Chapter 21.118 — SPECIFIC PLAN

The specific plan provides a means to establish more specific land use regulations and design standards for properties requiring special attention and treatment (see Government Code Sections 65450 through 65457). A specific plan serves as a policy and regulatory document, with policy direction and project development concepts consistent with the general plan.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

The city council shall identify those portions of the city where a specific plan is appropriate to meet the purposes of this chapter by adopting a resolution of intention for a specific plan designation. At the discretion of the city council, specific plans may be prepared by the city or by persons representing affected property owners. (Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

(a) Relationship to Other Adopted Regulations. Specific plans may either supplement or supersede all land use regulations applicable to the subject property, including all previously adopted ordinances, standards, and guidelines. In the event an inconsistency or conflict exists between standards adopted within a specific plan and comparable provisions of this title, adopted infrastructure master plans, or development standards, the standards and regulations made part of the specific plan shall prevail.

(b) Scope of a Specific Plan. Each specific plan shall identify specific land uses, standards, and criteria necessary for the development, maintenance, and use of the subject property in compliance with the policies and programs of the general plan. Each specific plan shall clearly specify how and to what extent the plan is to improve upon, supplement, or supersede any adopted ordinance, regulations, and standards. Where not otherwise specifically referenced and addressed by a specific plan, all adopted ordinances, regulations, standards, and guidelines of the city shall apply.

(c) Content. In addition to the minimum content requirements specified in Government Code Section 65451, the following shall be included in all specific plans:

• (1) Statement of the relationship of the specific plan to the general plan.

• (2) Policies for development and standards for regulating development within the plan area.

• (3) The proposed land uses for all areas covered by the plan.

• (4) General site design standards and guidelines for all developments.

• (5) The location of and types of streets.

• (6) Public facilities and infrastructure required to serve developments within the plan area.

• (7) Landscaping and parking lot treatments.

• (8) Proposed conservation, open space and/or recreation areas, if any.

• (9) Any other programs, guidelines or standards appropriate for the area covered by the plan.

• (Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.118.040 Proceedings .

Except as provided below, specific plan applications shall be processed in accordance with the standard processing provisions of this article:

(1) Planning commission recommendation. The planning commission recommendation to city council on all specific plan applications shall be in the form of an adopted resolution for approval, approval with modifications, or denial of the application.

(2) Modifications. If the city council proposes any substantial modification to the specific plan not previously considered by the planning commission, the council shall refer the matter back to the commission for consideration. No public hearing shall be required. Failure of the commission to act within forty days of receiving the council's request shall provide the council with the authority to act without the recommendation.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

The city council shall be required to make the following findings in acting to approve a specific plan and any amendment thereto:

• (1) The proposed specific plan is consistent with and provides for the orderly, systematic, and specific implementation of the general plan.

(2) The land use and development regulations within the specific plan are comparable in breadth and depth to similar zoning regulations contained in this title.

• (Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

Specific plan documents may be adopted by ordinance or resolution of the city council. The rezoning of the subject property to a SP district shall be adopted by ordinance of the city council. (Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

Any specific plan may be amended by the same procedure as the specific plan (or portion thereof) is adopted. The city may initiate amendments to any portion of a specific plan. The following changes to a specific plan shall require a specific plan amendment:

• (1) Changes to the text or maps other than the addition of information that does not change the effect of any regulation.

• (2) Changes in any specific plan boundary.

• (3) Increase or decrease in the specified density for any area.

• (4) Changes in standards or regulations, including landscaping and design standards.

• (Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).