Scenario A - Rural & Peripheral
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SCENARIO A 2020-2050 SERIES MAP
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How might Shasta County grow under 'Scenario A'? New development (shown on the map in yellow, orange, and red) is illustrated in 10 year increments through the year 2050.
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SCENARIO A PROJECTED LAND USE PATTERN (2050)
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In 'Scenario A', growth and development is spread throughout the region rather than confined to cities and towns.
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SCENARIO A - HOW LAND IS USED
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'Scenario A' is seen here from a different perspective. Height corresponds to the density of development. Colors represent different land use types.
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GROWTH BAND ANIMATIONS
- View Growth Band Video HERE (11MB)
Download video animation to see Shasta County grow and develop over time (be patient due to file size...).
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SCENARIO A ECONOMIC ACTIVITY MAP
- Download Detailed PDF File HERE (128kb)
Areas of 'Economic Activity' are based on attraction (i.e. the opportunity for commerce and employment) and accessibility (i.e. the distance from homes and intervening congestion).
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SCENARIO A CONGESTION LEVELS
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Traffic congestion levels are categorized like a report from level of service 'A' (e.g. free-flow traffic) to 'F' (e.g. gridlock).
What it means>>
‘Scenario A’ focuses on the character and aesthetics associated with rural living. Growth and development is spread throughout the region rather than confined to cities and towns. Lot sizes grow substantially, but all new growth and development is accommodated within Shasta County's existing General Plan. A slower pace of life, rural landscapes, and ample elbow room between neighbors take priority over urban living and a wide range of housing options.
Low density, low rise homes and buildings help new development blend in with Shasta County’s natural landscape. Although some small-scale commercial development exists near residential areas, there is a clear and deliberate separation between residential and non-residential areas. Employment and commercial centers are located at freeway on/off ramps and major intersections for easy access by automobile.
Transportation investments focus on expanding rural roadways into outlying areas to allow for more low-density residential development and to keep existing rural communities from being overrun by new growth. Additional other transportation investments such as public transit are limited to existing urban areas as needed.
What are the implications>>
‘Scenario A’ focuses on the character and aesthetics associated with rural living. Growth and development is spread throughout the region rather than confined to cities and towns. Lot sizes grow substantially, but all new growth and development is accommodated within Shasta County's existing General Plan. A slower pace of life, rural landscapes, and ample elbow room between neighbors take priority over urban living and a wide range of housing options.
Low density, low rise homes and buildings help new development blend in with Shasta County’s natural landscape. Although some small-scale commercial development exists near residential areas, there is a clear and deliberate separation between residential and non-residential areas. Employment and commercial centers are located at freeway on/off ramps and major intersections for easy access by automobile.
Transportation investments focus on expanding rural roadways into outlying areas to allow for more low-density residential development and to keep existing rural communities from being overrun by new growth. Additional other transportation investments such as public transit are limited to existing urban areas as needed.
What are the implications>>
- An increase in large lot residential development achieves rural character and aesthetics over functionality. Nearly one-half of the region’s prime agricultural lands are developed or subdivided into parcels not practical for commercial food production.
- Water consumption is higher on a per household basis due to larger lot sizes, but overall consumption is lowest as a result of water intensive agricultural land being converted to urban uses.
- Nearly four times as many acres of environmentally sensitive lands are impacted by new development compared to the Current Trend scenario. Large lot development helps reduce the severity of impacts, but the threat of wildfire in developed areas is high.
- Increased vehicle emissions affect air quality, leading to increased incidence of respiratory and other chronic diseases.
- Low density and far distances limit mobility options. Vehicle miles traveled per household balloons from 34 to 104 miles per day. Mobility and the cost of travel are highly susceptible to fluctuations in fuel prices.
Performance Measures >>
Land Developed Ratio* 
Air Quality* 
Environmentally Sensitive Lands Impacted* 
Greenhouse Gas Emission 
Fuel Consumption 
Walkability / Transportation Choices 
Infrastructure Costs For New Development 
Average Commute Time 
Vehicle Miles Traveled 
Prime Agricultural Land Impacted 
Water Consumption* 