A. 
Purpose. This chapter provides a method for preparing, processing, reviewing, and adopting Specific Plans in compliance with California Government Code Section 65450 et seq., or as that section may be amended or replaced from time to time. In addition, this chapter provides a method for amending Specific Plans to ensure their continued effectiveness and responsiveness to market demands over time. A Specific Plan is intended to provide for flexibility in the establishment of land use regulations by allowing for innovative use of land resources and development; a variety of building, development, and housing types; land use mixes; site design; development concepts; and effective and safe pedestrian and vehicular circulation.
B. 
Applicability. A Specific Plan may be prepared for any property or group of properties in the City for the purpose of implementing the General Plan. As a matter of City policy, the Council may establish a minimum project area requirement for the preparation of a Specific Plan.
(Ord. 2000, 2021; Ord. 2046, 3/2/2026)
A Specific Plan or its amendment may be initiated in the following manner:
A. 
City Council. By the majority consensus of the City Council; or
B. 
Property Owner(s). By an application being filed by the owner(s) of one or more parcels, or the owner's authorized agent, that would be the subject of the Specific Plan. If the property for which a Specific Plan or Specific Plan amendment is proposed is held in multiple ownerships, all the owners or their authorized agents shall join in filing the application. If initiated by a property owner(s), a pre-application conference as specified in subsection C, below is required.
C. 
Pre-Application Conference. A pre-application conference with the Director may be required before the filing of a specific plan application. The City may establish fees for the pre-application conference.
1. 
The purpose of the pre-application conference is to allow the property owner(s) or property owner's agent to obtain information before entering into commitments requiring that the applicant incur substantial expense in the preparation of plans, surveys, and other data.
2. 
The preliminary consultations shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. 
Proposed land uses to be developed within the project area;
b. 
Development concepts to be employed;
c. 
Schematic plans, illustrative material, and narrative sufficient to describe the general relationships between land uses, and the intended design character and scale of principal features; and
d. 
A preliminary time schedule for development, including quantitative data (e.g., population, building units, land use acreage, and other data) sufficient to illustrate phasing of development and potential impact on public service requirements.
3. 
Pre-application review shall not constitute any representation on the part of the City that a Specific Plan will be prepared or approved for the property or that any other application pending or otherwise will be approved.
(Ord. 2000, 2021; Ord. 2046, 3/2/2026)
A Specific Plan shall contain all information required by Government Code Section 65450 et seq., as well as any additional information that may be stated on the City's application for a Specific Plan.
(Ord. 2000, 2021; Ord. 2046, 3/2/2026)
A. 
Filing. An application for a Specific Plan or an amendment shall be filed and processed in compliance with Chapter 25.62 (Application Processing Procedures). The application shall include the information and materials specified by the most up-to-date Department handout for Specific Plan applications, together with any required fee.
B. 
Investigation by Director. Following receipt of a completed application, the Director shall make an investigation of the facts bearing on the case to provide the information necessary for action consistent with the purpose of this chapter. A staff report shall be prepared pursuant to Section 25.62.080 (Project Evaluation and Staff Reports).
C. 
Notice and Hearings.
1. 
A public hearing before the Planning Commission shall be required for all Specific Plans. Noticing of the public hearing shall be given in compliance with Chapter 25.100 (Public Hearings and Notice).
2. 
At the conclusion of the public hearing, the Commission shall indicate by resolution whether the Specific Plan or Specific Plan amendment is recommended to the Council for approval, approval in modified form, or denial.
3. 
The Council, after receipt of the report and recommendations of the Commission, shall hold a public hearing in compliance with Chapter 25.100 (Public Hearings and Notice) to consider the Specific Plan or the Specific Plan amendment. The Council may approve, approve with modifications, or deny a proposed Specific Plan or Specific Plan amendment. Approval of the Specific Plan or Specific Plan amendment shall be by ordinance.
(Ord. 2000, 2021; Ord. 2046, 3/2/2026)
The Commission may recommend approval and the Council may approve a Specific Plan or Specific Plan amendment only if it first makes all of the following findings:
A. 
The proposed Specific Plan or Specific Plan amendment is consistent with the General Plan, including its goals, policies, and implementation programs.
B. 
The proposed Specific Plan or Specific Plan amendment is a desirable planning tool to implement the provisions of the General Plan.
C. 
The proposed Specific Plan or Specific Plan amendment will not adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare or result in an illogical land use pattern.
D. 
In the case of a Specific Plan amendment, that the amendment will not create internal inconsistencies within the Specific Plan and is consistent with the purpose and intent of the Specific Plan it is amending.
(Ord. 2000, 2021; Ord. 2046, 3/2/2026)