The goal of correctional planning can be determined by preparing a reference projection (a forecast of system performance in terms of the criterion selected for each year over the planning period) and a wishful projection (a specification of where the system would wish to be with respect to the criterion of progress for each year in the planning period). The difference between these two projections constitutes the planning gap, the filling of which is the goal of the planning process. Other steps in the planning process include (1) specification of means by which objectives and goals are to be attained, (2) resource planning, (3) organizational design and management systems, and (4) control of the plan. Implementation of the planning process for a jail system involves participatory planning through a task force which will assume the leadership in establishing goals and objectives; gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information on correctional needs, and conducting feasibility studies and development options. The concluding phase involves facility programming, site selection, project design, and construction. Data analysis should indicate the use of existing facilities, demonstrate influences on the population levels in county facilities, and project future program requirements. Following a detailing of the Santa Barbara Jail needs assessment study, the impact of the California Administrative Code and the standards of the American Correctional Association upon development options is considered.