Chapter 18.10
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT Revised 4/24
Sections:
18.10.020 Zoning Map designation.
18.10.030 Land use regulations.
18.10.040 Development regulations. Revised 4/24
18.10.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish a Planned Development (PD) District that provides for one or more properties to be developed under a plan that provides for better coordinated development and incorporates development standards crafted to respond to site conditions in order to:
A. Provide flexibility by allowing diversification in regulations such as building relationships, setbacks, height limitations, floor area ratio (FAR), lot sizes, types of structures, parking, landscaping, and the amount and location of open space.
B. Ensure substantial compliance with and implement the land use and density policies of the General Plan and any applicable specific plan.
C. Provide for efficient and cost-effective public facilities and services.
D. Allow for creative development projects that incorporate design features that provide greater amenities than would likely result from conventionally planned development.
E. Protect public health, safety, and general welfare without unduly inhibiting developers attempting to secure the advantages of modern, large-scale site planning for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes.
F. A PD District shall also be used for adoption and administration of specific plans, prepared pursuant to the Government Code. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011)
18.10.020 Zoning Map designation.
A PD District shall be noted on the Zoning Map by the designation “PD,” followed by the number of the planned development or specific plan based on order of adoption. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011)
18.10.030 Land use regulations.
No use other than an existing use is permitted in a PD District except in accord with a valid PD plan or adopted specific plan. Any permitted or conditional use authorized by this title may be included in an approved PD plan or an adopted specific plan consistent with the General Plan land use designation(s) for the property. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011)
18.10.040 Development regulations. Revised 4/24
A. Minimum Area. The minimum area of a PD District shall be as follows; however, the City Council may approve a district smaller than the minimum area if it finds that rezoning to PD would provide greater benefits to the general welfare of San Carlos’ residents and property owners than development under conventional zoning because of unique characteristics of the site or the proposed use.
1. Mixed-Use Districts: One-half of one contiguous acre.
2. Other Districts: Two contiguous acres.
B. Open Space. Open space shall be shown on the PD plan, and the total open area in a PD plan shall be substantially the same as the open area required by the base district for the total area of the planned development.
C. Residential Unit Density. Except where a density bonus is granted in compliance with the City’s density bonus regulations for affordable housing and child care, Chapter 18.16, Affordable Housing Programs and Chapter 18.17, Affordable Housing Incentives, the total number of dwelling units in a PD plan shall not exceed the maximum number permitted by the General Plan density for the total area of the planned development designated for residential use, excluding areas devoted to public and private streets, creeks, and storm drains.
D. Performance Standards. The performance standards prescribed by Chapter 18.21, Performance Standards, apply.
E. Other Development Regulations. Minimum lot area, yard requirements, building heights, and other physical development standards shall be as prescribed by the PD plan. Each PD plan shall establish development standards that, at a minimum, address the following:
1. Land use;
2. Circulation of traffic;
3. Landscaping;
4. Architecture;
5. Specific density;
6. Minimum building site;
7. Minimum lot dimensions;
8. Maximum lot coverage by buildings and structures;
9. Minimum yards;
10. Maximum building or structure heights;
11. Maximum height of fences and walls;
12. Signs;
13. Off-street parking; and
14. Other items as deemed appropriate by the Planning and Transportation Commission and City Council. (Ord. 1612 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011)