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The Specific Plans include design guidelines, conceptual streetscape improvement options, and a summary of processes, in addition to background information on the setting, land use, circulation, and utilities. Detailed processes and standards are found within the City’s Zoning Ordinance, in Chapter 19.33 Commercial Corridor Specific Plans. Important highlights include:

The detailed processes are included in Chapter 19.33.070 of the Zoning Ordinance, but below are process flowcharts.

commercial process

multifamily process

The project included utility studies to facilitate the addition of up to 850 multifamily residential units across all three plan areas, and also included California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation. Multifamily projects consistent with the Specific Plan will not require any further CEQA documentation.

Multifamily development is permitted within the Community Commercial and Neighborhood Commercial zone districts.

Multifamily projects at densities of ≥ 25 units per acre in the Douglas-Sunrise Corridor Plan and east of Folsom Road in the Douglas-Harding Corridor Specific Plan have the following reduced parking standards:
  • Zero to one bedroom – 1 space per unit
  • Two to three bedrooms – 1.5 spaces per unit
  • Four or more bedrooms – 2 spaces per unit
  • AND one guest parking space for every 10 units (rounded up)

The detailed regulations are included in Chapter 19.33.040 of the Zoning Ordinance. A commercial use or commercial building in a residential zone is “nonconforming,” but the Specific Plans allow the use to be changed or expanded with approval of an Administrative Permit.

Each Specific Plan includes design standards (in Chapter 6 of each plan) which apply to commercial projects, multifamily projects, and projects on major roadway frontages.