The Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan does not approve development, but instead it evaluates the likely impact on endangered species affected by future public and private development and assesses a fee based on the impact. The plan will also set policy on mitigation, land and stream conservation strategy, project review process, cost and funding, and implementation.

Development on land with a higher habitat value, areas considered "natural," where the impact would be greatest would be assessed larger fees than developments on urban or suburban land.

Operational and maintenance work done by the county in areas such as roads and airports would be subject to the policies imposed by the plan as well.

Included in the plan are land and easement acquisition, habitat restoration and creation, and habitat management and maintenance at an estimated cost of between $800 million and $900 million over 50 years.

Private and public sector development base fees, impact fees, and state and federal grants will fund the plan.

Stakeholder agencies and cities, being referred to as local partners, included in the plan are Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Santa Clara Valley Water District, the cities of San Jose, Morgan Hill and Gilroy, as well as Santa Clara County.

Preparation of the plan is subject to public and elected official review and the plan is not expected to be finalized until late 2010 or early 2011.