Using community surveys with participatory mapping to monitor comprehensive plan implementation

•Participatory mapping is a promising method for monitoring and evaluating general land use plan implementation.•Research-based approach is developed in our case study area, a coastal community in California.•General plan consistency and conflict analysis methods for spatial data are introduced.•Although affordable housing was preferred by residents, large mixed-use projects generated community conflicts.•The strengths/limitations of the method for general plan monitoring and evaluation are described.