Downtown Developer Toolkit

Central City Specific Plan

In 2015 the Downtown Housing Initiative was launched to bring 10,000 new housing units in the next 10 years to Central City Sacramento. The Central City Specific Plan takes that initiative further by looking at growth opportunities for the next twenty years and beyond. Formerly referred to as the “Downtown Specific Plan,” the name was changed in October 2017.

Through plan development, the City highlighted and evaluated opportunity sites ready for development. The City worked with development experts, community based interest groups, and the community at large to achieve the best plan possible through engagement tools including stakeholder meetings, community workshops, and online engagement. The development of the Specific Plan was kicked off in late summer of 2016 and will finish in 2018.

Central City Housing Types

News

Upcoming Public Hearings - The final draft of the Central City Specific Plan will be presented at upcoming public hearings in March 2018 to the Planning and Design Commission & City Council. Learn when the public hearings will take place on the News and Updates page, and view the latest draft documents on the Resources page.

Central City Special Planning District - To support the Central City Specific Plan’s goals and policies, staff is proposing the Central City Special Planning District (SPD), a zoning tool to remove regulatory barriers that could inhibit housing development in the project area. Please view the summary of the proposed changes, or visit the dedicated Central City Special Planning District page.

The Downtown Specific Plan is now the Central City Specific Plan! We heard from you and we agree... the Downtown Specific Plan is changing its name to the Central City Specific Plan. Learn about the name change on the News and Updates page.

Notice of Availability (NOA) of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) The City of Sacramento, Community Development Department, as Lead Agency, has issued issued a Notice of Availability (NOA) of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Downtown Specific Plan. The comment period is from September 22, 2017 to November 8, 2017.

Paddle Boarding in Southside Park? A New Look at What Downtown Needs

What’s the best thing about downtown Sacramento? Its restaurants. The worst? The lack of housing for average workers.

The Sacramento Bee: April 10, 2017

Sacramento Asks Residents What They Want Downtown To Be When It Grows Up

City Hall got personal with residents this week, asking the question: “Tell us about one of your happiest urban experiences.”

The Sacramento Bee: March 2, 2017

Notice of Preparation (NOP) Of An Environmental Impact Report

The City of Sacramento has issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report for the Downtown Specific Plan. The comment period is from February 15, 2017 to March 17, 2017.

Public Outreach

Plan Goals

Create a Specific Plan that paves the way for at least 10,000 places to live in the next 10 years
Develop a varied housing stock that reflects the diversity of Sacramento
Incentivize Transit-Oriented Development throughout downtown Sacramento including along the streetcar corridor
Remove barriers to housing development by streamlining the development and environmental review process
Maintain the quality of life central city residents experience and further neighborhood livability by including supporting amenities along with housing