Land-use glossary
Specific plan
A detailed plan for one area that sets its own land uses, development standards and infrastructure, implementing the general plan.
A specific plan sits between the general plan and individual projects. It covers a defined area, such as a downtown, a corridor or a large master-planned community, and spells out land uses, densities, design standards, streets, utilities and how improvements will be financed.
Within a specific plan area, its standards often replace the ordinary zoning code. Adopting or amending one is legislative and usually comes with an environmental impact report, which later projects consistent with the plan can rely on.
What to look for on the agenda
- Whether the item adopts a new specific plan or amends an existing one
- Changes to allowed units, building heights or commercial floor area
- Whether later projects in the area will be streamlined because of it
Where the rules come from: Cal. Gov. Code §65450–65457. Each city's own code adds its details.
Related terms
A general explainer, not legal advice. How we work.