Paradise News: Paradise Begins Environmental Review of Long-Term General Plan and Zoning Rewrite

PARADISE NEWS | ORIGINAL LOCAL NEWS · OCTOBER 2026

The Town of Paradise began a formal state environmental review in January 2026 for a comprehensive update to its General Plan and zoning rules. The planning effort is intended to guide land use, transportation, conservation and public facilities through 2045 as the town continues rebuilding and adapting after wildfire.

What the public record establishes

The January 14 Notice of Preparation identifies proposed updates to land use, circulation, conservation, open space and noise policy. The town says its Housing and Safety elements were recently updated, although limited changes may be needed to keep them consistent. A parallel rewrite of zoning regulations and maps would modernize rules for different property types, with particular attention to development and intensity in commercial areas.

What this means for the community

These policies influence what can be built, how infrastructure is planned and how natural and public-safety concerns are evaluated. But preparation of an Environmental Impact Report is not adoption of a new zoning code or approval of an individual development. The notice says the EIR will examine projected effects through 2045; subsequent hearings and decisions are separate milestones.

What to monitor next

Paradise News will track release of the draft EIR, public comment opportunities, final maps, adopted policies and impacts on rebuilding and services. Owners and renters should examine the official land-use maps before drawing conclusions about specific parcels.

Official primary source

Town of Paradise — General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Updates, January 14, 2026.

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