Chapter 9.72
SPECIFIC PLANS
Sections:
9.72.040 Initiation of specific plans.
9.72.050 Adoption of specific plan.
9.72.010 Purpose of chapter.
A. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a process for preparing, processing, reviewing, adopting, and amending specific plans in compliance with State law (Government Code Section 65450 et seq.) or as this section may be amended or replaced from time to time.
B. When required by Section 9.72.030 (Applicability), the General Plan, or this Development Code to systematically implement the General Plan for any part of the City, a specific plan shall be prepared, processed, approved and implemented, or disapproved, in compliance with this chapter. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)
9.72.020 Intent.
A. General Plan predominant.
1. After the Council has adopted the General Plan, or any amendment, the Department may, or as directed by the Council shall, prepare specific plans for the systematic implementation of the General Plan. Specific plans shall be prepared by or under the direction of the Director.
2. No specific plan may be adopted or amended unless first found consistent with the General Plan, in compliance with State law (Government Code Sections 65450 and 65454). A specific plan may be adopted as an amendment to the General Plan. In such case it shall have the same standing as the General Plan.
B. Adopted by ordinance. A specific plan adopted by ordinance shall replace the base zoning district for the subject property, and the development standards and guidelines identified in the specific plan shall take precedence over the general standards and guidelines contained in this Development Code.
C. Adopted by resolution. A specific plan adopted by resolution shall be applied as guidelines and the applicable standards contained in this Development Code shall take precedence over the development standards identified in the specific plan. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)
9.72.030 Applicability.
A. Flexibility and innovation. A specific plan is designed to provide for flexibility, innovative use of land resources and development, a variety of housing and other development types, and an effective and safe method of pedestrian and vehicular circulation.
B. Urban centers. A comprehensive design document, which may include a specific plan, shall be required for areas designated as urban centers (Northwest, Northeast, and Southeast) prior to authorizing new development in those areas. Any specific plan prepared to satisfy this requirement shall be in compliance with this chapter and may be included in a comprehensive General Plan update.
C. Commission and Council review. An application for a specific plan shall be considered by the Commission and Council. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014; § 1(2) (Att. A), Ord. 23-05, eff. August 9, 2023)
9.72.040 Initiation of specific plans.
A specific plan may be initiated by the following:
A. Council. By the Council, with or without a recommendation from the Commission;
B. Commission. By the Commission; or
C. Staff. By the Director. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)
9.72.050 Adoption of specific plan.
The specific plan shall be adopted by ordinance or by resolution of the Council, in compliance with State law (Government Code Section 65453). The City Council shall determine whether a specific plan is to be approved by ordinance or by resolution, or as a General Plan amendment. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)
9.72.060 Amendments.
A. Process for amendment. A specific plan may be amended through the same procedure specified by this chapter for the approval of a specific plan.
B. Frequency of amendments. The specific plan may be amended as often as deemed necessary by the Council, in compliance with State law (Government Code Section 65453). The purpose of a specific plan is one of stable long-term policy. Once adopted, a specific plan should only be amended where there is a compelling public purpose. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)