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Part IV — ADMINISTRATION

Article 10 — Planned Development (P-D) Permits

Walnut Creek Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-07 · Walnut Creek

10-2.4.1001 Purpose.

Certain areas of the City are contained within the Mixed Use Planned Development District (M-U) and the High Density Residential Planned Development District (M-H-D), where the development of property is permitted only as authorized by a planned development (P-D) permit issued pursuant to this article. The purpose of the P-D permit process is to assure that the intent and purpose of the M-U and M-H-D Districts are implemented. (§16, Ord. 2194, eff. 6/7/19; §16, Ord. 2209, eff. 3/19/21)

10-2.4.1002 Application.

An application for a P-D permit may be filed with the Planning Commission as provided in Article 2 above. In addition to the data required under Article 2, the application shall be accompanied by the following data prepared by a design team consisting of an architect, landscape architect and civil engineer, except that the Community Development Director may waive the requirement for any specific member of the design team or for filing any of these listed data when such is not applicable to the specific project:

A. A site plan showing general locations of all streets, on-street and off-street parking, bicycle paths, riding trails, hiking trails, buildings, and other man-made structures; typical elevations or perspective drawings sufficient to show building height, building materials, colors and general design; perspective drawings showing the relationship after development of the proposed buildings and the topographic features of the site; and a table listing land coverage by percentage and acreage for the following: open space (intensely landscaped and natural), all streams, ponds and areas existing in riparian vegetation, coverage by housing unit roof, parking (covered, open, off-street), streets, sidewalks, paths, recreational facilities;

B. A topographical map showing existing contours and proposed lot lines which may be integrated with the site plan described above; the lot lines may be omitted if building locations on the site plan make proposed lot lines obvious; the topographical map may be omitted if the weighted incremental slope, as described in §102.5.1102(h), is less than ten;

C. Any tree(s), including size and species as defined in §3-8.02 of this code, whether or not such tree(s) is to be removed or destroyed, on the site plan or on a separate plat;

D. Sufficient dimensions to show right-of-way widths, pavement widths, radii of curvature of centerlines, street grades, whether streets are to be public or private, and all proposed frontage improvements on new and existing streets;

E. A detailed landscaping plan showing the natural open space which will remain upon completion of development, all existing trees (and indicating which trees are scheduled for removal), and the precise boundaries of additional landscaping; the landscape plan shall include container size of all trees and shrubs, species of all plant material, irrigation system plan, street lighting, low-level path lighting, street furniture and fencing materials, dimensions and locations;

F. If the application includes residential uses, a statement in writing stipulating to the total number of bedrooms to be constructed;

G. If the application is for a P-D permit for a residential development of five (5) or more acres, which development will occur in stages, the applicant may initially submit general information relating to subsections (A) and (E) of this section for review by both the Design Review Commission and the Planning Commission. Precise and detailed plans setting forth the information required by these items shall subsequently be submitted to the Design Review Commission for its review prior to the approval of a tentative subdivision map, building permit or other construction authorized by the P-D permit. (§18, Ord. 2209, eff. 3/19/21; §4, Ord. 2239, eff. 7/5/24)

10-2.4.1003 Comments by Design Review Commission.

Upon determining that an application is deemed complete, the Community Development Director shall submit the application to the Design Review Commission for its preliminary review of the site plan and building design. Within twenty-five (25) days after such submittal, the Design Review Commission shall advise the Planning

Commission in writing of any comments it deems appropriate as a result of its preliminary review. (§18, Ord. 2209, eff. 3/19/21; §4, Ord. 2239, eff. 7/5/24)

10-2.4.1004 Notice and Public Hearing by Planning Commission.

Upon receipt of the Design Review Commission comments, if any, a public hearing on the application shall be scheduled before the Planning Commission as provided in Article 3 above. Notice of the public hearing shall be given as provided in Article 3 above.

10-2.4.1005 Findings.

The Planning Commission shall not recommend approval of, and the City Council shall not approve, a P-D permit unless the following findings are made:

A. The approval of the plan is in the best interests of the public health, safety and general welfare;

  • B. The proposed plan is consistent with the General Plan and any specific plan that may be applicable;

  • C. The plan conforms to the purpose of the planned development district;

  • D. The uses permitted and the conditions to the use are compatible with the site and its environs;

E. If located within the O-23 Overlay Zone (the Almond-Shuey Overlay Zone), the plan complies with all provisions contained therein, including but not limited to the regulations pertaining to minimum setbacks and maximum building height. (§16, Ord. 2194, eff. 6/7/19; §16, Ord. 2209, eff. 3/19/21)

10-2.4.1006 Recommendation by Planning Commission.

Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission may recommend to the City Council that the application be approved, conditionally approved or denied. The Community Development Director shall transmit the recommendation to the City Clerk. (§18, Ord. 2209, eff. 3/19/21; §4, Ord. 2239, eff. 7/5/24)

10-2.4.1007 Notice and Public Hearing by City Council.

Upon receipt of a recommendation from the Planning Commission concerning a P-D permit application, the City Clerk shall schedule a public hearing on the application before the City Council as provided in Article 3 above. Notice of the public hearing shall be given as provided in Article 3 above.

10-2.4.1008 Decision.

Following the public hearing, the City Council may approve, conditionally approve or deny the application as provided in Article 4 above. The City Council may approve the application subject to conditions which it believes, in its sole discretion, will make the proposed use consistent with the general plan, any applicable specific plan or the P-D zoning district, or which will make the proposed use compatible with other uses in the vicinity, or which will otherwise promote the public health, safety and welfare. The Council may also refer the matter back to the Planning Commission for further report and recommendation.

10-2.4.1009 Permit Amendments.

A P-D permit may be amended only by following the same procedures required for the issuance of a P-D permit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, minor deviations from the terms of the P-D permit shall be permitted and shall not be deemed amendments if such deviations do not involve an increase in the number of dwelling units and if the proposed development thereunder is determined in writing by both the City Engineer and the Community Development Director to substantially comply with the P-D permit. (§18, Ord. 2209, eff. 3/19/21; §4, Ord. 2239, eff. 7/5/24)

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▸ Contents — Walnut Creek Zoning Code
Walnut Creek Zoning Code
  1. 10-1.101 Citation and Authority.
  2. 10-1.102 Purpose.
  3. 10-1.103 Conformity to General Plan, Specific Plans and Zoning…
  4. 10-1.104 Application.
  5. 10-1.105 Modification of Requirements.
  6. 10-1.201 Definitions.
  7. 10-1.202 Responsibilities.
  8. 10-1.301 General.
  9. 10-1.302 Division of Land—Five or More Parcels.
  10. 10-1.303 Division of Land—Four or Fewer Parcels. (Minor Subdiv…
  11. 10-1.304 Plat Maps.
  12. 10-1.305 Fees and Deposits.
  13. 10-1.402 Tentative Maps.
  14. 10-1.403 Final Maps.
  15. 10-1.501 Tentative Parcel Map.
  16. 10-1.502 Parcel Maps.
  17. 10-1.503 Waiver of Parcel Map Requirements.
  18. 10-1.601 Dedication of Streets, Alleys and Other Public Rights…
  19. 10-1.602 Park Land Dedication.
  20. 10-1.603 School Site Dedication.
  21. 10-1.604 Reservations.
  22. 10-1.605 Claims of Excessive Dedications.
  23. 10-1.701 Purpose.
  24. 10-1.702 Requirements and Procedures.
  25. 10-1.703 Physical Standards for Condominium Conversions.
  26. 10-1.704 Tenant Provisions.
  27. 10-1.705 Effect of Proposed Conversion on the City's Low- and …
  28. 10-1.706 Findings.
  29. 10-1.801 General.
  30. 10-1.802 Improvements Required.
  31. 10-1.803 Deferred Improvement Agreements.
  32. 10-1.804 Design.
  33. 10-1.805 Access.
  34. 10-1.806 Improvement Plans.
  35. 10-1.807 Improvement Agreement.
  36. 10-1.808 Improvement Security.
  37. 10-1.809 Construction.
  38. 10-1.810 Construction Inspection.
  39. 10-1.811 Completion of Improvements.
  40. 10-1.812 Acceptance of Improvements.
  41. 10-1.813 Supplemental Improvement Capacity.
  42. 10-1.901 General.
  43. 10-1.902 Initiation of Proceedings.
  44. 10-1.903 Contents of Petition.
  45. 10-1.904 Submittal of Petition to City Engineer.
  46. 10-1.905 City Council Approval.
  47. 10-1.906 Filing with County Recorder.
  48. 10-1.1001 Mergers not Required.
  49. 10-1.1002 Mergers Required.
  50. 10-1.1003 Notice of Intention to Determine Status.
  51. 10-1.1004 Hearing on Determination of Status.
  52. 10-1.1005 Determination of Merger.
  53. 10-1.1006 Determination When No Hearing is Requested.
  54. 10-1.1007 Request to Merge by Property Owner.
  55. 10-1.1008 Unmerged Parcels.
  56. 10-1.1009 Request for Determination by Owner.
  57. 10-1.1010 Fee for Mergers and Unmergers.
  58. 10-1.1101 Requirements.
  59. 10-1.1102 Form and Contents.
  60. 10-1.1103 Submittal and Approval by the City Engineer.
  61. 10-1.1104 Filing with the County Recorder.
  62. 10-1.1105 Fee.
  63. 10-1.1201 Citation and Authority.
  64. 10-1.1202 Purpose and Intent.
  65. 10-1.1203 Consistency.
  66. 10-1.1204 Definitions.
  67. 10-1.1205 Application.
  68. 10-1.1206 Filing and Processing.
  69. 10-1.1207 Expiration.
  70. 10-1.1208 Vesting on Approval of Vesting Tentative Map.
  71. 10-1.1209 Development Inconsistent with Zoning—Conditional App…
  72. 10-1.1210 Applications Inconsistent with Current Policies.
  73. 10-1.1211 Failure to Obtain Design Review Approval.
  74. 10-1.1301 Prohibition.
  75. 10-1.1302 Remedies.
  76. 10-1.1303 Certificate of Compliance.
  77. 10-1.1304 Notice of Violation.
  78. 10-1.1305 Penalties.
  79. 10-1.1306 Judicial Action.
  80. 10-1.1401 Purpose.
  81. 10-1.1402 Applicability—Ministerial Approval.
  82. 10-1.1403 Exceptions.
  83. 10-1.1404 Definitions.
  84. 10-1.1405 Urban Lot Split Requirements.
  85. Chapter 2
  86. Part I — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  87. Part II — BASE DISTRICT REGULATIONS
  88. Part III — REGULATIONS APPLYING IN ALL OR SEVERAL DISTRICTS Re…
  89. ▸ Part IV — ADMINISTRATION
    Overview
    1. Article 1 — Planning Agency
    2. Article 2 — Applications
    3. Article 3 — Notices and Hearings
    4. Article 4 — Decisions and Permit Review, Modification and Revo…
    5. Article 5 — Appeals
    6. Article 6 — Conditional Use Permits
    7. Article 7 — Special Use Permits
    8. Article 8 — Minor Use Permits
    9. Article 9 — Variances
    10. Article 10 — Planned Development (P-D) Permits
    11. Article 11 — Hillside Planned Development (H-P-D) Permit
    12. Article 12 — Design Review
    13. Article 13 — Amendments (Rezoning)
    14. Article 14 — Development Agreements
    15. Article 15 — Enforcement
    16. Article 16 — Reasonable Accommodation Application
    17. Article 17 — Community Benefit Agreements
    18. Chapter 3
    19. Chapter 3 — STREET NAMES AND ADDRESSES
    20. Chapter 5
    21. Chapter 5 — TRAFFIC IMPACT FEE
    22. Chapter 6
    23. Chapter 6 — WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS
    24. Chapter 7
    25. Chapter 7 — SEWER SYSTEMS
    26. Chapter 8
    27. Chapter 8 — SIGN REGULATIONS
    28. Chapter 9
    29. Chapter 9 — GENERAL PLAN AND SPECIFIC PLANS
    30. Chapter 10
    31. Chapter 10 — PUBLIC ART
    32. Chapter 11
    33. Chapter 11 — PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT REIMBURSEMENTS
    34. Chapter 12
    35. Chapter 12 — DEDICATIONS FOR PARK PURPOSES
    36. Chapter 13
    37. Chapter 13 — FEE ON COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUS…

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