The intent of the specific plan zoning district is to provide for the creative and effective planning and design of portions of the city which require a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to planning than can be achieved through the conventional application of zoning regulations. The specific plan zoning district is intended to provide the flexibility in planning and design to effectively implement the goals and policies of the general plan. In addition, the purpose of this chapter is to establish uniform procedures for the adoption and implementation of specific plans for the coordination of future development within the city, consistent with this development code and pursuant to California Government Code.
(Ord. 95-16 § 2; Ord. 02-11 § 3(A))
In areas identified as specific plan (Figure 2-5 general plan land use element), with an aggregate area of one hundred or more acres, approval of a specific plan is required prior to approval of any discretionary land use entitlement or issuance of any building or grading permit.
(Ord. 95-16 § 2; Ord. 02-11 § 3(A))
A. 
Presubmittal and Preparation of Specific Plan.
1. 
A preliminary application and fee are required prior to filing a formal specific plan application. A preapplication conference with the planning department representatives is required prior to filing of the formal specific plan application. This is intended to provide direction to the applicant and to provide information prior to preparation of detailed plans.
2. 
Prior to the preparation of a specific plan the applicant shall hold a public scoping meeting to identify potential community concerns about the project. Public notice of the scoping meeting is required. Noticing procedures shall be defined by the planning department at the preapplication conference.
B. 
Hearing and Notice. Upon receipt in proper form of a specific plan application, or direction of the city council, hearings shall be set before the planning commission and city council. Notice of the hearings shall be given pursuant to the requirements of Section 17.03.040 of this development code.
C. 
Planning Commission Action on Specific Plans. The planning commission shall make a written recommendation on the proposed specific plan whether to approve, approve in modified form or disapprove, based upon the findings contained in this chapter.
Planning commission action recommending that the proposed specific plan be approved, approved in modified form, or denied shall be considered by the city council following planning commission action.
D. 
City Council Action on Specific Plans. Upon receipt of the planning commission's recommendation, the city council may approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the proposed specific plan based upon the findings contained in this chapter.
E. 
Findings. A specific plan may be adopted only if all of the following findings are made:
1. 
The proposed specific plan is consistent with the general plan and development code.
2. 
The proposed specific plan would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience or welfare of the city.
3. 
The subject property is physically suitable for the requested land use designations and the anticipated land use developments.
4. 
The proposed specific plan shall ensure development of desirable character which will be compatible with existing and proposed development in the surrounding neighborhood.
(Ord. 95-16 § 2; Ord. 96-19 § 2(LL))
The adoption of a specific plan zoning district shall include an amendment to the zoning map. The designation on zoning map shall include the designation "SP" followed by a reference number that corresponds to the name of the specific plan. Land use designations and zoning for the area will then be guided by the provisions of the adopted specific plan. If the specific plan does not address a particular standard, the provisions of this development code shall apply.
(Ord. 95-16 § 2; Ord. 02-11 § 3(A))
A specific plan application shall include a text and diagrams which contain all of the provisions outlined in Government Code Sections 65451 and 65452.
The form and content of the specific plan shall contain, at a minimum, the following:
A. 
A boundary survey map of the property and calculation of the gross land area within the proposed zoning district. A tentative subdivision map may be substituted if the applicant proposes to subdivide the property.
B. 
A topographical map and general grading concept plan with specific sections for sensitive areas.
C. 
A diagram, text, and exhibits describing the site, proposed land uses, circulation, public facilities and services and phasing.
D. 
A preliminary report describing anticipated requirements and proposed means of providing utility facilities and public services, including, but not limited to, storm drainage, sewage disposal, water supply, parks and recreation and school facilities.
E. 
A discussion of how the specific plan implements the applicable elements of the general plan.
F. 
A description of site development standards including, but not limited to, listing of allowable uses, maximum and minimum regulations, required setbacks and supplemental illustrations as required, establishing the basic community architectural character, environmental character and environmental design qualities to be attained throughout the specific plan area.
G. 
A phasing and financing plan to assure the adequate provision of public utilities, improvement and other facilities.
H. 
Other data and related exhibits deemed necessary by the planning director, planning commission or city council.
(Ord. 95-16 § 2)
"Commercial marijuana activity" and "marijuana cultivation" (as defined in Chapter 8.52) for medical, nonmedical or other purposes, are prohibited uses everywhere in the city including all zoning districts, specific plan areas, overlay zones and planned development zones and shall be prohibited uses, except as otherwise provided in Sections 8.52.040, 8.52.050, and 8.52.060.
(Ord. 17-02 § 7)
No public works project, tentative map or parcel map may be approved, adopted or amended within an area covered by a specific plan, unless found to be consistent with the adopted specific plan.
(Ord. 95-16 § 2)
Amendments to approved specific plans shall be made using the same procedure as was followed when the plan was adopted. Any adopted specific plan may also be repealed by the same procedure as was applied when the plan was originally adopted. Prior to the adoption of an ordinance to repeal and discontinue a specific plan, the city council with a recommendation from the planning commission shall find that the plan is no longer necessary for the orderly and systematic implementation of the general plan. The repealing ordinance shall include provisions for the immediate application of appropriate zoning to the area covered by the repealed plan.
(Ord. 95-16 § 2)
The following specific plans have been approved by the city and are designated on the official zoning map of the city:
SP-1
Roripaugh Estates
(previous reference: SP No. 164)
SP-2
Rancho Highlands
(previous reference: SP No. 180)
SP-3
Margarita Village
(previous reference: SP No. 199)
SP-4
Paloma del Sol
(previous reference: SP No. 219)
SP-5
Old Town
 
SP-6
Campos Verdes
(previous reference: SP No. 1)
SP-7
Temecula Regional Center
(previous reference: SP No. 263)
SP-8
Village West
(superseded by SP-15)
SP-9
Redhawk
(previous reference: SP No. 217)
SP-10
Vail Ranch
(previous reference: SP No. 223)
SP-11
Roripaugh Ranch
 
SP-12
Wolf Creek
 
SP-13
Harveston
 
SP-14 Up-town Temecula
 
 
SP-15 Altair
 
 
Future specific plans shall be numbered consecutively with the prefix "SP."
(Ord. 95-16 § 2; Ord. 98-14 § 2; Ord. 99-24 § 5(G); Ord. 01-01 § 3; Ord. 01-07 § 5; Ord. 02-13 § 1; Ord. 23-03 § 9)