Chapter 23.152 — Specific Plans

The purpose of a Specific Plan is to provide a regulatory document that implements the city's General Plan on an area-specific basis. (Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 1.18.010); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

The General Plan identifies certain areas of the city which require Specific Plans to implement General Plan policies. Specific Plans are also encouraged if they will lead to more effective implementation of the General Plan. In the event there is an inconsistency or conflict between an adopted Specific Plan and comparable provisions within the zoning code, the Specific Plan shall prevail. (Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 1.18.020); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

An application for a Specific Plan shall be filed in accordance with RCMC § 23.110.040 (Application requirements) and RCMC § 23.152.035 (Application content required).

(Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

In addition to the minimum content requirements of California Government Code Section 65451 , the following items outline the city's content requirements for an application:

• A. Statement of relationship of the Specific Plan to the General Plan.

• B. Policies for development and standards for regulating development in the plan area.

• C. The proposed land uses for all areas covered by the plan.

• D. The types and configurations of buildings to be included in all developments in the plan area.

• E. The location of and types of streets.

• F. Public facilities and infrastructure required to serve developments in the plan area.

• G. A parking and circulation plan for off-street parking areas showing the location of parking lots, the approximate number of spaces, and the approximate location of entrances and exits.

• H. Proposed conservation, open space, and/or recreation areas, if any.

• I. Any other programs, guidelines, or standards appropriate for the area covered by the Specific Plan. (Formerly 23.152.040; Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 1.18.040); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

Specific Plans are a discretionary legislative decision by the council pursuant to RCMC § 23.104.030 (Recommending and approval authority). (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

A public hearing and hearing notice shall be required for review and processing of a Specific Plan in accordance with the following:

• A. Public Hearing Notice. A notice for public hearing shall be provided for pursuant to RCMC § 23.110.120 (Notice of public hearing).

• B. Public Hearing Procedure. A public hearing shall be held pursuant to RCMC § 23.110.130 (Public hearing procedures). (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

The notice of decision shall be issued pursuant to RCMC § 23.110.140 (Notice of decision). (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

The council may approve or approve with conditions an application for a Specific Plan after finding all of the following. If the council does not make all of these findings, the Specific Plan shall not be approved.

• A. The proposed Specific Plan is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan, development agreement, or other implementation instrument.

• B. The proposed Specific Plan will not adversely affect surrounding properties. (Formerly 23.152.060; Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 1.18.060); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 13-2013 § 4 (Exh. B); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

The approval authority may require modifications to the Specific Plan in whole or in part to ensure consistency with the General Plan and conformance with all applicable provisions of this title. (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

Specific Plan determinations are not subject to appeal. (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

Specific Plans shall not expire. (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

An applicant may request an amendment to a Specific Plan after the final written decision is issued. Amendments shall be processed in the same manner as an original application.

(Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

The majority of Specific Plans will require the preparation of an environmental impact report (EIR) under CEQA Guidelines. Once certified, the EIR for a Specific Plan may be relied upon for further entitlements sought subsequent to adoption of the Specific Plan. Unless otherwise exempt, an initial study shall be prepared for all subsequent applications to determine whether a supplement to the EIR must be prepared. In the event that a supplement to the EIR is determined not to be necessary, a negative declaration or mitigated negative declaration shall be prepared.

(Formerly 23.152.050; Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 1.18.050); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))