Chapter 17.452 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

Sacramento Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Sacramento

17.452.010 Purpose and intent.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for greater flexibility in the design of integrated developments than otherwise possible through strict application of zoning regulations. It is the intent of this chapter to encourage the design of wellplanned facilities that offer a variety of housing or other land uses through creative and imaginative planning, among them the following types of developments:

A. Residential. Residential subdivision developments that may include a variety of housing types and site plans, accessible open "green spaces," or common recreational areas, an attractive and well-oriented community meeting place or recreational facility, and other features of substantial benefit to a viable and balanced community; B. Residential-business development. Mixed residential-business developments combining apartments, convenience shopping facilities, motel-hotel combinations, offices, commercial recreation facilities, or other compatible uses grouped in a well-designed and coordinated site development; and

C. Industrial development. Well-designed and controlled groupings of research, service, or light industrial uses within an area containing visual and operational amenities and features, such as selective occupancies, setbacks, landscaping, and bulk and building material controls. (Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)

17.452.020 General provisions.

A. General criteria.

  1. This chapter is intended to be used for large acreage developments capable of achieving the distinct environmental characteristics intended by the planned unit development criteria set forth in section 17.452.030.

  2. This chapter is not intended to increase the development potential of property merely by increasing project density contrary to the regulations imposed by the zoning applicable to the property.

  3. This chapter is not intended to be used solely to create a development potential for small or difficult parcels of property created or remaining as a result of subdividing, freeway construction, or other contributing factors.

  4. This chapter is not intended to be used to create incompatible uses within a general neighborhood, notwithstanding the quality of the particular planned unit development proposed.

B. Issuance of building permits. A building permit shall not be issued for any building or structure within the boundaries of a planned unit development until the plans submitted for the building permit have been reviewed by the planning director to determine if the plans conform to the schematic plan and development guidelines adopted for the planned unit development and the site plan and design review approved for the project. No building or structure within a planned unit development may be occupied until an inspection of the project has been made by the planning director to see that all conditions of the site plan and design review have been satisfied.

C. Authority to adopt rules. Without limiting in any way the general and implied authority of the planning and design commission to adopt rules and statements of policy and guidance for the administration of other provisions of this title, the planning and design commission may by resolution adopt such rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter as it deems necessary or desirable to carry out the purpose and intent of this chapter. (Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)

17.452.030 Planned unit development designation.

The planned unit development ("PUD") designation appearing on the official zoning map means the property is subject to the requirements of this chapter and the schematic plan and development guidelines adopted for the planned unit development, in addition to the indicated land use zone (underlying zone).

A. Criteria. The planned unit development designation may be applied to all areas of the city for which the council determines that the purpose and general criteria of this chapter are met or that, due to the mixture of conditions or the relation of the property to adjacent land uses and its community, development in accordance with the requirements and restrictions of this chapter is necessary in order to properly evaluate the interrelationships of land uses, buildings, structures, and other features of the area and to provide design and other controls as may be necessary to insure that the development of the area will be consistent with the general plan and all applicable specific plans, will not be injurious to the public welfare, nor to other property in the vicinity of the development and will be in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this title.

B. Designation of property as a planned unit development. Designation of property as a planned unit development is legislative in nature and is subject to the procedural requirements in sections 17.808.230 and 17.916.020.

  1. Property in single or common ownership. The planning and design commission, the city council, or the property owner may initiate proceedings to designate as a planned unit development any single parcel or any contiguous parcels owned by the same person or persons.

  2. Property in multiple ownership. Proceedings to designate as a planned unit development multiple parcels of property that are not all in the same ownership may be initiated only by a petition submitted on behalf of all of the owners of all of the property.

C. Effect of planned unit development designation. A planned unit development designation constitutes an overlay zone. A planned unit development designation does not establish an underlying zone or enlarge the uses provided by a zoning classification. (Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)

17.452.040 Planned unit development schematic plan and development guidelines.

A. Adoption of planned unit development schematic plan and development guidelines. Adoption of a planned unit development schematic plan and development guidelines is legislative in nature and is subject to the procedural requirements in sections 17.808.230 and 17.916.020. Proceedings to adopt a planned unit development schematic plan or development guidelines may be initiated in the same manner as a planned unit development designation. Development within a planned unit development shall not be approved until the city council has adopted a schematic plan and development guidelines for the entire area subject to the planned unit development designation.

B. Contents of the schematic plan and development guidelines.

  1. The schematic plan and development guidelines shall contain the development standards applicable to development within the planned unit development and shall include specific details, elements, conditions and restrictions as the council may deem warranted to carry out the purpose of this chapter, including conditions and restrictions related to size, timing, and sequence of development.

  2. In approving a schematic plan and development guidelines for a planned unit development, the city council may modify zoning regulations relating to height, setback and area requirements, and other provisions of this title otherwise applicable to the property; provided that the following standards shall be applied:

a. Design standards. The schematic plan and development guidelines provide overall standards of open space, circulation, off-street parking and other conditions in such a way as to form a harmonious, integrated project of such quality to justify exceptions to the normal regulations of this title.

b. Sign program. In order to preserve the design and character of the planned unit development, the schematic plan and development guidelines adopted for the planned unit development may specify a sign program that allows for

signage that otherwise would be prohibited under chapter 15.148 (Signs) or that prohibits signage that otherwise would be allowed under this title.

c. Density standards. The density standards of the zone in which the property is located shall apply to residential uses, except that the schematic plan and development guidelines may authorize a greater density if the proposed design will result in a development project that provides greater open spaces and other desirable features not a regular requirement of the zone.

d. Uses. Property within a planned unit development may be used only for the uses that are permitted in the underlying zone in which it is located and that are authorized by the schematic plan and development guidelines adopted for the property.

C. Amendment of a planned unit development schematic plan or development guidelines. An amendment to a planned unit development schematic plan or development guideline is legislative in nature and subject to the procedural requirements in section 17.808.230. Amendments may be initiated by the city council, the planning and design commission, or by request by the owner of any parcel of property within the planned unit development. (Ord. 2019-0006 § 9; Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)