When inconsistency between the general plan and zoning arises as a result of adoption of or amendment to a general plan, or any element thereof, hearings held pursuant to Section 65854 or 65856 for the purpose of bringing zoning into consistency with the general plan, as required by Section 65860, may be held at the same time as hearings held for the purpose of adopting or amending a general plan, or any element thereof. However, the hearing on the general plan amendment may, at the discretion of the local agency, be concluded prior to any consideration of adoption of a zoning change.

It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting this section, that local agencies shall, to the extent possible, concurrently process applications for general plan amendments and zoning changes which are needed to permit development so as to expedite processing of such applications.