The General Plan is the official document used by the City decision makers and citizens to guide the long range development of land and the conservation of resources in Pleasanton. Each city and county in California is required by State law to adopt a general plan. General plans must contain a land use map, policies, and supporting information adequate for making informed decisions concerning the future of the community.

The Pleasanton General Plan meets all of the requirements for general plans as stipulated by State law, including the seven mandatory elements (chapters): land use, circulation, housing, public safety, conservation, open space, and noise. It also includes five optional elements that relate to public facilities, air quality, community character, economic and fiscal matters, and subregional planning. In addition, the updated General Plan will be including an "energy element" to be drafted by the City's Energy Committee.

The General Plan is general and flexible enough to allow for future change, but specific enough to guide citizens and decision makers at the policy level. It identifies methods for improving public facilities and services to meet community needs and establishes a framework within which zoning, subdivision, and other governmental regulations are to be implemented. It provides information regarding the community, documents existing conditions, and projects future trends. It also explains City policy and offers specific programs to alleviate potential problems.