the Town's founders. 102. Like their forefathers, today's residents value the semi-rural character of the community. Although it is nearly fully developed, the community is still evolving. The guiding principle of the Land Use Element, as with other parts of the General Plan, is to address long-term needs while preserving the semi-rural character of the community and the overall quality of life for residents of Los Altos Hills. Scope 103. This element addresses the factors that contribute to preserving community character including the protection of its natural setting, the maintenance and improvement of its residential neighborhoods, and the provision of quality public services and facilities. This element also helps define the desired balance among the social, environmental and economic costs and benefits associated with development. Relationship to Other Elements 104. The Land Use Element is the keystone of the General Plan. It unifies the other elements by providing an overall policy context. Many subjects reviewed here are discussed in greater detail in other elements such as the Circulation & Scenic Roadways Element,the Pathways Element, Housing Element, Conservation Element, and Open Space & Recreation Element. State Requirements 105. This element meets the State-mandated requirements for a Land Use Element. It defines the Town's land use categories and includes a Land Use Diagram that designates the land use category of each parcel in the planning area. It also includes standards of population density and building intensity for various land use categories.The Land Use Diagram and the goals, policies and programs in this element will determine the location, intensity and design of new development and ensure that the community's semi-rural character is maintained. Land Use Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page LU-1