Because a portion of this county is within the coastal zone, we have two Land Use Elements. One covers the portions of the county within the coastal zone and one covers the inland portions of the county. It designates the general distribution and intensity of uses of land for housing, commercial, industry, open space, education, public facilities, and other categories of public and private uses. Because the LUE is so extensive, it is sometimes mistaken for the entire general plan. It also contains Table O, a matrix that specifies the uses that are allowed in each land use category, as well as a definition for each type of use.
Framework also sets the guidelines for amend-ments to the general plan.
The Area Plans are 15 separate reports containing policies, programs, land use regulations and maps for geographic areas of the county. Within each area plan are development standards - called planning area standards, that set special requirements. They act as the county's zoning maps. Within the coastal zone of the county there is an additional component, the Coastal Plan Policies. Through its text and maps, the LUE establishes the pattern for land use and sets out clear standards for development.