CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
5:30 PM – Regular Meeting
David B. Roberts Council Chambers
City Hall
2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova
Pursuant to California Assembly Bill 361 amending the Ralph M. Brown Act (Govt. Code 54950-54963), the City has declared a state of emergency relating to COVID-19 and imposed measures to promote social distancing.
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Instructions to Make Public Comment
Submitting Public Comment via Email
Members of the public who wish to provide public comment via email will need to submit written comments to [email protected] no later than 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Written comments received no later than 3:00 p.m. will be distributed to the Council, filed in the record, and will not be read aloud. All comments submitted later than 3:00 p.m. will be distributed to the Council.
Listening to a Zoom Meeting by Zoom Video Conference
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Rancho Cordova City Council - AGENDA
Regular Meeting of Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Listening to a Zoom Meeting by Phone Only
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AGENDA
1. REGULAR MEETING - CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Council Members Garrett Gatewood, Siri Pulipati, David Sander, Donald Terry, and Mayor Linda Budge.
2. METRO CABLE TV TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENT
The Clerk will announce the meetings video recording and playback schedules.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Mayor will call on someone in attendance to lead the Pledge.
4. INVOCATION
Mary Nobbe with the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Sacramento will give the invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.1. Federal & State Legislative Updates
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Citizens wishing to address the Council for any matter not on the agenda may do so at this time via teleconference or by completing and submitting a Speaker Card to the City Clerk.
If you want to make a public comment via teleconference, please use the “raise hand” feature at the bottom center of the screen. If you are participating by telephone and you want to make a public comment, please press *9 to raise your hand. For those participating by Zoom or telephone, please wait to be called upon by the City Clerk.
For items on the agenda, speakers will be called by the Mayor at the point on the agenda when the item will be heard. Speakers are encouraged to keep comments to three minutes or less and to state name and community of residence.
Under the provisions of the California Government Code, the City Council is prohibited from discussing or taking immediate action on any item not on the agenda unless it can be demonstrated to be of an emergency nature or the need to take immediate action arose after the posting of the agenda.
7. COUNCIL REPORTS
Rancho Cordova City Council - AGENDA
Regular Meeting of Tuesday, January 3, 2023
8. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
9. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS - ROLL CALL VOTE
9.1. Subject: Meeting Minutes from the Regular City Council Meeting of December 19, 2022.
Recommendation: Adopt the Minutes.
9.2. Subject: Second Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Suncreek Specific Plan for the Trevor Gilmartin Project.
Recommendation: Waive second reading and adopt the Ordinance
9.3. Subject: Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending The Ranch Special Planning Area- PLND-0722-0045-The Ranch Four Seasons.
Recommendation: Waive the second reading and adopt the Ordinance amending The Ranch Special Planning Area.
9.4. Subject: A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Approve a Contract 2022-263 with Torres Project Management, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $645,000 for the Suite 220 Tenant Improvement Project (CP23-2250).
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.
9.5. Subject: A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Contract Amendment 2019- 65-2 with Willdan Engineering to Increase the Contract Amount from $1,450,000 to an Amount not to Exceed $2,250,000 with no Change in the Contract Term.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.
9.6. Subject: A Resolution Declaring the Results of a Mail Ballot Election Relating to the Imposition of the Annual Stormwater Utility Fee for the Sun Center Drive Warehouse Project in the City of Rancho Cordova.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution declaring the results of the mail ballot election relating to the imposition of the Annual Stormwater Utility Fee for the Sun Center Drive Warehouse project.
10. CONSENT PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS - ROLL CALL VOTE
11. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
11.1. Subject: Rancho Cordova Apartments - Major Design Review - Project No. PLND-0821-0002 - Located at 11650 Douglas Road; APN: 067-0030-078.
Recommendation: Find the project exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15183, projects consistent with a Community Plan, General Plan or Zoning; and adopt the Resolution for a Major Design Review for Rancho Cordova Apartments.
12. REGULAR CALENDAR ITEMS
12.1. Subject: 2022 California Legislative Update.
Recommendation: Receive update.
12.2. Subject: 2023 Legislative Advocacy Update and Platform.
Recommendation: Presentations by Simon and Company, Inc. and Joe A. Gonsalves & Son regarding key 2022 legislation affecting the city, as well as staff update regarding 2023
Rancho Cordova City Council - AGENDA
Regular Meeting of Tuesday, January 3, 2023
legislative priorities. Receive presentations and update; provide direction and/or approval to staff on city's 2023 Legislative Priorities.
12.3. Subject: Presentation on the Zinfandel Drive Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing Project Aesthetic Concept.
Recommendation: Receive staff presentation on the proposed Aesthetic Concept for the Zinfandel Drive Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing Project and provide direction.
12.4. Subject: Discussion and Approval of Council Member Appointments to Regional Boards, Commissions, and Committees.
Recommendation: That Council confirms commitments to serve on other agency boards, commissions, and committees.
13. COUNCIL REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
14. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Budge will adjourn the meeting to closed session.
15. CLOSED SESSION - CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Council Members Garrett Gatewood, Siri Pulipati, David Sander, Donald Terry, and Mayor Linda Budge.
16. CLOSED SESSION
Council will meet in closed session to discuss the following item:
16.1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION: Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) (One Case).
17. OPEN SESSION - REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
The City Attorney will report on action taken in closed session.
18. ADJOURNMENT
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Special Meetings listed below are subject to change/cancellation without further notice.
Unless the Council adopts a motion to extend the meeting, any item that is not initiated before 11:00 p.m. will be continued to the next day at 5:30 p.m. or scheduled on the next regular meeting agenda of the Council.
Public documents related to items on the open session portion of this agenda, which are distributed to the City Council less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, shall be available for public inspection at the time the documents are distributed to the Council. Documents are available for inspection at the City Clerk's office located in Rancho Cordova City Hall.
The agenda items are accessible on the City’s website at www.cityofranchocordova.org on Thursdays or Fridays prior to the Regular City Council Meeting.
Rancho Cordova City Council - AGENDA
Regular Meeting of Tuesday, January 3, 2023
UPCOMING MEETINGS
January 17, 2023 5:30 PM Regular Meeting
January 24, 2023 1:00 PM Special Meeting/Work Session
January 25, 2023 1:00 PM Special Meeting/Work Session
February 6, 2023 3:00 PM Special Meeting/Regular Meeting Fevruary 21, 2023 5:30 PM Regular Meeting
February 28, 2023 5:30 PM Special Meeting/Work Session
March 6, 2023 4:00 PM Special Meeting/Regular Meeting
March 20, 2023 5:30 PM Regular Meeting
If you have any technical questions related to the agenda items, please contact City Hall at (916) 851- 8700.
The Rancho Cordova City Council meeting will be videotaped in its entirety and will be cablecast without interruption on Metro Cable 14, the Government Affairs Channel on the Comcast, Consolidated Communications and AT&T U-Verse Systems. Closed Captioning will be available on the playback cablecast. A DVD copy is available from the City Clerk’s Department and a webcast of this meeting will be available for viewing via video streaming from the City’s website within 48 hours of adjournment of this meeting.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (916) 851-8720 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA
I, Stacy Leitner, City Clerk for the City of Rancho Cordova, declare that the foregoing agenda for the January 3, 2023 Regular Meeting of the Rancho Cordova City Council was posted and available for review on December 23, 2023 at City Hall of the City of Rancho Cordova, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, California, 95670. The agenda is also available on the city website at www.cityofranchocordova.org.
Signed December 23, 2023 at Rancho Cordova, California.
Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk
ITEM 9.1.
CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, December 19, 2022
5:30 PM – Regular Meeting
David B. Roberts Council Chambers
City Hall
2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova
Pursuant to California Assembly Bill 361 amending the Ralph M. Brown Act (Govt. Code 54950-54963), the City has declared a state of emergency relating to COVID-19 and imposed measures to promote social distancing.
DRAFT MINUTES
1. REGULAR MEETING - CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor Terry called the Regular meeting to order in the David B. Roberts Council Chambers at 5:38 p.m.
Council Members Present: Linda Budge, Garrett Gatewood, Siri Pulipati (arrived at 5:44 p.m.), David Sander, and Mayor Donald Terry
Council Members Absent: None
Staff Members Present: Cyrus Abhar, Adam Lindgren, Stacy Leitner and Persephonie Riley
2. METRO CABLE TV TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENT
The City Clerk read the meetings recordings and playback schedule.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Anil Reddy Kondakrindi led the pledge.
4. INVOCATION
Dan DeShong with River City Christian gave the invocation.
5. CERTIFICATION OF THE NOVEMBER 8, 2022 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
ITEM 9.1.
Rancho Cordova City Council - DRAFT MINUTES
Meeting of Monday, December 19, 2022
5.1. Subject: A Resolution Certifying the Results of the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election with Regard to Two Members of the City Council
Mayor Terry opened the public comment period. Seeing no speakers. Mayor Terry closed the public comment period.
ACTION: Motion to approve item 5.1 by Sander second by Budge; Motion passed with a 4:0 vote.
AYES: Budge, Gatewood, Sander, and Terry
NOES: None
ABSENT: Pulipati
ABSTAIN: None
6. SPECIAL CEREMONIES - SWEAR IN COUNCIL MEMBERS
6.1. Swearing-in and Seating of Council Members.
7. SELECTION OF MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR
7.1. Subject: Selection of 2023 Mayor and Vice Mayor.
Recommendation: Council selection of the 2023 Mayor and Vice Mayor.
Mayor Terry opened the public comment period. Seeing no speakers. Mayor Terry closed the public comment period.
ACTION: Motion to appoint David Sander as Vice Mayor and Linda Budge as Mayor by Terry second by Pulipati;
Motion passed with a 5:0 vote.
8. SPECIAL CEREMONIES - SWEAR IN MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR
8.1. Swearing in of Vice Mayor.
8.2. Swearing in of Mayor.
8.3. Presentation to Outgoing Mayor Terry.
9. CELEBRATORY BREAK 6:01 PM - 6:29 PM
10. PRESENTATIONS
10.1. Presentation of Proclamation by the City of Rancho Cordova in Recognition of City Manager Cyrus Abhar on the Occasion of His Retirement.
11. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. The following individuals addressed the Council or submitted public comment via email:
1. Chuck Shaw
2. Tera Kolvenbach
3. Siddharth
4. ShataRashi
5. Anil Kondakrindi
6. Amogh Itagi
7. Srikrishna Valamuri
ITEM 9.1.
Rancho Cordova City Council - DRAFT MINUTES
Meeting of Monday, December 19, 2022
8. James Garcia
Mayor Budge closed the public comment period.
12. COUNCIL REPORTS
Council reported on events since the last meeting.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Cyrus Abhar gave his report.
14. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS - ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Budge stated that item 14.8 would be pulled for separate discussion.
Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. Seeing no speakers, Mayor Budge closed the public comment period.
ACTION: Motion to approve item 14.1 through 14.7 with the continuation of item 14.2 to a date uncertain by Sander second by Pulipati;
Motion passed with a 5:0 vote.
14.1. Subject: Meeting Minutes from the Special Meeting of December 5, 2022, the Regular City Council Meeting of December 5, 2022 and the Special Meeting of December 13, 2022.
Recommendation: Adopt the Minutes.
14.2. Subject: A Resolution Approving the City of Rancho Cordova Goals and Policies Concerning Use of Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.
14.3. Subject: A Resolution Making Certain Findings and Determinations Related to, and Accepting, the FY 2021-22 Development Impact Fee Report for AB1600 Development Fees.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.
14.4. Subject: Treasurer's Report - September 30, 2022.
Recommendation: This report is informational only. It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the September 30, 2022 Treasurer’s Report.
14.5. Subject: A Resolution Authorizing Application and Receipt of California Department of Housing and Community Development REAP 2.0 Higher Impact Transformative (HIT) Allocation Funding.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.
14.6. Subject: A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of City-Owned Property at 4381 Anatolia Dr, Rancho Cordova, and Authorizing Execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.
14.7. Subject: A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Contract Amendment No. 172-2019-1 for On-Call Professional Services with Salaber Associates, Inc. to Extend the Contract Term from December 31, 2022, to June 30, 2025 which Results in Increasing the Contract Amount from $1,500,000 to an Amount not to Exceed $2,850,000.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.
ITEM 9.1.
Rancho Cordova City Council - DRAFT MINUTES
Meeting of Monday, December 19, 2022
14.8. Subject: A Resolution Approving the Budget for the Workforce Recovery Programs and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Contracts with the Workforce Programs Providers as Outlined.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution
Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. Seeing no speakers. Mayor Budge closed the public comment period.
ACTION: Motion to approve item 14.8 with corrections from staff by Terry second by Gatewood;
Motion passed with a 4:1 vote.
AYES: Gatewood, Pulipati, Terry, and Budge
NOES: Sander
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
15. CONSENT PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS - ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Budge stated that item 15.1 would be pulled for separate discussion.
Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. Seeing no speakers, Mayor Budge closed the public comment period.
ACTION: Motion to item 15.2 by Sander second by Pulipati; Motion passed with a 5:0 vote.
15.1. Subject: Trevor Gilmartin Tentative Subdivision Map and Phasing Plan, Specific Plan Amendment, and Affordable Housing Plan Agreement Amendment - Project NO. PLND- 0322-0032.
Recommendation: Determine the project Exempt per Section 15183, Projects consistent with the densities established by existing zoning, community plan or general plan policies for which an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was certified; Waive the first reading and introduce the Ordinance for the Specific Plan Amendments to the Suncreek Specific Plan, and adopt the Resolution approving the Trevor Gilmartin Tentative Subdivision Map, subject to the findings contained in the attached Resolution, Conditions of Approval, and Phasing Plan, and the Amendment to the Affordable Housing Plan Agreement.
Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. Seeing no speakers. Mayor Budge closed the public comment period.
ACTION: Motion to approve item 15.1 with a correction made by City staff by Sander second by Terry;
Motion passed with a 5:0 vote.
15.2. Subject: The Ranch Four Seasons Special Planning Area Amendment and Major Design Review - Project No. PLND-0722-0045.
Recommendation: Determine the project is Exempt per CEQA Guidelines Section 15182, “Residential Projects Pursuant to a Specific Plan”, waive first reading and introduce the Ordinance for the Ranch Four Seasons Special Planning Area Handbook Amendment and adopt the Resolution for the Major Design Review.
16. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
ITEM 9.1.
Rancho Cordova City Council - DRAFT MINUTES
Meeting of Monday, December 19, 2022
None.
17. REGULAR CALENDAR ITEMS
17.1. Subject: Public Works In Action - Clean, Green, and Safe.
Recommendation: Receive update from the Public Works Department.
Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. Seeing no speakers. Mayor Budge closed the public comment period.
ACTION: Input was received regarding the Public Works in Action - Clean, Green, and Safe Presentation.
17.2. Subject: A Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of Property at 2300 Mine Shaft Lane, Rancho Cordova, and Authorizing the Execution of a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement, Certificate of Acceptance and Recordation of a Grant Deed and Presentation from Cordova Community Council on Potential Improvements to Mine Shaft Building
Recommendation: Receive the presentation on the Mine Shaft Building and provide direction.
Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. Seeing no speakers. Mayor Budge closed the public comment period.
ACTION: Motion to approve item 17.2. by Terry second by Gatewood; Motion passed with a 5:0 vote.
17.3. Subject: A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Second Amendment to the Second Restated Grant Agreement between the City of Rancho Cordova and the Cordova Community Council Foundation and Presentation by Cordova Community Council of Proposed Events and Activities to Celebrate the City of Rancho Cordova’s 20th Anniversary in 2023.
Recommendation: Receive the presentation and adopt the Resolution.
17.4. Subject: A Resolution Updating the City Salary Range Table and Approving an Employment Agreement Between the City and Micah Runner for Service as City Manager and Setting the Terms of Employment, Including Salary and Benefits.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution approving a resolution updating the City Salary Range Table and approving an employment agreement between the City and Micah Runner for service as City Manager and setting the terms of employment, including salary and benefits.
Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. Seeing no speakers. Mayor Gatewood closed the public comment period.
ACTION: Motion to approve item 17.4. by Terry second by Pulipati; Motion passed with a 5:0 vote.
17.5. Subject: A Resolution Approving the 2023 Rancho Cordova City Council Meeting Schedule.
Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.
Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. Seeing no speakers. Mayor Budge closed the public comment period.
ACTION: Motion to approve item 17.5 by Sander second by Pulipati;
ITEM 9.1.
Rancho Cordova City Council - DRAFT MINUTES
Meeting of Monday, December 19, 2022
Motion passed with a 5:0 vote.
18. COUNCIL REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
1. Discussion Regarding the Naming of a Main Room at the Rancho Cordova Youth Center after Cyrus Abhar.
19. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Terry adjourned the meeting at 9:56 p.m.
_____________________
Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk
MEMORANDUM
City Council Staff Report - Page 1 of 1
ITEM 9.2.
DATE: January 3, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Arlene Granadosin-Jones, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE
SUNCREEK SPECIFIC PLAN FOR THE TREVOR GILMARTIN
PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION
Waive second reading and adopt the Ordinance
RESULT OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adoption of the Ordinance would amend maps, tables, and text sections in the Suncreek Specific Plan to reflect the re-arrangment of land use designations in the Trevor Gilmartin project area.
BACKGROUND
On December 19, 2022, the City Council waived the first reading and passed to a second reading of the Ordinance.
FISCAL IMPACT AND FUNDING SOURCE
There is no Fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Ordinance
2. Exhibit A to the Ordinance - SP Amendments
ITEM 9.2. ATTACHMENT 1 Ordinance No. XX-2023 Page 1 of 4
CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
ORDINANCE NO. XX-2023
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA FOR AN
AMENDMENT TO THE SUNCREEK SPECIFIC PLAN
PROJECT NO. PLND-0322-0032
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, on December 2, 2013, the City Council adopted Ordinance 41-2013, adopting the Suncreek Specific Plan. The adopted Suncreek Specific Plan Project ("Project") is a plan for a mixed-use development with a combination of employment-generating uses, retail, and retail supporting services, recreational uses, and a broad range of residential uses and associated infrastructure and roads on an approximately 1,264-acre site in the City of Rancho Cordova ("City"). The project includes approximately 4,893 residential units at various densities, commercial use, public/quasi-public uses, elementary schools and a combined middle/high school, parks and greens, wetland preserve, stormwater detention basins and buffers, and major and minor roads with landscaping. In addition, the Project includes various on-and off- site infrastructure improvements; and
WHEREAS, The Trevor Gilmartin neighborhood area located within the Suncreek Specific Plan is owned by Michael Gregory Trevor 2003 Irrevocable Trust; Amy Irene Trevor 2003 Irrevocable Trust; James Henry Trevor 2003 Irrevocable Trust; William Randolph Trevor 2003 Irrevocable Trust; Shannon K. Gilmartin 2003 Irrevocable Trust; Heather C. Gilmartin 2003 Irrevocable Trust; Robert A. Gilmartin shall be known as (“Applicant”); and WHEREAS, the Specific Plan's purpose is to create a cluster of walkable residential villages and a major civic and recreational core compromised of a community park, schools and major open space. The residential neighborhoods will create a distinctive district for the City and house a work force to enhance the City's jobs/housing balance; and WHEREAS, the key objectives of the Suncreek Specific Plan include the following; •Implement the City's General Plan, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments Blueprint and Smart Growth Principles;
•Provide mixed density residential housing development; •Provide a community serving retail and employment center along Grant Line Road; •Develop neighborhoods connected by a significant open space and recreational parkway;
•Provide neighborhood serving retail areas;
•Provide additional housing to balance the high employment concentrations in and around the City;
•Provide a mix of housing types to diversify the City's housing stock; •Provide transportation facilities within the project area consistent with the City's Circulation Plan;
•Provide an appropriate site for a high school and middle school that will serve the Sunrise Douglas Community Plan Area, and neighborhood elementary schools; •Provide an appropriate site for a community park that will serve the Sunrise Douglas Community Plan Area;
ITEM 9.2. ATTACHMENT 1 Ordinance No. XX-2023 Page 2 of 4
•Provide a key link in the citywide trail network that connects the Folsom South Canal bike and pedestrian trail to corridors along the Laguna Creek and Cosumnes River tributaries;
•Set aside wetlands within the Community Plan area; and •Generate positive fiscal impacts for the City through development within the Plan Area.
WHEREAS, the applicant has requested amendments to the Trevor Gilmartin neighborhood area within the Suncreek Specific Plan; and WHEREAS, the proposed amendments within the Trevor Gilmartin neighborhood area includes: re-arranging land uses within the project area and reducing the number of total residential units which therefore resulted in updated maps and tables throughout the Specific Plan; and
WHEREAS, the amendments to the Trevor Gilmartin neighborhood area within the Suncreek Specific Plan adopted by this Ordinance (attached hereto as Exhibit A), comply with the requirements of California Government Code sections 65451 and 65454 and its adoption complies with Government Code section 65453; and
WHEREAS, in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), the Suncreek Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR; SCH# 2006072067) was approved on November 18, 2013. The EIR identified project impacts and mitigation measures for impacts found to be significant, and includes project alternatives, identification of significant irreversible environmental changes, growth-inducing impacts, and cumulative impacts. A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) was adopted as part of the EIR. The Trevor Gilmartin project was analyzed in the EIR as part of the overall Suncreek Specific Plan. The project area is the same as that analyzed in the EIR and the proposed tentative subdivision map does not exceed the development intensities analyzed in the EIR. The proposed project would also include minor changes to the internal layout of the streets; however, the size and capacity of the streets would not change from that analyzed in the EIR. Therefore, impacts related to footprint and development intensity would be the same as those disclosed in the EIR. The proposed project would be subject to applicable mitigation measures in the adopted MMRP.
There is no new information of substantial importance that was not known at the time of the previous EIR that would require changes to the previous EIR. There are no changes to the project or circumstances under which the project would be undertaken that would require major revisions to the previous EIR. For these reasons, no further environmental analysis is required; and
WHEREAS, on December 19, 2022, the City Council held a properly noticed public hearing at which it received a report from City Staff regarding the amendments to the Suncreek Specific Plan Amendment and oral and written testimony from the public, and deliberated on the item; and
WHEREAS, the public hearing was noticed in accordance with the requirements set forth in Government Code section 65090 and 65091.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals.
ITEM 9.2. ATTACHMENT 1 Ordinance No. XX-2023 Page 3 of 4
The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Ordinance.
Section 2. Findings.
A. Finding: The proposed Specific Plan amendment is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan, development agreement, or other implementation instrument.
Evidence: The proposed amendments to the Suncreek Specific Plan are consistent with the City’s General Plan. The amendment re-arranges land uses and reduces the number of proposed housing units for the Trevor Gilmartin neighborhood area. The project will continue to be consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan and will also continue to uphold the terms and requirements of the existing Development Agreement for the subdivision.
B. Finding: The proposed Specific Plan will not adversely affect surrounding properties.
Evidence: The amendment is to re-arrange land uses and reduce the number of proposed housing units within the Trevor Gilmartin area. These revisions will not adversely affect any surrounding subdivision because there are no new land uses being introduced that would be incompatible with adjacent properties. The re-arrangement of land uses redistributes the different types of residential land use classifications within the project area. The Trevor Gilmartin area will maintain open space uses including wetland preserves and adjacent detention basins and wetland buffers with trails that provide safe and convenient off-street pedestrian and bike access to the school site, community park, neighborhood green and village commercial center. The plan also provides off-street bike and pedestrian trails with important linkages throughout the Suncreek Specific Plan and beyond.
Section 3. Amendments to the Trevor Gilmartin neighborhood area within the Suncreek Specific Plan are hereby adopted as shown in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein.
Section 4. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of the Ordinance, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, provisions of this Ordinance are severable. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase hereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be held unconstitutional, invalid or unenforceable.
Section 5. Effective Date. Within fifteen (15) days after adoption, a Summary of this Ordinance shall be published once in the Grapevine Independent, or the Sacramento Bee, a newspaper of general circulation printed and published in Sacramento County and circulated in the City of Rancho Cordova, in accordance with Government Code section 36933. This Ordinance shall take effect and be enforced thirty (30) days after its adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova on the 3rd day of January 2023 by the following vote:
ITEM 9.2. ATTACHMENT 1 Ordinance No. XX-2023 Page 4 of 4
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
____________________________
Linda Budge, Mayor
ATTEST:
Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk
SUNCREEK SPECIFIC PLAN
EDITED FOR REVISIONS TO TREVOR GILMARTIN PROPERTY
December 2022
For edits see the following pages:
p. I. 3-3 Fig 3-1
p. I. 3-6 Fig 3-2
p. I. 3-10 Fig 3-4
p. I. 3-13 text
p. I. 3-14 Table 3-3
p. I. 3-15 Table 3-4
p. I. 4-5 Fig 4-2
p. I. 4-6 Fig 4-3
p. I. 4-18 Fig 4-18
p. I. 4-22 Fig 4-23
p. I. 7-4
p. I. 7-5
p. I. 8-10 Table 8-1
p. II.1-14 Fig. II. 1-4
p. II.1-33 Fig. II. 1-7
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, amended May 2021, December 2022) I. 1-1
I.1. INTRODUCTION
The SunCreek Specific Plan is the handbook for
development of approximately 1,264 acres located
in the south area of the City of Rancho Cordova
("City").
1.1 PROJECT PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The project purpose is to create a cluster of
walkable residential villages and a major civic and
recreation core comprised of a community park,
schools, and major open space. The residential
neighborhoods will create a distinctive district for
the city and house a work force to enhance the
jobs housing balance in the city, the second largest
employment center in the Sacramento region.
The SunCreek Specific Plan (“SCSP” or the Plan
Area) is a mixed-use development that includes a
network of interconnected, large open spaces
linked by a pedestrian and bike trail system. A
major open space corridor that runs through the
project serves as the primary signature feature and
provides a backbone structure for the
neighborhoods, local bike/pedestrian network, and
the citywide trail system.
The key objectives of the SunCreek Specific Plan
include the following:
o Implement the City of Rancho Cordova's
General Plan, the Sacramento Area Council
of Governments (SACOG) Blueprint and
Smart Growth Principles.
Figure 1-1 Local Area Map
CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
SUNCREEK SPECIFIC PLAN AREA
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INTRODUCTION AND PLAN OVERVIEW
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, May 2021, December 2022) I. 1-2 o Provide mixed density residential housing
development.
o Provide a community serving retail and
employment center along Grantline Road.
o Develop neighborhoods connected by a
significant open space and recreational
parkway.
o Provide neighborhood serving retail areas.
o Provide additional housing to balance the
high employment concentrations in and
around the City of Rancho Cordova.
o Provide a mix of housing types to diversify
the City of Rancho Cordova's housing
stock.
o Provide transportation facilities within the
project area consistent with the City of
Rancho Cordova's Circulation Plan.
o Provide an appropriate site for a high
school and middle school that will serve
the Sunrise Douglas Community Plan Area,
(as shown in Figure 1-2), and three
neighborhood elementary schools.
o Provide an appropriate site for a
community park that will serve the Sunrise
Douglas Community Plan Area.
o Provide a key link in the citywide trail
network that connects the Folsom South
Canal bike and pedestrian trail to corridors
along the Laguna Creek and Cosumnes
River tributaries.
o Set aside wetland resources for the
conservation of wetlands within the
Community Plan area.
o Generate positive fiscal impacts for the
City through development within the Plan
Area.
1.2 RELATIONSHIP TO THE GENERAL PLAN
The Rancho Cordova General Plan establishes a
definitive structure for organizing the community
in districts, villages, and neighborhoods and
provides a conceptual land use plan for each of the
undeveloped areas of the City. Detailed planning
efforts, such as the SunCreek Specific Plan,
implement that vision. The SunCreek Specific Plan
is consistent with the policies established in the
General Plan as described in Chapter 2 Community
Vision, Section 2.2 Organizing Principles.
The General Plan Map identifies the SunCreek
Specific Plan within the SunCreek Planning Area as
shown in Figure 1-2.
Figure 1-2 SunCreek Identified in the City
General Plan
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INTRODUCTION AND PLAN OVERVIEW
APPROVED SunCreek Specific Plan
December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, May2021, December 2022) I.1-3
1.3 ORGANIZATION AND USE OF THIS
SPECIFIC PLAN
The SunCreek Specific Plan is organized in two
distinct volumes that are bound together to
provide the user with the overall intent as well as
the specific development standards required to
implement the project. Volume I provides the
conceptual look and feel, vision, and context for
the plan. It provides the description of the plan
and the overall policies and guiding principles that
set the stage for the more detailed standards in
Volume II. Volume II establishes the unique
Development Regulations by which to review
future projects in concert with the City zoning
code.
The chapters in Volume I include:
1. Introduction
2. Project Vision
3. Land Use
4. Circulation
5. Community Character
6. Natural Resources
7. Parks and Open Space
8. Infrastructure and Public Services
9. Implementation
Applicants should refer to Volume I for the intent
and comprehensive vision of the plan.
Volume II: Development Regulations, provides the
detailed standards and procedures for
development of all land uses and common areas.
The City will apply these procedures and standards
in the entitlement process for all development in
the plan.
1.3.1. Relationship to the Rancho
Cordova Municipal Code
Volume II: Development Regulations incorporates
by reference several chapters of the Rancho
Cordova Municipal Code (RCMC), Article 23, and
Zoning. In general, Article 23, Zoning regulations
and standards guide the development of the
SunCreek Specific Plan, however, specific
development standards that may differ from, or
augment, the zoning ordinance are included in
Volume II to fit the vision and conditions of the
SunCreek Specific Plan.
Applicants are directed to apply the Municipal
Code zoning requirements unless specifically
modified in this Specific Plan.
1.4 AUTHORITY AND APPLICATION OF THE
SUNCREEK SPECIFIC PLAN
The City of Rancho Cordova approves, and will
administer, the Specific Plan and related
documents consistent with the provisions of Article
8, Sections 65450 through 65457 of Title 7 Planning
and Land Use Law, California Government Code.
The City of Rancho Cordova Municipal Code and
SCSP Chapter 9 Implementation establish the
procedures for adoption and administration of this
Specific Plan.
1.4.1. Other Required Documents
The following documents are required to
accompany this Specific Plan:
o A certified Environmental Impact Report
(EIR),
o An approved Financing Plan,
o An approved Affordable Housing Plan
(AHP), and
o Each owner shall enter into a Development
Agreement (DA) approved by the city prior
to granting entitlements. The DA shall set
forth specific rights and obligations for the
city and the owner as a condition of the
issuance of entitlements.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INTRODUCTION AND PLAN OVERVIEW
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, May 2021, December 2022) I. 1-4
1.4.2. Consistency with the Specific
Plan
Subsequent projects within the Plan Area including
Tentative Parcel/Subdivision Maps, Conditional Use
Permits, Minor Discretionary Permits, and Minor
Administrative Approvals shall be consistent with
the City of Rancho Cordova General Plan, the City
of Rancho Cordova Municipal Code, and Chapter 9
Implementation, in this Specific Plan.
1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The SunCreek Specific Plan Environmental Impact
Statement and Environmental Impact Report
(EIS/EIR) examines the potential environmental
impacts of the proposed plan and identifies
changes in the environment that would result from
implementation of the plan. The EIS/EIR examines
all elements of the project including planning,
construction, and operation.
The EIS/EIR identifies mitigation measures as
appropriate to reduce significant impacts and
incorporates a Mitigation Monitoring Plan. The
Mitigation Monitoring Plan ensures
implementation of the mitigation measures
identified in the EIS/EIR.
All development projects pursuant to this Specific
Plan shall comply with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA). If the City determines that a
subsequent project is consistent with the Specific
Plan and within the scope of the EIS/EIR, no further
environmental review may be necessary. If it is
determined that a development application is
inconsistent with the Specific Plan and/or
subsequent evidence exists that supports the
occurrence of any of the events set forth in CEQA
Guidelines Section 15183, the City shall make a
determination as to the appropriate subsequent
environmental document.
1.6 PROJECT SETTING AND CONTEXT
1.6.1. Project Site Conditions
Sunrise Boulevard bounds the Plan Area on the
west and Grantline Road bounds it on the east.
The future extension of Chrysanthy Boulevard will
form the north boundary of the eastern most
portion of the plan, and Kiefer Boulevard runs east
to west through the Plan Area.
The Plan Area is undeveloped land with relatively
poor agricultural soils. Dry land farming and
grazing on spring grasses was the historic use of
the Plan Area.
Terrain and Primary Drainage Corridors
The upper reach of a tributary to Laguna Creek
transects the Plan Area in a northeast to southwest
direction.
The terrain is slightly rolling alluvial terraces.
Elevation on the site ranges from 129 to 180 feet
above sea level. The ground slopes generally to
the west and the south, and several intermittent
natural and manufactured channels drain the
property. The greatest surface relief occurs in the
major drainage way of the Laguna Creek tributary.
Vegetation
The Plan Area includes annual grasslands
interspersed with seasonal wetlands along
drainages typical of this portion of the City of
Rancho Cordova. The dominant vegetation species
include mostly non-native annual grasses. Native
tree species are limited to a few willows and
cottonwoods associated with created ponds and
drainages. A small blue oak grove is located near
the west edge of the Plan Area south of Kiefer
Boulevard, just east of Sunrise Boulevard.
Habitat Conservation Plan
The Plan Area is within the South Sacramento
Habitat Conservation Plan discussed in Section
6.3.1 of this specific plan.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INTRODUCTION AND PLAN OVERVIEW
APPROVED SunCreek Specific Plan
December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, May2021, December 2022) I.1-5
Wetland Preservation Area
Wetland resources include seasonal swales,
intermittent drainages, and vernal pools. The
primary concentrations of seasonal wetland
conditions are located along the major drainage
corridor and will be set aside as permanent open
space. Development within these open space
preserves is prohibited. Chapter I.6, Natural
Resources describes the regulations for the
protection of resources. The location and size of
the open space significantly constrains the local
circulation routes and the shape of neighborhoods.
Major Public Facilities
A major electric utility transmission facility
traverses a small portion of the Plan Area
diagonally from the southwest to northeast
beginning near the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and
Kiefer Boulevard. The power line corridor also
transects a portion of the Plan Area near Rancho
Cordova Parkway approximately one mile north of
Kiefer Boulevard. The facility is a visual factor, but does not affect planned land use.
The most significant public facility that influences
the land use is the planned high school and middle
school and the community park complex. These
facilities are located near the center of the Plan
Area approximately mid-way between Rancho
Cordova Parkway and Americanos Boulevard. The
combination of land uses creates a large block that
requires major circulation access, but prohibits
through streets that would provide multiple routes
in the core of the Plan Area.
Adjacent Uses
Single-family residential neighborhoods are the
primary land uses existing and planned in adjacent
project areas along the north, west, and south
edges of the Plan Area with commercial
development planned along the east side of the
project.
These include the proposed "The Ranch " project
located between Rancho Cordova Parkway and
Americanos Boulevard; Anatolia III to the west of
Rancho Cordova Parkway and SunRidge Specific
Plan to the north.
Road connections to the southern future growth
area include the extension of Rancho Cordova
Parkway and Americanos Boulevard and local
streets on the west side of Rancho Cordova
Parkway.
The approved Cordova Hills Plan, including the site
for a University/College Campus Center, is located
in the unincorporated area to the east of Grantline
Road.
These development projects include a mix of
housing types, schools, parks, and commercial
uses. The existing and planned streets in these
plans establish the locations where the SunCreek
circulation plan will connect to the surrounding
community.
A permanent wetland preserve is located in the
Anatolia plan area. This wetland open space abuts
the Plan Area along Kiefer Boulevard to Rancho
Cordova Parkway.
The Sacramento County Regional Landfill is located
to southeast of the Plan Area. An undeveloped
buffer area on the north side of Grantline Road
acquired by Sacramento County separates the Plan
Area from the landfill site.
Typical view of existing site conditions in early
winter.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INTRODUCTION AND PLAN OVERVIEW
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, May 2021, December 2022) I. 1-6
Figure 1-3 Planned Uses Adjacent to Project Site
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended May 2021, December 2022) I. 2-1 I.2. COMMUNITY VISION
2.1 PURPOSE
The community vision describes the key features
of the SCSP that establish the theme and tone for
the built community. The vision does not
establish specific standards for development, but
in describing the key features, the vision conveys
the intent of the detailed standards that follow.
This chapter provides two primary sub-sections.
First, the chapter describes the source of
inspiration for the essential principles of this plan.
Second, the chapter lays out the features that will
distinguish this community.
2.2 ORGANIZING PRINCIPLES
The SunCreek Land Use Plan applies three
conceptual frameworks for organizing land use
and establishing a vision for the built community.
These include:
o the General Plan Smart Growth Principles,
o the General Plan "Building Blocks"
Concept, and
o the form-based concept plan developed in
the SunCreek charette described in this
chapter.
The SunCreek Land Use plan integrates the
essential concepts of these three conceptual
frameworks but allows flexible design responses
to local site constraints such as the major resource
preservation areas, the major streets, and
adjacent land uses.
2.2.1. Smart Growth Guiding
Principles
The seven Smart Growth principles established in
the Rancho Cordova General Plan guide the SCSP.
o Protection/Integration of Natural
Resources with Urban Land Uses
o Transportation Choices
o Housing Choices
o Integrated (Mixed) Land Uses
o Compact Urban Development
o Walkable Neighborhoods
o Quality Design/Sense of Place
These guiding principles guide the key features in
the plan.
2.2.2. General Plan "Building Blocks"
Concept
The SCSP applies the General Plan fundamental
concept of “building blocks” that define the
physical form of Rancho Cordova. The building
blocks are "neighborhoods", "villages" and
"districts".
The different land uses, scale, and intensity of
development characterize each building block
component. The building blocks aggregate to
form larger components of the city.
Neighborhoods aggregate to form villages, and
villages aggregate to form districts. Districts
aggregate to form the city.
The SunCreek Plan Area will develop components
of this community organizing system.
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods conceptually illustrated in Figure
2-3 are predominantly residential comprised
primarily of single-family homes (attached and
detached), but may also include smaller multi-
family units. The following key features of a
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY VISION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 2-2 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended May 2021, December 2022) Figure 2-1 Schematic Diagram of
Neighborhood and Village Form
neighborhood found in the Specific Plan are
consistent with the General Plan neighborhood
concept.
o Neighborhoods include a range of housing
types along pedestrian-friendly streets
designed for slower speeds. While the
average density is approximately six units
per acre, diversity in housing choices is
critical to the success of neighborhoods
(e.g., range of lot and home sizes,
diversity in housing products/costs).
o Each neighborhood includes a
neighborhood center that is a place for
neighbors to gather (e.g., school, park,
community center, coffee shop).
o Neighborhoods are compact and walkable
in design, scaled at approximately 1/4 to
1/3 mile in radius, and an average size of
about 200 acres. The residential
population of the neighborhood building
block is approximately 4,000 people. The
small scale of neighborhoods allows
residents to walk almost anywhere in the
neighborhood in about 10 to 15 minutes.
o Modified grid/curvilinear street system
with short blocks for ease of mobility are
the framework for the neighborhood.
Major streets do not bisect
neighborhoods. However, neighborhood
streets do establish a hierarchy through
design that helps residents and visitors
understand where they are in any given
neighborhood.
Villages
A "Village" is a cluster of three to four
neighborhoods, which generally encompasses
about 750 acres in size. The Plan Area includes
sufficient population to be a village, but the village
form in this part of the city will incorporate the
neighborhoods in the SCSP as well as
neighborhoods in adjacent plan areas.
Districts
Districts can function as small, self-sufficient
communities that may have unique
characteristics, attributes, and Citywide or
regional uses. Three or four villages comprise a
district. The Plan Area is part of a district that
encompasses all the Sunrise-Douglas Community
(refer to Figure 1-2).
2.2.3. The Charette Plan Vision
The “Charette”, a planning exercise conducted by
the City in March 2005, applied design principles
that guide the SunCreek Land Use Plan. The
purpose was to define a conceptual “form based”
land plan that would meet or exceed the City’s
Vision and Guiding Principles. Figure 2-2 was the
regulating plan produced in the charette process.
A primary center of activity is the focus of the
urban uses. In a small area, such as a
neighborhood, the center is a neighborhood
school or park. In a larger area, the center could
be a major mixed-use commercial and residential
complex.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY VISION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended May 2021, December 2022) I.2-3 Figure 2-2 Land Plan Concept Produced by the SunCreek Charette (March 2005)
2.3 COMMUNITY VISION PRINCIPLES
The following principles embody the vision for the
SunCreek community. These principles are an
aggregation of fundamental, time-tested planning
principles, the policies in the Rancho Cordova
General Plan and the three sources of organizing
principles cited in this chapter.
2.3.1. Compact Urban Development
The SunCreek Specific Plan emphasizes the
livability of neighborhoods. Design for pedestrian
friendly streets, ease of pedestrian access to the
schools, parks, and commercial mixed-use centers
and the form of compact neighborhoods
expresses this emphasis.
In keeping with the General Plan building block
concepts and the General Plan Land Use Smart
Growth Principles,) the SunCreek residential
neighborhoods are pedestrian friendly with a well-
defined core of public and commercial uses. A
network of pedestrian corridors that extend
outward from the commercial center and connect
with the neighborhood parks serves each
neighborhood.
Figure 2-3 Neighborhoods illustrates the
neighborhoods in the Plan Area. The
neighborhoods exhibit the following general
characteristics unless constrained by the major
street system or other significant design factor.
The permanent open space and major streets
naturally define small, compact neighborhoods
and sub-areas. Each of the neighborhoods is
approximately 1/2 mile wide as illustrated in
Figure 2-3. This supports the objective of locating
central uses, such as parks, schools, and
commercial areas within a short walk of most
residences as illustrated in Figures 2-4, 2-5 and 2-
6. ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY VISION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 2-4 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended May 2021, December 2022)
Figure 2-3 SunCreek Neighborhoods
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY VISION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended May 2021, December 2022) I.2-5 Figure 2-4 Access to Parks and Open Space
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY VISION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 2-6 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended May 2021, December 2022) Figure 2-5 Access to Schools
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY VISION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended May 2021, December 2022) I.2-7 Figure 2-6 Access to Commercial and Service Centers
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY VISION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 2-8 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended May 2021, December 2022)
Open space or natural features, or landscaped
corridors along a major street define the edges of
each neighborhood.
Each neighborhood includes an elementary
school, neighborhood park, and/or a mixed-use
commercial area as a distinct neighborhood
center within a reasonable walking distance of the
homes, approximately one-half mile.
Residences are oriented with “eyes on” the
neighborhood parks and open space corridors.
The neighborhood parks have frontage on at least
two single-loaded streets to provide for visibility
and ready access.
Major streets are designed to minimize any need
for sound walls.
2.3.2. Protection/Integration of Natural
Resources with Urban Land Uses
Very large central open spaces that encompass
substantial wetland preserves, water quality
features, trails, parks and schools are the core of
the SCSP. The SunCreek preserve implements
species conservation by protecting vernal pool
complexes, other wetlands, and the riparian
habitats along the Laguna Creek tributary.
This open space core is the hub and dominant
feature of the community. It helps define and
separate individual neighborhoods while
connecting them physically and visually through
the multi-purpose trail system with unobstructed
views. A major bicycle/pedestrian pathway,
designated as the “SunCreek Parkway” will follow
the main route of this large, central open space.
The open space is near many neighborhood
streets and major roads, which gives the entire
plan an extraordinarily open feel despite its
compact walkable neighborhoods.
The extensive trail system extends throughout the
Plan Area and into adjacent neighborhoods. It
provides views to the natural resource preserve.
Compatible land uses, such as parks, trails,
detention basins, and infrastructure are located
next to the preserve area.
Typical open space view in SunCreek Plan Area
2.3.3. Natural Drainages
The natural drainage ways that will remain in
permanent open space are notable in the existing
landform. These natural drainages will be
accessible to the public along the edges that are
outside of the wetland preserve areas. The
extensive open space will be a visual landmark for
the entire Plan Area. Moreover, open space edges
landscaped with natural vegetation species will
provide an attractive visual delineation to the
open space and the surrounding neighborhoods.
2.3.4. Transportation Choices
The SCSP will accommodate various transit
services including buses, trolleys, and shuttles.
Land use and transportation planning are
coordinated. A network of off-street trails will
connect residential, commercial, office,
community/civic and open space areas of the City.
2.3.5. Walkable Neighborhoods
The Rancho Cordova General Plan envisions a
bicycle-friendly community, where cycling is a
viable mode of transportation. To facilitate this
goal, the SCSP provides a safe and convenient
network of bike paths and lanes that connect
residential, commercial, transit stops, and
recreational destinations.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY VISION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended May 2021, December 2022) I.2-9 The SunCreek Plan promotes walkable
neighborhoods where residents can easily walk
from their homes to schools, parks, jobs, and
shopping areas. Streets are pedestrian-friendly
spaces with living spaces facing the street.
Pedestrian crossings at key locations with
landscape enhancements encourage slower
speeds on neighborhood streets.
Example of a pedestrian walkway along collector
and arterial streets.
The network includes a wide range of bike and
pedestrian paths ranging from sidewalks adjacent
to all classes of streets, small pedestrian ways
(paseos) within neighborhoods, informal bike
paths along the edge of open space areas, and the
SunCreek Parkway. A major recreation trail
extends over three miles through the heart of the
Plan Area and connects to the citywide trail
network at each end.
Neighborhoods facilitate pedestrian and bicycle
use by providing reasonably direct routes to
homes, shopping, schools, parks, and jobs. The
routing of the collector streets in each
neighborhood provides an inter-connected route
that residents can use for recreational walks or
biking.
The SunCreek Parkway is the major pedestrian
corridor that links off street trails and enhanced
street sidewalks that connect neighborhoods to
parks, open space, and natural resource areas.
Example of a pedestrian trail adjacent to wetland
preserve area.
2.3.6. Housing Choices
The SCSP provides a range of housing choices that
will meet the needs of a variety of households and
income levels. This includes a variety of housing
types ranging from high-density apartments and
mixed use residential to executive homes.
This diversity of housing contributes to a balance
of jobs and housing in the City of Rancho Cordova
and in the Highway 50 corridor.
Example of townhouse style housing planned
along major streets.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY VISION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 2-10 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended May 2021, December 2022)
2.3.7. Integrated (Mixed) Land Uses
The SCSP provides mixed use centers strategically
located to implement the City's “building block”
concept of neighborhoods served by centers in
walking distance of residents. This provides
horizontal integration of compatible uses. Local
shopping and services will be conveniently located
to provide for the daily needs of the neighborhood
residents.
Example of public space in Village Centers.
2.3.8. Quality Design/Sense of Place
The Plan Area is large enough to be a distinct
district on its own, and includes distinctive natural
features.
The major drainage way is a connecting, unifying
element and the terrain provides sites for
prominent landmark structures. Moreover, the
plan can "borrow" visual character from the
surrounding permanent open space, as well as the
open space within the Plan Area.
The SCSP will have a strong sense of community
identity notable for the quality of the public
places, parks, schools and commercial areas.
The neighborhood mixed use centers will include
high quality public spaces that will contribute to
the sense of place.
The SunCreek Development Regulations in
Volume II establish standards for streetscape,
buildings, parks and public facilities that will
contribute to the character of the community.
Example of neighborhood commercial use public
space.
2.3.9. Distant Vistas
The distant vistas toward the Sierra Nevada
Crystal Range to the east and Mount Diablo, and
the Coast Range are a natural amenity for the Plan
Area. Open corridors along the major east-west
boulevards and along the Laguna Creek corridor
will retain views to these features. Attention to
Example of streetscape monumentation.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY VISION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended May 2021, December 2022) I.2-11 these distant views in the site design for all uses
adjacent to the major east-west boulevards and
the major corridor will add a notable design
character to the plan.
2.3.10. Landmark Opportunities
The rolling terrain affords views within the Plan
Area. Most notable are the high school/middle
school campus, elementary school, neighborhood
park, wetland preserve and the community park,
which create a combined site of over 130 acres as
a visual focal point of the plan. Not only is this a
large, visually prominent area, it connects directly
to the linear open space afforded by the wetland
Preserve Area and the adjacent areas.
Central Park Drive connects the school/park
complex to the Village Center site. The
park/school site and the VC site serve as two
activity centers or "nodes" linked by a pedestrian
promenade/street. Central Park Drive therefore
becomes one of the major pedestrian activity
corridors in the plan.
The school provides an opportunity to include a
bell or clock tower or other dominant structure
that can be located at the highest point in the
project area. The open space to the north and the
large community park to the south create a
setting for an open vista in which a tall building
element will stand out from the surrounding
development.
Additional pedestrian activity corridors connect to
each of the Village Center sites. Each site includes
within their boundary or along the adjacent street
a major pedestrian corridor that extends into the
adjacent residential areas.
Concept illustration of a clock tower at the high school.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY VISION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 2-12 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended May 2021, December 2022)
Figure 2-7 Landmark and Gateway Opportunities
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
SunCreek Specific Plan I. 3-1
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, August 2019, November December 2022) I.3. LAND USE
3.1 PURPOSE
The Land Use Chapter describes the organization,
location, and type of land uses in the SunCreek
Plan Area. This Chapter establishes the land use
categories and the general range of uses planned
for each use.
Volume II: Development Regulations establishes
the detailed development standards for the land
use categories in this chapter.
3.1.1. Land Use Objectives
The land use objectives addressed in this Chapter
respond to issues identified in the General Plan.
These include:
• Provide a diverse supply of housing types
and densities to help house the City’s
workforce.
• Integrate residential and supporting land
uses in a compact urban environment to
improve livability and to reduce urban
sprawl.
• Establish more livable and sustainable
neighborhoods where residents can walk
to commercial services and recreational
amenities.
• Create convenient, economically viable
retail shopping and commercial service
opportunities so that residents can meet
their shopping needs locally.
• Create community shopping and office
employment opportunities.
• Preserve natural resources and integrate
open space into urban development.
3.2 LAND USE REGULATION
The SunCreek Plan includes a mix of diverse
housing opportunities, schools, parks, open space,
and employment and commercial uses. The zone
districts established in the Rancho Cordova
Municipal Code (RCMC), Title 23-Zoning Code
regulate land use in this Specific Plan. Chapter 2
includes the Community Vision Concept.
3.2.1. General Plan and Zoning
Consistency
State planning law requires zoning districts to be
consistent with the General Plan. Each General
Plan land use category must have one or more
corresponding zone districts. While the General
Plan may be somewhat broad in its discussion of
permitted land uses and development intensities,
zoning provisions must identify specific regulations
for use and development.
Figure 3-1 identifies the Specific Plan land uses.
These are consistent with the General Plan
designation “SunCreek Specific Plan”.
Table 3-1 identifies the corresponding General
Plan, Specific Plan, and Zoning Code designations
used within the Specific Plan.
3.2.2. Relationship to the City Zoning
Ordinance
The Rancho Cordova Municipal Code (RCMC)
Article 23-Zoning Code, as amended from time to
time, and incorporated herein by reference, shall
regulate development in the Plan Area. Where the
Article 23 zone district is silent, or specific design
objectives identified in this Specific Plan require
supplemental development standards, the
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 3-2APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022) regulations set forth in Volume II: Development
Regulations shall apply.
. In addition, Volume II of the SCSP provides
supplemental development standards that address
the customized form and character of development
in SunCreek. SpecificallySpecifically, the
supplemental development regulations address:
o the extensive urban/open space edges;
o the aggregation of higher intensity uses
that form the core of neighborhoods and
villages;
o the creation of special public activity
spaces and landmarks;
o the special character of streets in relation
to building location and character; and
o walkability of the plan.
General Plan Land Use Designation Specific Plan Land Use Category RCMC Title 23 Zoning Designations
SunCreek Specific Plan
Public/Quasi-Public Public/Quasi Public
(P/QP) Community Services (CS)
Detention Basins
Parks and Open Space,
Natural Resources
Parks and Open Space
(POS) Parks and Open Space (POS) Neighborhood Greens
Natural Resources (NR) Parks and Open Space (POS)
Low Density Residential Low Density Residential (2.1
to 6 du/acre) (LDR) RD-3, RD-4, RD-5, RD-6
Medium Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
6.1 to 12 du/acre) (MDR) RD-7, RD-10, Medium Density
Residential (MDR)
Schools
Medium Density Residential
Compact Medium Density
Residential 12.1 to 18
du/acre)
(CMDR) RD-15, RD-20, Medium Density
Residential (MDR)
High Density Residential High Density Residential
(18.1 to 40 du/acre) (HDR) RD-20, RD-25, RD-30, High Density Residential (HDR)
Village Center Village Center (VC)
Village Center
Regional Town Center Regional Town Center (RTC)
Regional Town Center
Source: RCMC, Title 23-Zoning Code Table 23.301-1: Zoning Districts Table 3-1 Land Use Designations
General Plan Land Use
Category Specific Plan Land Use Category
Rancho Cordova Municipal
Code
Zoning Designation
Public/Quasi Public (P/QP)
Public/Quasi Public land uses
are allowed in all zoning
districts.
Parks and Open Space (P/OS) O; Public parks are also allowed in residential zoning districts
Natural Resources (NR) O
Low Density Residential (2.1 to
6 du/acre) (LDR) RD-3, RD-4, RD-5, RD-6
Medium Density Residential
6.1 to 12 du/acre) (MDR) MDR
Compact Medium Density
Residential 12.1 to 18 du/acre) (CMDR) MDR
High Density Residential (18.1
to 40 du/acre) (HDR) HDR
Commercial Mixed-Use (VC) LTC
Village Center (RTC) RTC
Table 3-2 Land Use Categories
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan I. 3-3
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022)
Figure 3-1, Specific Plan Land Use Designations
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 3-4APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022)
The Specific Plan identifies a sub-category of
"Compact Medium Density Residential" to establish
meaningful categories among the dwelling unit
types and styles included in this plan.
Dwelling unit types in the density range of 12.1 to
18 dwelling units per acre are designated “Compact
Medium Density Residential”. Residential
development in this designation will contribute to
fulfilling the housing needs attributed to the City’s
adopted Housing Element.
Figure 3-2, Specific Plan Illustrative Plan shows the
land use and street pattern envisioned in the SCSP.
Tentative Subdivision Maps submitted pursuant to
the SCSP are expected to conform to the general
form expressed in this map.
3.2.3. Permitted Land Uses
The permitted uses for all land use designations in
the SCSP shall be regulated by RCMC Title 23
Zoning Code as established in Table 23.310-1:
Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for
Residential Zoning Districts; Table 23.313-1:
Allowed Use and Permit Requirements for Mixed
Use Districts; and Table 23.319-1: Allowed Use and
Permit Requirements for Public/Quasi-Public
Zoning Districts. Applicants for all development
proposals shall comply with these permitted land
use tables.
Table 3-2, Summary of Permitted Uses in the
SunCreek Specific Plan is not the regulatory
authority for land use in the plan area but provides
a brief summation of land use activities and types
envisioned within the land use designations applied
in the SCSP. Table 3-1 Land Use Designations
identifies the corresponding zoning designation
and development standards that apply in these
areas.
Residential development in the High Density
Residential (HDR) designation will contribute to
fulfilling the Regional Housing Needs Allocation
(RHNA) calculation for the city.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan I. 3-5
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022)
Table 3-2 Summary of Permitted Uses in the SunCreek Specific Plan
Specific Plan Land Use Designation Summary of Permitted Uses1 (P/QP) Public/Quasi Public Churches, Schools, Parks, Private Schools, Public Utilities, Libraries, Fire Stations, Detention Basins
(POS) Parks and Open
Space Parks, Paseos, Open Space, Resource Preservation, Detention Basins (NR) Natural Resources Resource Preservation, Detention Basins (LDR)
Low Density
Residential (2.1 to
6 du/acre)
Single Family Dwellings, Duplex and Halfplex Dwellings, Chur ches, Schools, Parks, Private Schools, Public Utilities, Libraries, Fire Stations, Detention Basins.
(MDR)
Medium Density
Residential 6.1 to
12 du/acre)
Small Lot Single Family Dwellings, Townhomes, Patio Homes, Paseo Homes, Duplexes, Halfplexes, Live/Work Dwellings, Children and Senior Day Care Centers, Recreation Centers, Churches, Schools, Parks, Private Schools, Public Utilities, Libraries, Fire Stations, Detention Basins.
(CMDR)
Compact Medium
Density Residential
12.1 to 18 du/acre)
Town homes, Garden Apartments, Small Lot Single Family Dwellings, Patio Homes, Paseo Homes, Duplexes, Halfplexes, Live/Work Dwellings, Children and Senior Day Care Centers, Recreation Centers, Churches, Schools, Parks, Private Schools, Public Utilities, Libraries, Fire Stations, Detention Basins
(HDR)
High Density
Residential (18.1 to
40 du/acre)
Town homes, Apartments, Live/Work Dwellings, Children and Senior Day Care Centers, Recreation Centers, Churches, Schools, Parks, Private Schools, Public Utilities, Libraries, Fire Stations, Detention Basins
(VC) Village Center
Retail and Service Commercial, Offices, Children and Senior D ay Care Centers, Recreation Centers, Churches, Schools, Parks, Private Schools, Public Utilities, Libraries, Fire Stations
(RTC) Regional Town
Center Retail and Service Commercial, Offices
1: This table is not regulatory and is included for summary purp oses only. Allowed uses and permitting requirements for said uses are established in RCMC Title 23. In the event a use is listed above but not allowed by Title 23, the regulations in Title 23 shall prevail.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 3-6APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022) Figure 3-2, Specific Plan Illustrative Plan
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan I. 3-7
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022)
3.3 SUNCREEK SP FORM BASED CODE
The SCSP includes three sub-areas (“districts”) that
shall be regulated under the Rancho Cordova
Municipal Code (RCMC) Title 23 Article 5, Form-
Based Zoning Provisions. This regulation applies
only in the three districts identified in Figure 3-3
Center Form Based Districts. The districts include
the Village Center (VC) and Regional Town Center
(RTC) designations as well as some contiguous High
Density Residential (HDR) and Medium Density
Residential (MDR) uses as shown in Figure 3-1,
Specific Plan Land Use Designation.
3.3.1. Center Form Based Districts
“Form-based” is a regulatory approach that
enables development of a plan to include a mix of
land uses under specific standards that directly
define the form and character of development for
a given location and set of conditions. The Center
Form Based Districts use the conventional zoning
standards established for the RTC, VC, HDR, and
MDR zone designations; but organize the
application of these standards according to a vision
of aggregated development patterns rather than
individual land use categories. A form-based
district goes beyond conventional zoning
development standards by describing the physical
outcome of the development in terms of street
character, building relation to the street, and
pedestrian friendliness and other factors.
“The form-based provisions are intended to
facilitate the development of mixed-use projects
and discourage isolated single-use projects that
are not integrated with surrounding
neighborhoods.” (RCMC, Article 5)
RCMC Table 23.310-1, Table 23.313-1, and Table
23.319-1 regulate the permitted land use in the
Center Districts. Title 23, Article 5, Chapter 23.510- Village Center Zone Standards and Chapter 23.513
– Regional Town Center Zone Standards establish
the essential development regulations of building
heights, setbacks and other physical standards.
Title 23, Article 5, Chapter 23.313-Residential
Zoning Districts provides additional guidance on
residential development standards for the HDR,
CMDR, and MDR districts.
3.3.2. SunCreek Form Based
Regulating Plan
The SCSP Volume II, Section 1.6 establishes the
Center Form Based Regulating Plan. The plan
provides design concepts that guide the
preparation of a future development plan and
includes the following components.
• A description of the intent and location of
each of the form-based zones provided in
this chapter.
• The type of street and the treatment of
edge conditions or “street typology” as
defined in Chapter 4, Circulation and
applied in Volume II, Development
Regulations.
• The type of building frontage treatment or
“frontage typology” applied in Volume II,
Development Regulations.
• The development standards applied to
each Specific Plan land use category and
the “Center” form-based code district in
Volume II, Development Regulations.
3.3.3. Administering Form Based
Zoning
Development sites within form-based districts will
not require special administrative procedures
beyond those provided in Article 1 (Administration)
of Title 23 of the RCMC. However, the form-based
districts require more analysis than traditional
zoning districts during the entitlement review
process to determine compliance with the
provisions of this chapter.
Development in any Center District shall require an
integrated plan for that entire district that is
consistent with the provisions of RCMC Section
23.504 et al.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 3-8APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022)
Figure 3-3 Center Form Based Districts
Figure 3-2 Form Based Zone Overlay
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan I. 3-9
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022)
3.4 APPLICATION OF ZONING
The SCSP assigns land use zoning and the rights to
apply for development under such zoning to
properties in the SCSP designated by ownership.
Pursuant to Section 9.6.3 of this Specific Plan, a
landowner may request a Minor Density
Adjustment/ Transfer of Density for any residential
land use parcel.
Specific Plan Land Use Designations Descriptions
The following sections describe the SCSP land use
designations that are summarized in Table 3-2 and
illustrated in Figure 3-2. These include a range of
residential categories, parks and open space,
natural preserves, public and quasi-public uses, and
non-residential and commercial categories.
3.4.1. Residential Categories
The SCSP includes a notable diversity in residential
types, styles, and configurations. Housing diversity
is one of the merits of this plan. Multi-family
dwellings occur in stand-alone configurations, and
as integral components of mixed-use villages.
A variety of lot sizes, street orientation, and garage
access configurations are distributed throughout
the plan. These lot sizes and configurations may
change with the submittal of tentative maps.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 3-10APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022) ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan I. 3-11
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022)
Low Density Residential
The Low-Density Residential (LDR) category
includes dwelling units in configurations up to six
dwelling units per gross acre of residential use.
The density range allows substantial flexibility in
selecting dwelling unit types and parcel
configurations to suit particular site conditions and
housing needs.
Medium Density Residential
The Medium Density Residential (MDR) category
will provide a mix of housing types and densities
ranging from 6.1 to 12 dwelling units per gross acre
of residential use. Medium Density Residential
includes single-family homes, duplexes and half-
plexes, court housing, garden apartments,
townhouses, and condominiums. The most typical
housing type will be small lot single-family
detached, single-family attached (e.g., town
homes, condominiums, brownstones), and small
apartment complexes.
The density range allows substantial flexibility in
selecting dwelling unit types and parcel
configurations to suit particular site conditions and
housing needs.
Compact Medium Density Residential
The Compact Medium Density Residential (CMDR)
category includes dwelling units in densities of 12.1
to 18 units per gross acre that will result in
compact urban forms. These may include
detached cottages or cluster housing, but more
typically will include common walls for all or a
significant portion of the units in a project. The
sites designated for Compact Medium Density
include row houses and small, low scale garden
apartment dwellings.
. The RCMC Title 23 Zoning Code, Article 5 Form
Based Zoning Provisions, RCMC Title 23, Article 5,
Chapter 23.313-Residential Zoning Districts, shall
regulate CMDR. Volume II: Development
Regulations provides supplemental development
standards.
High Density Residential
High-Density Residential (HDR) development
includes apartments and condominiums at
densities of 18.1 to 40 dwelling units per acre.
Residential development in the High Density
Residential (HDR) designation will contribute to
fulfilling the Regional Housing Needs Allocation
(RHNA) calculation for the City. In order to be
compliant with current state law regarding RHNA,
the SunCreek Specific Plan considers all High
Density Residential acres in as RHNA acres. ,
However, in the Major Design Review Process
(RCMC Section 23.141) the City may approve
development applications for High Density
development at densities less than 26 dwelling
units per acre that achieve as low as 18.1 dwelling
units per gross acre pursuant to a finding that the
net density approximates the minimum density
required for RHNA, that sites are constrained by
size, configuration, access, parking standards, open
space standards and other factors reflecting the
actual market for multi-family housing.
There are seven High Density Residential sites
identified in the plan. Four of these sites are
adjacent to Village Center or Regional Town Center
sites and are therefore within the “Center” form
based designation described below. RCMC Title 23
Zoning Code, Article 5 Form Based Zoning
Provisions, RCMC Title 23, Article 5, Chapter
23.313-Residential Zoning Districts, and Volume II:
Development Regulations regulate these sites.
3.4.2. Public/Quasi-Public and Open
Space Categories
Public/Quasi-Public
The Public/Quasi-Public category includes a variety
of public and other land uses, including land owned
by the city and other public agencies. Possible uses
include civic buildings; schools, colleges, and
universities; religious institutions; hospitals;
museums; cemeteries; and others.
The SCSP includes three primary sites zoned
Public/Quasi-public, Community Service (CS) uses.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 3-12APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022) The SCSP designates the P/QP site on Americanos
Boulevard north of Kiefer Boulevard for a fire
station but does not designate specific land uses on
the other two primary P/QP sites. In addition to
these three sites, the Plan identifies several small
sites designated as P/QP for utilities such a water
storage, detention, water, or wastewater pump
and so forth.
If a P/QP site is not required for its originally
intended use, such land may be available for
residential development after a specific plan
amendment. This allows flexibility in the location
and shape of school sites shown on the Land Use
Map. The City shall consult with the affected
public entity (if a specific entity exists), prior to
release of a P/QP site for residential development.
Following such consultation (if applicable), the City
Council shall make a formal determination that the
site is not required for the originally intended P/QP
use. This typically will occur during the
consideration of a Tentative Subdivision Map but
may also accompany an alternate discretionary
action by the Council when a Tentative Map is not
required.
The SCSP identifies land within the Parks and Open
Space (POS) designation for active and passive
recreational activities. This zone category also
includes publicly accessible lands within lands
along the edge of natural resource preservation
areas, detention basins, creek ways, and other
passive uses. Open spaces may be multi-use
depending on the season, such as an open turf area
within a detention basin in areas subject to
infrequent inundation.
The open space lands and parklands must comply
with the standards established by the City of
Rancho Cordova. The Cordova Recreation and Park
District, and/or the City will administer parklands at
the discretion of the City. The City of Rancho
Cordova, in consultation with CRPD, will determine
final park design, amenities, and improvements.
The city will administer public and private
ownership open space lands.
Natural Resources
The SunCreek Plan provides a substantial natural
resource preservation area dedicated to protecting
state and federally listed endangered and
threatened species habitat consistent with the
measures described in Chapter 6, Natural
Resources. The preservation area extends
diagonally through the project site as a continuous
open space corridor.
The SCSP sets aside land within the Natural
Resources category as natural habitat and will have
no urban development placed upon it. Open space
trails are typically adjacent to, rather than within,
Natural Resource areas.
Chapter 6, Natural Resources describes the
protection of the lands in the Natural Resource
designation.
3.4.3. Non-Residential/Commercial
Categories
Village Center
The Village Center category provides retail services,
restaurant, entertainment, and office employment
uses as described in the City’s building block
concept. Village Centers serve the daily shopping
needs of residents and may include small- and
medium-size grocery stores, drug stores,
restaurants, banks, and other similar uses.
Development is pedestrian friendly with gathering
places for both daytime and nighttime activities.
A Center Form Based District may combine the
development capacity of residential designated
lands with the commercial development capacity
of Village Center lands to create an integrated
mixed-use project.
A mixed-use development plan may be integrated
vertically with different uses above one another,
such as residential or office uses over a commercial
use. Horizontal mixed uses are also permissible
with side-by-side uses linked together through
common walkways, plazas, and parking areas.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan I. 3-13
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022)
The SunCreek plan includes two Village Center sites
located along a major street. The Centers may
provide transit-oriented development served by
bus, bus rapid transit, a local shuttle, or other
transportation systems as the city may determine.
The sites are adjacent to high-density residential
land use served by the pedestrian and bike trail
network that connects the sites to the surrounding
neighborhoods. Each of the sites has within it or
nearby a small neighborhood scale park. These
parks will add a visual amenity and leisure activities
that will complement the retail and service
businesses and the residential components of the
center.
The RCMC Title 23 Zoning Code, Article 5 Form
Based Zoning Provisions, and supplemental
development standards provided in Volume II:
Development Regulations shall regulate Village
Centers. All development in the VC zone shall
require an integrated plan as specified in RCMC
Section 23.504 et al.
Regional Town Center
The General Plan designates regional town centers
(RTC) to meet a regional need for shopping,
entertainment, and other large destination uses.
They are strategically located for accessibility and
range in size from 25 to 100 acres. The RTC may
also include both vertical and horizontal
integration of a mix of land uses as summarized in
Table 3-2.
The SunCreek plan provides a 53.9-acre Regional
Town Center on the southwest corner of Grant Line
Road and Chrysanthy Blvd. This center will serve
planned development in the southeast edge of the
city. The Southeast Capital Connector is a regional
roadway aligned on Grant Line Road adjacent to
the Plan Area. Chrysanthy Boulevard will provide
access from the site to Grant Line Road. The
Regional Town Center (RTC) would provide the
opportunity for a transit-oriented development
should Grant Line Road become a regional transit
route.
The RCMC Title 23 Zoning Code, Article 5 Form-
Based Zoning Provisions, and supplemental
development standards provided in Volume II,
Development Regulations shall regulate the
Regional Town Center. All development in the RTC
zone shall require an integrated plan as specified in
RCMC Section 23.504 et al. The “Regulating Plan”
must be adopted prior to any development in the
respective VC or RTC center.
3.5 LAND USE SUMMARY
Table 3-3 summarizes the acreage, percentage of
total acreage, maximum dwelling units per acre,
and dwelling unit totals at full development of the
SCSP. This table indicates a total of 4,628 4,546
4,544 dwelling units in this modified plan, however,
the Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report
evaluated the effects of 4,893 dwelling units, and
up to this maximum figure may be accommodated
in this Plan. If the population of the Specific Plan
Area should increase in the future, the developer
will be required to provide additional park land or
pay in-lieu fees.
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ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 3-14APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022) Table 3-3 Land Use Summary
Table
3-4
summarizes the land use by owner. Figure 3-5
LAND USE CATEGORIES AREA
acres
Dwelling
Units
Percent of
Res Type
Percent of
Total Area
Average Density
per acre
LOW DENSITY (2.1 to 6 du/ac) (LDR)
260.5
174.8
177.1
827
872
875
17.86%
19.3%
9.8%
14.0%
3.17 4.94
MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (6.1 to 12 du/ac) (MDR)
369.7
356.2
353.6
2,3372,429
2,275
52.4%
50.1%
29.2%
28.0%
6.57 6.43
COMPACT DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (12.1 to 18 du/ac)
(CMDR)
27.5 26.3
320
285
342
2.1%
7.5% 2.1%
11.6 13.0
HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (18.1 to 40 du/ac) (HDR)
45.2 46.0
1,052
22.7%
23.2%
3.5%
3.6%
23.2 22.87
VILLAGE CENTER (VC)
23.8 24.3 0
1.9 %
REGIONAL TOWN CENTER (RTC) 53.9 0
4.3%
PUBLIC/QUASI_PUBLIC (PQP)
8.1 3.4 0
0.8%
0.3%
NEIGHBORHOOD GREEN/ POCKET PARK (PP)
9.5 13.5
10.1 0
0.8%
PUBLIC NEIGHBORHOOD PARK (PARK) 20.9 0
1.67%
COMMUNITY PARK (PARK)
44.4 39.1 0
3.5%
3.1%
PARK CORRIDORS, PASEOS AND TRAILS (PC)
6.1 0
0.5%
WETLAND BUFFER/BIKE PATH CORRIDOR (WB)
48.6 51.6
53.5 0
3.8%
4.1%
DETENTION BASIN (DB)
52.0 53.8 0
4.1%
4.3%
STORM WATER CANAL (CANAL) 0 0 0.00%
WETLAND PRESERVE (WETLAND) 199.6 0 15.8%
SCHOOL
111.2
111.0 0 8.8%
MAJOR ROADS
79.6 88.1 0
6.3%
7.0%
GRANT LINE ROAD 3.1 0 0.2%
TOTAL 1,264.0
,
4,628
4,546
4,544 100.0%
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ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan I. 3-15
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022)
illustrates the ownership of land in the Plan Area.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 3-16APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022)
LAND USE CALLAHAN
GILMARTIN/
TREVOR
(INVESTEK)
SHALAKO GRANTLINE 220 VRAME SIERRA SUNRISE
(Lennar)
Categories Acres Units Acres Units Acres Units Acres Units Acres Units Acres Units LOW DENSITY (2.1 to 6
du/ac) 0 0
20.1 40.135.
8 149
197 64.4 314
37.6 167 0 0 39.3
197
MEDIUM DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL (6.1 to 12
du/ac) 44.9 318
77.8 62.3
1.7 592
43849
5 90.6 599 76.8 406 0 0 79.6
514
COMPACT DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL (12.1 to 18
du/ac) 0 0
13.0 17.61.8
153
17511
8 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 14.5
167
HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
(18.1 to 40 du/ac)
11.8 235
5.4 6.15.9 140 9.1 237 14.2 272 0 0 5.0
168
VILLAGE CENTER (VC) 0 0
6.3 7.06.8 17.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
REGIONAL TOWN CENTER
(RTC) 0 0.0 0 53.9 0 0
PUBLIC/QUASI_PUBLIC
2.5 4.7 0 0.4
0.0 0.5 0
NEIGHBORHOOD GREEN
2.0 1.7
2.73 2.1
0.0 0 3.7
PUBLIC NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK 0 0
8.2 8.1 0 4.6
COMMUNITY PARK
10.5 15.7
11.210.
4 0 0 17.3 0.9
PARK CORRIDORS 0 0 3.8 0 0 2.3
PRESERVE BUFFER
5.3 19.3
24.222.
3 14.7 0 1.2
8.1 DETENTION BASIN
4.5 8.0
9.8 9.5 8.2 3.4 18.4
STORM WATER CANAL 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
WETLAND PRESERVE 24.5 39.0 77.3 0 10.4 48.4 SCHOOL 34.4
11.1 11.50 10.8 10.0 44.9 0
MAJOR ROADS
20.0 18.0
23.6 13.0 11.0 2.5 18.2
GRANT LINE ROAD 3.1
TOTALS
160.1 553
240.12
40.4 1,034
950 321.4 1,150 219.0 910 80.1 0 243.0 1,046
Table 3-4 Land Use by Owner
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan I. 3-17
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022)
3.6 SPECIFIC PLAN POLICIES
The following General Plan policies apply to the
SCSP.
Policy LU 1. Higher density and intensity land
uses that support transit shall be located within
one-half mile of major transit stations.
Development shall be pedestrian- and transit-
friendly with direct connections to transit. (GP
Policy LU.1.7 and AQ.2.2.1).
Policy LU 2. Similar uses shall be clustered into
areas or districts that have common needs and
that are compatible with one another to
establish a form based land use organization
and regulation. (GP Policy LU.2.3)
Policy LU 3. Growth will occur based on market
forces, infrastructure financing capacity, and
the timing of the design, approval, and
construction of transportation facilities and
other infrastructure. (GP Policy LU.2.5)
Policy LU 4. Retail shopping facilities shall be
distributed in the Plan Area such that
neighborhood services are distributed and
integrated into the neighborhoods and that
market demand is met without diminishing the
viability of nearby commercial properties with
the same customer base. (GP Policy LU.2.6)
Policy LU 5. The Plan shall include sustainable
development that reduces the impact of
projects on energy, water, and transportation
systems and encourages sustainable
development to occur in ways that
complement the built form. (GP Policy LU.2.7)
Policy LU 6. Civic structures and uses shall have
outstanding design that creates identity and
serves as a catalyst and precedent for
subsequent development. (GP Policy LU.3.2)
Figure 3-5 Land Ownership in the Plan Area
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
LAND USE
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 3-18APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, May 2021, November December 2022)
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013(AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) I.4-1 I.4. CIRCULATION
4.1 PURPOSE
The Circulation Chapter describes all components
of the circulation system in the plan. The
SunCreek Specific Plan (SCSP) treats the project
roadway network, bicycle and pedestrian routes,
and transit facilities and services as equally
important. The approach to all circulation
components and the land use plan proposed in
this plan are coordinated to benefit the quality of
life, public safety, energy costs, time costs, and air
quality within the community.
4.2 CIRCULATION OBJECTIVES
The circulation objectives addressed in this
Chapter respond to issues identified in the Rancho
Cordova General Plan.
• Community character. The roads and
pedestrian/bikeway networks are among
the most visible elements that connect
the overall community. SunCreek
Parkway and the other
pedestrian/bikeway corridors are
signature features in the plan.
• Safety and efficiency. The road network
provides adequate lane capacity and
intersections for vehicle movement but
includes traffic calming measures to
promote pedestrian friendly streets that
minimize potential vehicle and
pedestrian/bicyclist conflicts.
• Reduce the use of automobiles. Reducing
the use of automobiles in everyday life is
accomplished by providing convenient,
safe, and attractive alternatives. The
SCSP emphasizes pedestrian and bicycle
use, access to public transit, and use of
alternative vehicles as viable options to
use of automobiles.
• Coordination of land use and circulation.
Trip destinations such as schools, parks,
jobs, shopping, and commercial services
are located where they are convenient to
the residences to facilitate walking or
bicycling. Higher density residential uses
and major trip destinations are located
along potential transit routes.
• Direct routes and connectivity. The
street and pedestrian/bikeway network
provide a convenient, reasonably direct,
safe, and attractive route to major
destinations.
▪ Transportation diversity. The SunCreek
Specific Plan will accommodate the
transportation options available to
residents.
4.3 PLANNING CONTEXT
The surrounding road network, planned road
improvements, and planned public transit
opportunities establish the planning context for
the SCSP.
The SCSP will develop during a time of change.
Automobiles will continue to be a primary mode
of transportation, but new communities must also
facilitate and encourage the use of transportation
alternatives.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.4-2 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) New technologies in transportation and
communications will influence the choices
individuals make in selecting their daily means of
transportation. Fuel prices are a significant factor
for individuals and businesses in deciding whether
to curtail all but essential trips, and which mode of
transportation to use. Increased travel costs will
result in demands for more efficient
transportation systems, and for communities
designed to facilitate and enhance alternatives to
automobile use in a resident's daily life.
Transportation alternatives designed into the
SunCreek community including alternative
personal vehicles, public transportation, and
walking and bicycling. These will reduce the need
to rely on private automobiles as the sole source
of personal transportation.
4.3.1. Related Plans and Programs
The SunCreek Specific Plan is the contemporary of
several planning activities within the City of
Rancho Cordova and throughout the Sacramento
region. These planning activities set the
framework for circulation planning within the
SCSP.
• The Regional Metropolitan Transportation Plan
(MTP). The MTP is long-range plan for
transportation improvements in the greater six-
county Sacramento region. The MTP includes
major transportation improvements that will
affect the traffic capacity of routes serving the
SunCreek Plan Area.
In addition to the regional transportation planning
programs, the City of Rancho Cordova has
adopted standards and plans that guide the
SunCreek transportation plan and improvements.
Applicants within the Specific Plan should consult
these other plans in preparation of tentative
maps.
• Rancho Cordova Transit Master Plan. This Plan
designates the City’s preferred transit system and
is an implementing part of the General Plan.
• Rancho Cordova Pedestrian Master Plan. The
City of Rancho Cordova Pedestrian Master Plan
(March 2011) is identified in the Circulation
Element of the City’s General Plan. The Pedestrian
Master Plan combines with the Bicycle Master
Plan and the Transit Master Plan to organize
projects and programs that will serve alternative
travel modes.
The Pedestrian Master Plan will establish polices,
programs, and projects to improve the pedestrian
system within the City of Rancho Cordova.
•Rancho Cordova Bicycle Master Plan.
The City of Rancho Cordova Bicycle Master Plan
(March 2011) carries forward cycling policies and
goals that were initiated in the City’s General Plan,
the Transit Master Plan and Pedestrian Master
Plan. The Bike Plan continues to shape the City’s
goal of providing safe and attractive alternative
modes for travel.
The SCSP is consistent with the Bicycle Master
Plan and provides additional detail about the
existing facilities, planned improvements, and
priorities, phasing, and funding to build the bicycle
network.
•Rancho Cordova Street Design Standards. The
Street Design Standards establish details regarding
the design of all types of roadways within the City
consistent with the General Plan.
• Rancho Cordova Improvement Standards. The
Improvement Standards establish detailed design
and construction requirements for the City’s
transportation system consistent with the General
Plan and Street Design Standards.
4.3.2. Existing and Planned Roads
Existing and planned arterial streets in or near the
Plan Area include Grantline Road, Sunrise
Boulevard, Rancho Cordova Parkway, Chrysanthy
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) I.4-3 Boulevard, Americanos Boulevard, and Kiefer
Boulevard. Chrysanthy Boulevard and Americanos
Boulevard are new road alignments established in
the Sunrise Douglas Community Plan. Sunrise
Boulevard, Grantline Road, and Kiefer Boulevard
are part of the regional road system as identified
in Figure 4-1.
• Capital Southeast Connector Study. The
Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) includes
a multi-modal transportation corridor that
connects Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, and El
Dorado Hills. The connector will link residential
areas and employment centers to relieve
congestion on the heavily congested existing two-
lane roadways that currently serve the corridor.
The connector will become a major route in the
region and could create nodes of major activity
along the route that abuts the east edge of the
SunCreek Plan Area.
Figure 4-1 Primary Road Network
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.4-4 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022)
4.4 STREETS PLAN
The SunCreek Plan includes several street
configurations that serve a variety of needs. The
configurations will not only accommodate the
traffic capacity projected for a given location, but
also enhance the community character and
pedestrian space along the streets.
4.4.1. Street Master Plan
The streets are a hierarchy of size and
characteristics that extends the existing major
street pattern in this part of the city into the Plan
Area. The street plan responds to the location of
environmental protection areas and the
distribution of major activity nodes in the plan, as
shown in Figure 4-1. The primary street network
is consistent with the General Plan description of a
“modified grid” system of major roadways at
approximate one-mile spacing and connector
roads at approximate quarter-mile spacing.
The minor arterial and collector street grid system
within the Plan Area will avoid wetland natural
open space features in permanent open space.
These streets will align with existing and planned
street intersections in the adjacent established
plan areas.
Sunrise Boulevard, Kiefer Boulevard, Rancho
Cordova Parkway and Chrysanthy Boulevard
conform to the one-mile grid, but Americanos
Boulevard curves significantly to avoid wetland
resources.
Figure 4-2 illustrates the combined Street Master
Plan, and Bikeway and Trails Master Plan to show
the interconnections between these two systems.
Figure 4-3 illustrates the Street Master Plan alone.
4.4.2. Signalization
Traffic impact analysis and future warrants
analysis will determine the signalization of major
intersections. Figures 4-2 and 4-3 identify the
anticipated signal locations.
4.4.3. Street Typology
The following discussion of streets describes the
typical standards for the number and width of
lanes. There are variations on the basic street
types described in this chapter depending on the
type of building form that abuts the street. For
example, a street type that has the capacity to
carry a certain volume of traffic may have wider
setbacks to the sidewalk where the intent is to
move traffic through quickly. That same street
section may have sidewalks and buildings closer to
the street where the intent is to slow traffic and
create a more pedestrian friendly environment. In
general, the City’s Right-of-Way (ROW) extends to
the back of the curb. In cases where a sidewalk is
attached to the curb, the ROW extends to the
back of the attached sidewalk.
Chapter 5 Community Character (Section 5.11)
and in Volume II, Development Regulations
further describe the intended relationship of each
street type to adjacent land use.
Arterial Streets
Arterial streets will be four or six lanes wide at full development. Landscaped median and landscaped
pedestrian corridors along both sides are typical.
Arterial streets typically pass-through different
land use conditions. Consequently, the street
configuration may change from one location to
another. Figures 4-4 and 4-5 show a street section
for Rancho Cordova Parkway and a typical street
section for the four-lane Minor Arterial Street
configuration, respectively.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) I.4-5
Figure 4-2 Combined Major Streets Master Plan and Trails Master Plan
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.4-6 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) Figure 4-3 Major Streets Master Plan
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) I.4-7
Figure 4-4 Rancho Cordova Parkway
Note: Curb and gutter is included in the bike lane width requirements Figure 4-5 Minor Arterial (Typical)
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.4-8 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) Driveways for single-family residences shall
not be allowed on an arterial street.
Residential uses adjacent to an arterial
street are typically alley loaded or are
oriented with the side or rear lot to the
arterial street. The opportunity to provide
on-street parking is limited. Design
alternatives that allow on-street parking on
Minor Arterial streets will be reviewed in
the Tentative Map and may be allowed
based on lower traffic volumes along Minor
Arterial roads. Figure 4-6 illustrates one
alternative approach that may be
considered. In this example, the sidewalk
may be located at the edge of ROW and a
parallel parking lane may be provided in
the ROW. Street trees will be located in
“bulb outs” in the parking lane at
intersections at mid-block locations
consistent with RCMC Ch. 23.513. Public
Works may consider other parking options
in the Tentative Map. The location of
driveways and median cuts will be subject
to Public Works Arterial Access Standards.
Collector Streets
Collector streets connect the local residential streets within neighborhoods to the arterial streets. The
SunCreek Plan uses collector streets as pedestrian
corridors by providing a separated 7-foot sidewalk, a
landscape strip, on street parking and a bike lane.
Collector streets typically include two traffic lanes, a median, bicycle lanes, a landscape corridor and
seven-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides, as shown in
Figure 4-7. Figure 4-8 illustrates a special condition where the street is adjacent to the secondary trail
network. Application of Figure 4-8 or other
alternative street sections adjacent to a secondary
Figure 4-6 Optional Minor Arterial with Parking Fronting on Multi-family Residential Use
ROW
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) I.4-9 trail will be determined in the Tentative Map based
on traffic volume and neighborhood street
configuration. Figure 4-9 illustrates a unique
condition where the street is located between a
detention basin and a secondary multi-use trail.
Figure 4-10 illustrates the Pedestrian Boulevard, a
special collector street used on Central Park Drive
and Westpark Drive to provide a distinctive
pedestrian corridor linking the Local Town Center to
the Community Park and high school. The street
includes a secondary tree line behind the sidewalk
and on-street parking.
Figure 4-7 Standard Collector Street
Figure 4-8 Standard Collector Street Adjacent to Secondary Bike Trail
Wetland Preserve
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.4-10 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) Figure 4-10 Pedestrian Boulevard (Central Park Drive and Westpark Drive)
Figure 4-9 Collector Located Adjacent to Detention Basin and Secondary Trail
ROW
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) I.4-11 Pedestrian Streets
Pedestrian streets are a special class of standard
residential street with an enhanced pedestrian
corridor. The street type will enhance the pedestrian
and vehicular entry to a subdivision or village area,
such as where a street approaches a park or
neighborhood green. The pedestrian street includes
ten-foot-wide travel lanes and a Class II bike lane on
both sides. A six-foot wide planting strip and
sidewalk will be provided on both sides. In some
locations, an additional landscape strip may be
located behind the sidewalk on one side to provide a
twenty-foot (20') wide landscape corridor with a
secondary street tree canopy on one side of the
street as shown in Figure 4-11.
Residential Streets
The Plan Area includes two residential street
classifications. The standard residential street with
detached sidewalks will include a 33-foot right-of-
way (back of curb to back of curb) with a twenty-
seven (27) foot wide paved section, curbs and a six
(6) foot sidewalk. Figure 4-12 illustrates the
Standard Residential Street.
Minor residential streets with attached sidewalks
will have a forty-two (42) foot right-of-way
(measured from back of walk to back of walk) that
includes two travel lanes, a parking lane, and a five-
foot sidewalk on both sides. Figure 4-14 illustrates
the Minor Residential Street.
Figures 4-8, 4-13, and 4-15 illustrate where
residential and collector streets are adjacent to an
open space area and incorporate a secondary multi-
use trail in lieu of a standard sidewalk on the open
space side. Parking is prohibited on the open space
side to allow additional space for the multi-use trail
and associated landscaping.
Figure 4-11 Pedestrian Street with Detached Sidewalk
ROW
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.4-12 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) Figure 4-13 Standard Residential Street Adjacent to Secondary Trail in Open Space Figure 4-12 Standard Residential Street
ROW
ROW
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) I.4-13
Figure 4-15 Minor Residential Street Adjacent to Secondary Trail in Open Space Figure 4-14 Minor Residential Street
.
Open Space
Note: Vertical curb is required on all
street sections abutting open space,
parkways, pedestrian corridors, and
parks. Rolled curb and gutter with
monolithic sidewalk is an allowed
alternative adjacent to single family
residential uses.
ROW
ROW
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.4-14 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022)
Collector
Street
Adjacent
to Basin
and
Secondary
Trail
Standard
Collector
Street
Adjacent to
Secondary
Trail
Standard
Collector
Street
Minor
Arterial
w/ parking
Minor
Arterial
Rancho Cordova
Parkway
Figure Number 4-9 4-8 4-7 4-6 4-5 4-4
Average Daily Traffic
(ADT) < 13,000 < 13,000 < 13,000 < 32,5001. < 32,500 <32,500 Speed Limit 25-35
mph 25-35 mph 25-35
mph 35-45 mph 35-45
mph 45 mph
Number of Travel Lanes 2 2 2 4 4 4
Width (back-to-back of
curb) 29’ 29’ 43' 74' 74' 74'
Width (Total ROW) 34’ 29’ 43’ 89’ 74’ 74’
On Street Parking
Allowed No No Yes Yes2. No No
Parking Lane Width
(includes curb and
gutter)
None None 7.5' 8.5’ None None
Bike Lane Width (4' lane
plus 2.5’ gutter pan)
4' + 2.5’
gutter pan
4’ one side,
10’
secondary
trail
5' 4' + 2.5’
gutter pan
4’ + 2.5'
gutter
pans
' 4’ + 2.5' gutter
pan
Travel Lane Width 9’/10' 9'/10’ 9' 11' (12'
inside)
11' (12'
inside) 11' (12' inside)
Left-Turn Lane Width (at
intersections) 10' 10' 10' 10' 10' 10'
Striping Required Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Raised Median (face-to-
face of curb) None None None 14' 14' 14'
Sidewalk Width 5’
7' on one
side, 10’
secondary
trail
7' 7' 7' 7'
Detached Sidewalk
Required No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Landscape Strip Width2. 6' min. 3. 6' min.3. 6'
15' incl.
sidewalk or
parking
15' incl.
sidewalk
25' incl.
sidewalk
Table 4-1 Summary of Street Standards
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) I.4-15
Minor Residential
Streets
Adjacent to
Secondary Trail
Minor
Residential
Streets
Standard
Residential
Streets
Adjacent to
Secondary Trail
Standard
Residential
Streets
Pedestrian
Streets
Pedestrian
Boulevard
Figure Number 4-15 4-14 4-13 4-12 4-11 4-10
Average Daily
Traffic (ADT) < 2,000 < 2,000 <7,000 < 7,000 <7,000 < 13,000 Speed Limit 25 mph 25 mph 25 mph 25 mph 25 mph 35 mph
Number of
Travel Lanes 2 2 2 2 2 2
Width (back-to-
back of curb) 28.5’ 32' 29.5' 33' 34' 61
Width (Total
ROW) 33.5’ 42' 29.5’ 33’ 34’ 61’
On Street
Parking Allowed
Yes, on
residential
No adjacent to
open space
Yes
Parking on
residential side
only
Yes No Yes
Parking Lane
Width (includes
curb and gutter)
7.5' 7.5' 7.5' 7.5' None 7.5'
Bike Lane Width
(4' lane + 2.5’
gutter pan)
None, 10’
secondary trail
adjacent
None None None 4' + 2.5’
gutter pan 5’
Travel Lane
Width 9'/9’ 8.5' 9'/10’ 9' 10' 11'
Left-Turn Lane
Width (at
intersections)
None None None None None 10'
Striping Required No No No No Yes Yes
Raised Median
(face-to-face of
curb)
None None None None None 14’
Sidewalk Width
5' on residential
side, 10’
secondary trail
5'
6' on residential
side, 10’
secondary trail
6' 6' 7’
Detached
Sidewalk
Required
No No
Yes on open
space, No on
residential
Yes, on open
space, No on
residential
Yes Yes
Landscape Strip
Width 2.
6', may be
reduced to 2’
adjacent to open
space
None
6', may be
reduced to 2’
adjacent to
open space
6'
20'option on
one side /12'
incl. sidewalk
6' min.
Table 4-1 Summary of Street Standards (continued)
1. Adjacent to alley loaded residential only.
2. Landscape widths may be reduced at pinch points.
3. City may require 6’ strip inside shoulder in-lieu of constructing one-half of a median on arterials and parkways.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.4-16 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022)
4.5 TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES
Collector streets and residential streets may include
traffic calming devices to slow traffic and discourage
non-resident traffic in neighborhoods. The measures
also enhance the pedestrian experience, and thereby
encourage people to walk by slowing traffic and
provide shorter crossing distances at intersections.
The City has prepared a Neighborhood Traffic calming
Chapter 7 of the NTMP identifies approaches for
traffic calming in new neighborhoods. Please refer to
City of Rancho Cordova web page to obtain the
latest edition of the NTMP. The potential traffic
calming measures may include but are not limited to
the following examples.
4.5.1. Traffic Circles and Roundabouts
Traffic circles and roundabouts will be located at
selected intersections of collector streets and primary residential streets within the Plan Area. Figure 4-16
illustrates a typical, conceptual traffic circle design.
The specific design of these features will vary
depending on the local street configurations and
therefore, the design will be included in the tentative subdivision map and final map for the affected
subdivision. Such features will be developed at the
discretion of the project applicant and City Engineer
at the time of improvement plan approval.
4.5.2. Intersection Bulb-outs and Lane Width
Restrictions
Bulb-outs and lane width restrictions may be used at
residential street intersections to slow traffic within neighborhoods. Figure 4-17 illustrates a typical
intersection bulb-out design. The tentative
subdivision map and final map for the affected
subdivision will address location and specific design
of these features. Such features are not mandatory,
and the project applicant may develop them at their
discretion with review by city plan review staff and
the approval of the City Director of Public Works at
the time of improvement plan approval.
Figure 4-16 Typical Traffic Circle
F
Figure 4-17 Typical Bulb at Residential Street
Intersection
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) I.4-17
4.6 EMERGENCY RESPONSE ROUTES
The routing of major streets is constrained by the
natural open space areas and the high school/middle
school and community park complex that create
barriers to through streets. Thus, the routes for
emergency response are more constrained than
might otherwise be in a Plan Area of this size and
configuration. However, the major streets are
aligned in a modified grid such that all portions of the Plan Area are not more than one half (1/2) mile from
a major street. Interior streets, including collector
streets and primary residential streets, provide
relatively direct emergency access to the center of
each neighborhood.
The open space areas are directly accessible in most
instances from a public street that abuts the open
space.
4.7 PEDESTRIAN PATHWAYS, BIKEWAYS AND
TRAILS
The Rancho Cordova General Plan promotes a
bicycle-friendly community, where cycling is a viable
mode of transportation. To facilitate this goal, the
SCSP provides a safe, inviting, and convenient
network of bike paths and trails that connect
residential, commercial, employment, transit, and
recreational destinations.
The network includes a wide range of bike and
pedestrian paths, ranging from sidewalks adjacent to
all classes of streets, small pedestrian ways (paseos)
within neighborhoods, and informal bike paths along
the edge of open space areas. The SunCreek Parkway
is a major recreation trail that extends over three
miles through the heart of the Plan Area and
connects to the citywide trail network at each end.
Figure 4-18 shows the primary bike routes, secondary
trails (paseos), and Class II bike lanes.
Figure 4-18 also illustrates the planned configuration
of residential streets such that neighborhoods will be
designed and developed at a pedestrian scale,
generally less than ½ mile wide with less than a ¼
mile walk to a neighborhood center, usually a school
and/or park. The streets will be a modified grid
system with short block lengths for ease of
pedestrian and bicycle mobility.
Figure 4-23 illustrates the accessibility of residences to the primary bikeway trail system. Approximately
96% of all homes are within ¼ mile of the primary
trail system.
The alignment of bike trails that cross minor
residential roads and collectors shall vary from its
normal alignment swinging towards the centerline of
the paralleling street as the trail approaches the
intersecting street. The bike trail should connect with the handicap ramp at the curb return and cross the
intersecting street at the location of the crosswalk.
After crossing the intersecting street, the bike trail
would swing away from the street to its normal
alignment. Applicable bike trail design standards shall apply to all trails. The appropriate striping, signing and bollards shall be used to warn the driving public
of the bike trail crossing.
4.7.1. SunCreek Parkway (Primary Bike Route)
The SunCreek Parkway is a major off-street backbone
trail system that ties the neighborhoods together and
connects them to the other key destinations within
the Plan Area and surrounding community. On-street
bike lanes and pedestrian friendly streets augment
the trail system to provide direct point-to-point
connections between key uses within the plan.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.4-18 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) Figure 4-18, Primary and Secondary Trails Master Plan
Note: This graphic does not
show additional Class II bike
lanes on some local streets.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) I.4-19
The backbone trail system connects residents to
other major destinations such as schools, parks,
transit stops, shopping, and job locations. The
Parkway includes a portion of the planned citywide
master bike trail system that runs through the heart
of the Plan Area with connections to the surrounding
community.
The typical bike path along the SunCreek Parkway will
have a ten-foot (10') wide pavement section and two-
foot (2') wide shoulders on both sides of the trail.
The portion of the SunCreek trail along the City’s
primary bike trail will have a 12’ paved section and
two-foot (2’) wide shoulders on both sides of the
trail.
Figures 4-20 through 4-22 illustrate the typical cross
sections for the primary trail in various conditions
found in the plan.
4.7.2. Bikeway Connections to the Regional
Bikeway
The SunCreek trails will provide a connection to any
future regional parkway along the Folsom South
Canal at the intersection of Kiefer Boulevard and
Sunrise Boulevard. As described in the Rancho
Cordova Bikeway Master Plan (March 2011) (p.5-1)
the connection to the citywide primary bike route will
provide additional connections to existing and
planned regional trail systems including the American
River Bike Trail at Lake Natoma and future potential
trails eastward along the Deer Creek drainage and
along Laguna Creek to the Cosumnes River.
4.7.3. Bike Route Major Street Crossings
Major bicycle and pedestrian trails will cross major
streets at specific locations throughout the Plan Area
illustrated in Figure 4-18. Grade separated crossings
over or under the roadway could occur at the general
locations depicted. The design of some at-grade
crossing will allow conversion to grade separated
crossings if deemed appropriate in the future.
Major arterial street intersections will require special center medians and safety islands at turning lanes to
provide a safe crossing for bicycles and pedestrians as illustrated in Figure 4-19. Lighting, signage, striping and colored, textured paving will enhance at-grade
crossings.
Similar at grade crossings may be located along
roadway links where there is no intersecting
roadway. This will provide continuity for major bike
and pedestrian routes that may not cross at street
intersection
Figure 4-19 Conceptual Arterial Street At-
Grade Crossing
Width Varies
Width Varies
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.4-20 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022)
4.7.4. Greenway and Paseos
The SunCreek Specific Plan includes a network of
Landscaped Greenways, Paseos and Pedestrian
Promenades that connect to the backbone trail
system and enhance the pedestrian and biking
experience. Nearly all residences are less than ¼ mile
from this network, as shown in Figure 4-23.
Most of the greenways are adjacent to the open
space core and provide the route of the SunCreek
Parkway trail system through the center of the Plan
Area. Additional Paseos and Pedestrian Promenades
in key locations extend the reach of the backbone
trail system and provide more convenient access and
direct bicycle and pedestrian travel routes. The SCSP
establishes the general size and location of these
corridors, but detailed designs will be further refined with future tentative maps and improvement plans.
Site plans for mixed-use commercial centers that
include Paseo or Pedestrian Promenade shall include
such pedestrian ways as part of the design review
process. The associated landscaping and amenities
provide an attractive experience while taking into
account safety issues and minimizing water use and
maintenance costs.
4.7.5. Safe Walk to School Routes
The location of the schools and the design of the
street and pedestrian network is designed to
facilitate and encourage walking or biking to school.
Elementary schools are located in the center of
neighborhoods to shorten walking distance and
minimize major road crossings. Approximately 93% of
all residences are within ½ mile of an elementary
school. The schools are adjacent to primary
residential or collector streets that provide safe
connections to the surrounding neighborhood.
Figure 4-18 shows schools connecting to the
backbone trail system for easy access from
neighborhoods and safe crossing of major streets,
when necessary. Similarly, the high school / middle
school complex near the center of the Specific Plan
links to the backbone trail system for easy access.
Figure 4-20 Primary Trail Adjacent to Arterial Street and Open Space
Note: Vertical curb is required on all
street sections abutting open space,
parkways, pedestrian corridors, and
parks.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) I.4-21 Figure 4-21 Secondary Trail Adjacent to Arterial Street and Commercial Land Use
Figure 4-22 Primary Trail Adjacent to Arterial Street and Single-Family Residential Land Use
Width Varies
10’ 6
’
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.4-22 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) Figure 4-23 Pedestrian Access to the Primary and Secondary Trails Master Plan
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) I.4-23
4.8 PUBLIC TRANSIT
The General Plan establishes transit as a key
component of the City’s Circulation Plan. Currently,
Sacramento Regional Transit District is the regional
transit provider that operates bus and light rail
service in and around Rancho Cordova.
The light rail transit (LRT) service parallels Folsom
Boulevard, connecting downtown Sacramento with
the City of Folsom, including transit stations in the
City of Rancho Cordova.
In addition to Regional Transit, the City initiated
transit services with the CordoVan service in the
Zinfandel Corridor in the summer of 2009. The City of
Rancho Cordova Mobility Master Plan identifies
Rancho Cordova Parkway and Sunrise Boulevard as
priority corridors that are critical transportation
connections. These corridors connect areas
throughout the city that are zoned for medium
residential, high residential, or commercial
development. Care needs to be taken in ensuring
that the design of these corridors support multi-
modal choices.
Figure 4- 24 Rancho Cordova Priority Corridors
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.4-24 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022)
Shuttle services will provide access to neighborhoods
and businesses within the city and will connect to
Regional Transit’s Light Rail Gold Line. Proposed
regional services, coordinated with Sacramento
Regional Transit, will focus on future Enhanced
Transit routes and additional stations along the Light
Rail Gold Line.
Neighborhood shuttles (CordoVan) will feed both the
transit routes. Rancho Cordova Parkway through the
SunCreek Plan Area can accommodate such future
transit use. The site design concept for the
commercial use at the intersection of Rancho
Cordova Parkway and Central Park Drive will facilitate
transit-oriented development. Refer to Volume II:
Development Regulations, Section 1.6.10.
As the city grows, new routes will connect residential, commercial, office, and industrial areas. Potential
new transit series include “enhanced transit,” jitneys, trolleys/streetcars, and other services that connect to the existing system.
Potential bus transit routes in the Plan Area could be
located along Kiefer Boulevard, Rancho Cordova
Parkway, North Campus Drive and Americanos
Boulevard to provide connectivity to the major
activity centers in the Plan Area.
Figure 4-25 illustrates the ¼ and ½-mile walking
radius around anticipated transit stops in the
described routing. Under these conditions,
approximately 65% of all homes will be within ½ mile
of a future transit stop. The backbone trail system
will provide safe and direct access to the transit
stations from the remaining homes.
4.8.1. Bikeway Connections to Transit
The SunCreek backbone trail system depicted in
Figure 4-18 provides direct bicycle and pedestrian
connections between the neighborhoods and the
potential transit stop locations shown in Figure 4-24
and will feed the City’s planned Signature Transit
Route and Enhanced RT bus routes.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022) I.4-25 Figure 4-25 Potential Transit Stop Locations
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
CIRCULATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.4-26 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (AMENDED OCTOBER 2018, January 2020, December 2022)
4.9 SPECIFIC PLAN CIRCULATION POLICIES
The following policies are adapted from the General
Plan for the SunCreek Plan Area.
Policy C 1. The SunCreek Plan Area shall
discourage the use of cul-de-sacs on local roads,
except where they are necessary due to site-
specific concerns, such as property boundaries or
habitat areas that preclude construction of
through routes. When cul-de-sacs are used, they
provide bicycle and pedestrian connections to
trail systems or adjacent major or connector
streets.
Policy C 2. The SunCreek Plan Area shall install
traffic pre-emption devices for emergency
vehicles (police and fire) at signalized
intersections.
Policy C 3. The SunCreek Plan Area shall provide
adequate access for police and fire vehicles
where traffic calming devices or techniques are
employed.
Policy C 4. Each park, school, commercial, office
and multi-family use must provide at least one
connection to the bikeway and pedestrian
network. The connection will take the form of a
paved and landscaped route between the main
pedestrian path in the project and the adjacent
bikeway.
Policy C 5. The trails, pedestrian paths and local
pedestrian streets shall be an interconnected
system of recreational and travel routes.
Policy C 6. The following table establishes the
minimum widths for sidewalks in the SunCreek
Plan Area. The City may adjust or increase these
to accommodate special circumstances of
individual projects. Meandering sidewalks are
acceptable in wide landscaped areas and should
follow a natural shifting alignment rather than an
un-natural oscillating alignment.
MINIMUM SIDEWALK STANDARDS
Street Classification Sidewalk Width
Residential 5-6 feet
Commercial 7 feet
Major Arterial 7 feet
Policy C 7. The SunCreek Plan Area shall provide
on-street bike lanes along all connector roadways
and on local and major roadways.
Policy C 8. The SunCreek Plan Area shall use
enhanced at-grade crossings, or grade-separated
crossings if feasible, where the SunCreek Parkway
crosses Rancho Cordova Parkway, Americanos
Boulevard, and Chrysanthy Boulevard.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013(amended October 2018, October 2019, December 2022) I.5-1 I.5. COMMUNITY DESIGN
5.1 PURPOSE
The Community Design Chapter addresses the
community character in the areas that are
commonly visible to the public. Primarily this is
the street public right of way but may also include
areas visible from the streets such as open space,
parks and schools and landscaped areas outside of
the right of way.
The community features addressed in this chapter
include:
• streetscape and corridor landscapes,
• gateways,
• open space edges
• water management basins
• pedestrian promenades and trails,
• art in public places
• landmark opportunities
In addition to these specific features, this chapter
also addresses the overall organization of
neighborhoods and the hierarchy of the streets as
a community design feature.
5.2 COMMUNITY DESIGN OBJECTIVES
The General Plan Urban Design Element promotes
a high quality of life for the residents of the
community. The SCSP responds to issues and
objectives identified in the General Plan. These
include:
• Ensuring that new development
contributes to a sense of place and
identity.
• Creating a high-quality urban design and
architecture that is visually pleasing and
inviting.
• Generating a theme with continuity
through architectural elements,
landscaping, lighting, signage and other
features.
▪ Establishing compact mixed-use
development that facilitates walking or
cycling to work, stores, restaurants, and
parks via pleasant pedestrian- and cyclist-
friendly streets.
• Siting buildings within a project and along
the street in pedestrian-friendly ways,
along with encouraging high quality
project design.
5.3 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ELEMENTS,
PLANS AND PROGRAMS
This chapter is closely related to Volume II:
Development Regulations. This chapter lays out
concepts and intent for public spaces. Volume II:
Development Regulations provides detailed
standards for the private development areas.
This chapter also corresponds with Chapter 4,
Circulation in that it addresses the design features
of the streets defined in that chapter.
The neighborhood design standards implement
the land use form concepts established in Chapter
2, Community Vision.
This chapter also provides design details that help
to implement the protection of the resource
conservation areas established in Chapter 6,
Natural Resources.
5.4 COMMUNITY DESIGN SETTING
Gently rolling terrain and the dominant drainage
corridor that will remain in permanent open space
characterize the Plan Area.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY DESIGN
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 5-2 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, December 2022) The natural drainage way corridors will be
accessible to the public along the edge of the
preservation area open space. Therefore, the
open space will provide a visual identity for the
entire Plan Area. Natural vegetation species will
provide an attractive visual edge to the open
space and the surrounding neighborhoods.
The major east-west boulevards and the major
drainage corridor will retain distant vistas toward
the Sierra Nevada to the east. Attention to these
distant views in the site design for all uses
adjacent to the major east-west boulevards and
the major corridor would add a notable design
character to the plan.
5.5 COMMUNITY DESIGN THEMES
The fundamental community image theme of the
Plan Area is pedestrian scale neighborhoods
surrounding small, sheltering public spaces linked
visually to large, contiguous open spaces. Small
nodes of lively color and activity interconnected
by a network of pedestrian and bicycle travel ways
comprise the community. The public spaces will
be focal points of design.
Small gathering spaces will be a hallmark of the
commercial and public areas in SunCreek.
Clustered building forms, bright colors, water
features, functional art, attention to detail,
comfortable sitting areas, and space for people to
gather will be hallmarks of the central districts.
Beyond the central districts, the dominant theme
element will be the open space. Landscaping,
materials, lighting and signage will take their cues
from the natural elements. Landscaping will tend
to be naturalized rather than formal. Turf will be
used sparingly, and the plant palette will favor
native or native compatible species. Natural
ground covers, such as pea gravel and
decomposed granite will be common.
5.6 NEIGHBORHOOD FORM
The SCSP emphasizes the livability of
neighborhoods in the design for pedestrian
friendly streets, ease of pedestrian access to the
commercial and commercial mixed-use centers,
and in the design of neighborhoods with their
orientation to neighborhood parks and linear
open space.
The neighborhood spatial form relates directly to
the land use principles set forth in SCSP Chapters
2 and 3. In keeping with the General Plan building
block concepts and the General Plan Land Use
Smart Growth Principles, (refer to SCSP Sections
2.2.1 and 2.2.2) the SunCreek residential
neighborhoods will be pedestrian friendly with a
well-defined core of public and commercial uses.
A network of pedestrian corridors that extend
outward from the commercial center and connect
with the neighborhood parks serves each
neighborhood.
As illustrated in Figure 2-3, the neighborhoods in
the Specific Plan will be generally consistent with
the following guiding principles.
• Neighborhoods have a radius of
approximately one-quarter to one-third
mile.
• The edges of the neighborhood are
identifiable by use of landscaped areas
along major streets or natural features,
such as permanent open space.
• Each neighborhood includes a distinct
center, such as an elementary school,
neighborhood park, and/or a mixed-use
commercial area within a reasonable
walking distance of the homes,
approximately one-half mile.
• Residences are oriented toward the parks
and open space. The neighborhood parks
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY DESIGN
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, December 2022) I.5-3
have frontage on at least two single-
loaded streets to provide for visibility and
ready access.
• A single loaded street and/or a pedestrian
trail, as illustrated in Figure 5-1 front all
open space areas.
5.7 OPEN SPACE AND THE GREAT PARK
CONCEPT
The “Great Park “concept includes not just the
community park and open space, but all of the
public buildings and spaces connected to those
features. The “Great Park” is similar to the “Great
Room” concept in residential design in which
several living spaces are interconnected through a
flowing open room.
In the Great Park concept the extensive open
space is the focal element that links clustered
public spaces to maximize open feel. The open
space visually extends these active public spaces
to allow maximum connectivity and grand vistas.
Figure 5-1 illustrates the core structure of
extensive open space, parks, and school complex
in the center of the plan. This expansive open
area provides the signature feature for the
community that includes the major social,
recreational, and institutional elements. This core
area also serves as the hub for the pedestrian
network.
5.8 LANDMARK OPPORTUNITIES
The proposed land use pattern provides some
interesting possibilities for landmarks that would
add to the distinctive character of this plan area.
The rolling terrain and the extensive open space
will allow views of landmark buildings within the
Plan Area. For example, the proposed high
school/ middle school and community park
complex will occupy some of the highest ground in
the Plan Area. Figure 5-1, Community Design
Features identifies this prominent location.
Not only is this a large, visually prominent area, it
connects directly to the linear open space
afforded by the resource conservation area and
the adjacent buffer areas.
Similarly, the open spaces adjacent to the Village
Center sites will provide attractive vistas from the
adjacent roads and open space areas.
Distinctive architecture and landmark buildings
located in the school campus and the commercial
centers would be visible for considerable
distances due to the relatively higher elevation
and the adjacent open space.
Conceptual view of landmark buildings.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY DESIGN
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 5-4 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, December 2022) Figure 5-1 SunCreek Core Open Space
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY DESIGN
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, December 2022) I.5-5
• The Elk Grove Unified School District is
encouraged to include a dominant
building near the highest elevation on the
high school/middle school campus to
create a landmark feature visible from a
distance.
• All development in Village Center (VC)
zone districts shall include a building form
that serves as a landmark feature.
5.9 PEDESTRIAN PROMENADES AND
TRAILS
Pedestrian trails will be common throughout the
Plan Area; however, there are opportunities to
create enhanced pedestrian areas that become
promenades in the Village Center and Regional
Town Center areas. As envisioned in this plan a
promenade is a wide pedestrian concourse with
landscaping, pedestrian scale lighting, and seating
areas. Outdoor dining, food carts, shops and
entertainment would be located adjacent to, or
near, the promenade. The intent is to provide
specific locations for people to walk and socialize
in a community setting.
Example of promenade adjacent to commercial use and
open space.
Figure 5-2, Community Design Features identifies
three potential promenade locations. Each of
these is adjacent to a commercial center and
passes by open space or a park. Two of these are
adjacent to a resource preservation area or a
drainage course that could provide an open space
edge. The third promenade is along Central Park
Drive where a pedestrian street provides a wide
sidewalk connecting the Village Center on Rancho
Cordova Parkway to the community park and high
school complex.
5.10 ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
The use of art in public places, both in civic
locations and as part of private developments,
contributes to the identity and character of the
SCSP. Public art can enhance the landscape and
provide focus within public spaces.
The individual builder may include art in public
places as an optional amenity. Art is not limited to
conventional pieces, such as statuary and murals,
although these have their place and are welcome
in the community. Art can be an integral part of
the public space that includes street furniture,
playground equipment and other utilitarian
features. The SCSP endeavors to make art an
integral component of the built environment by
encouraging opportunities for art in the most
common elements of the community.
Art as a play structure.
RCMC Section 23.722.050 identifies public art as
an additional amenity in pedestrian-oriented
spaces, particularly those greater than 5,000
square feet. Volume II includes a guideline for art
in public places within the Center form-based
zone designated areas.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY DESIGN
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 5-6 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, December 2022)
Art as a public sidewalk improvement.
Art in public spaces.
5.11 STREETSCAPE AND CORRIDOR
LANDSCAPES
The backbone street system including the minor
arterial streets, collector streets and pedestrian
streets defined in Chapter 4 establish the
framework for the neighborhoods. Typically,
these streets form the edge of neighborhoods
rather than slicing them into sub-areas.
5.11.1. Major Street Characteristics
Streets are a primary, inviting public places in a
community. The general objectives for all
streetscapes are:
▪ Provide identity and sense of place for the
SCSP.
▪ Reinforce the sense of pedestrian scale in
areas intended for pedestrian use.
▪ Create defensible and visually accessible
common areas.
▪ Screen unattractive but essential features,
such as utility equipment installations.
▪ Conserve water.
Table 4-1 in Chapter 4 Circulation provides the
specific standards for landscape corridor widths
along all arterial and collector streets.
5.11.2. Neighborhood Street
Characteristics
Local streets offer a variety of vehicle and
pedestrian paths connecting to the major
roadways. This street system disperses traffic to
create greater variety in route choices and
distribute traffic throughout the neighborhood.
Tree canopy shading will be typical on all neighborhood streets.
As described in Chapter 4, Circulation, the
neighborhood streets will be as narrow as traffic
safety will allow enhancing the pedestrian scale.
As described in Volume II: Development
Regulations, homes may be placed near the
sidewalk and should provide a porch or other
living space oriented to the street.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY DESIGN
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, December 2022) I.5-7
5.11.3. Street Landscaping
Landscaping should soften the built environment
and create attractive places. Landscaping should
relieve the overall mass and scale of the
structures, frame outdoor spaces, and create a
strong sense of place. Landscaping should also
reduce the heat-island effect caused by paved
surfaces and minimize the need for irrigation. The
landscaping helps to create visual interest and
promotes and nurtures the concept of an “urban
forest”. Given the relatively dry setting and the
lack of native trees in the plan area, the
landscaping will emphasize drought resistant
native or native compatible species.
On the major streets, trees will provide shade
along the street edge and sidewalk. Shrubs and
groundcovers will be selected for an open,
naturalized look, rather than placed in regimented
rows.
Example of naturalized landscaping.
5.11.4. Streets Along Open Space
Edges
Open space is a dominant visual feature in the
Plan Area. In many locations, streets will run
adjacent to, or cross, open-space areas. Figure 5-
1, Community Design Features illustrates the
location of the major streets adjacent to natural
open space. Arterial and collector streets, notably
Kiefer Boulevard, Rancho Cordova Parkway and
Americanos Boulevard will cross the open space
corridors. Many local residential streets will also
front on open space as shown in Figure 5-2
Community Design Features. These conditions
present special opportunities to view the open
space at many locations throughout the plan. This
exposure to the extensive open space along
roadsides will help reinforce the unique character
of this plan.
5.11.5. Street Furnishings
Street furnishings (including benches, trash
receptacles, bollards, planters, bus shelters, and
other similar amenities) within landscape
corridors shall not interfere with clear-vision
standards for street intersections, or pedestrian
movement along the sidewalk.
5.11.6. Street Lighting
Volume II: Development Regulations provides
detailed standards for outdoor lighting. In
general, the street lighting plan will emphasize
pedestrian lighting.
5.11.7. Walls and Fences
The Plan generally minimizes the need for sound
walls along the major street corridors. Alley
loaded town homes, cottages, multi-family
housing, parks, open space, and commercial uses
are the most common uses located along major
streets. Walls and fences screen public facilities,
provide sound barriers, privacy, and security for
private property, and bar entry to environmentally
sensitive areas.
Volume II: Development Regulations Section 1.5.6
provides development standards for walls and
fences.
5.11.8. Neighborhood Gateways
Neighborhood entrances are enlarged landscape
areas added to the landscape corridors at highly
visible street intersection locations. Entrances
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY DESIGN
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 5-8 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, December 2022)
Figure 5-2, Community Design Features
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY DESIGN
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, December 2022) I.5-9
provide a distinct gateway and a common design
element that visually distinguishes individual
neighborhoods in the Plan Area. Inclusion of a
common design element, color, symbol or other
distinguishing characteristic will also establish an
identity for the entire SunCreek Plan Area.
Figure 5-2 Community Design Features identifies
the conceptual location of neighborhood
gateways throughout the plan. The applicant for
individual subdivisions will determine the specific
location and design character of the gateways.
5.12 WATER MANAGEMENT FEATURES
Water management basins are typically located
along the edge of the primary drainage corridor.
Figure 5-2 Community Design Features shows the
location of the basins. Additional basins may be
required within the planned development areas.
The significant number of basins and their
prominent locations make them a dominant visual
element.
All basins will be visual amenities that are an
extension of the landscape on the nearby streets.
In most instances, this will involve naturalized
drought tolerant and low maintenance
landscaping. The basins may have a permanent
pool serving water quality purposes.
Example of naturalized detention basin adjacent to
landscape corridor trail.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
COMMUNITY DESIGN
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 5-10 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, October 2019, December 2022)
INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013(amended January 2020, December 2022) I.6-1 I.6. NATURAL RESOURCE S
6.1 PURPOSE
The Natural Resources Chapter identifies the ways
in which the SunCreek Specific Plan (SCSP) will
protect, maintain, and enhance its natural
resources for the betterment of current residents
and future generations. It also addresses
conservation of all resources, including air, water
supply and quality, soils, and energy for the
common good. This Chapter identifies the
preservation of wetland and habitat resources
within the Plan Area.
6.2 OBJECTIVES
The resource objectives addressed in this Chapter
respond to the General Plan. These include:
▪ Protecting wildlife and wetlands areas.
▪ Ensuring compatibility and mutual benefit,
to the maximum extent feasible, between
mitigation preserves and urban
development.
▪ Reducing the impacts of new development
on the use of water resources.
▪ Maintaining continuous and uninterrupted
connections between mitigation preserves
where not interrupted by existing
development to allow species migration and
minimize habitat and species isolation.
▪ Reducing solid waste production and
promoting recycling activities that seek to
reduce the amount of solid waste to state-
mandated levels.
6.3 NATURAL RESOURCES
The Plan area includes gently rolling grassland
crossed by shallow natural drainages. Various
wetland types, including vernal pools, are found
throughout much of the area but are generally
concentrated near the Laguna Creek drainage
corridor.
6.3.1. Conceptual Level Strategy
In March through May 2004, representatives of
the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Environmental
Protection Agency, and the US Army Corps
Engineers (Agencies) met to formulate a
conceptual-level strategy for avoiding, minimizing,
and preserving aquatic resource habitat in the
Sunrise-Douglas Community Plan Area (SDCPA), of
which the SunCreek Plan Area is a part.
The intended result of this effort is to achieve
reasonable protection and conservation of
federally threatened and endangered species
consistent with the Corps’ obligations under
Section 7(a) (2) of the Endangered Species Act
(ESA), while taking a regional approach to
avoidance and minimization of impacts to waters
of the US, including wetlands, in accordance with
Section 404 (b) (1) guidelines under the Federal
Clean Water Act.
Image of the primary drainage corridor following a
winter storm. This area would be part of the proposed
natural resources preservation area.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
NATURAL RESOURCES
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 6-2 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended January 2020, December 2022) To meet the goals of ESA and the Clean Water Act,
the Agencies arrived at the boundaries of
“Preserve Areas” based on best professional
judgment and best available information
regarding regional and site-specific biology and
hydro-geomorphology (such as wetland
delineations, species accounts, and environmental
impact reports), while recognizing that
development is planned in the area. Of particular
focus is the preservation of vernal pool complexes
and corridors for Morrison Creek and Laguna
Creek.
The developers and planners used the conceptual
level strategy to guide the planning of the projects
in the SunCreek Plan Area.
In October 2018, the County of Sacramento, the
Cities of Rancho Cordova and Galt, and other
agencies adopted the South Sacramento Habitat
Conservation Plan (SSHCP). The SSHCP Area,
which includes the SunCreek Plan Area,
establishes a regional conservation approach for
preserving wetlands and sensitive habitats and
mitigating for the impacts of development. The
SSHCP incorporates the underlying wetland
preservation principles that were included in the
conceptual level strategy. The developers and
planners of the SunCreek Plan Area worked
extensively with SSHCP staff during development
of the SSHCP to coordinate the SunCreek wetland
preserves, wetland buffers and adjacent land uses,
as illustrated in Figure 6-1, to ensure they would
conform to the SSHCP. The land use plans for the
SunCreek Specific Plan are expected to conform to
the SSHCP requirements.
6.3.2. Strategy Principles and
Standards
The following ten principles form the basis for the
conceptual strategy. These principles and the
identified Preserve Area guide the development of
the SunCreek Specific Plan and its associated
infrastructure master plans.
Principle 1. Maintain the overall hydrologic
integrity of the Preserve Areas so as to ensure that
there will not be a net loss of functions and values
in the preserve areas as a result of adjacent
development. This includes minimizing changes to
the distribution, frequency and duration of flows,
including restricting summer nuisance flows.
Principle 2. Maintain corridors and large areas
for wildlife and the propagation of flora. Preserve
vernal pool hydrology and integrity to benefit
listed plants and invertebrates. Establish
interconnected conservation areas that are
managed in perpetuity and tie into existing local
and regional planning efforts. Provide for
meaningful conservation of sensitive plant
habitats for species integrity and long-term
survival.
Principle 3. Manage storm water flows to
minimize changes to the existing flow regime and
to maintain or improve existing water quality in
the Preserve Areas, including minimizing changes
to the baseline flows in the receiving waters to the
extent practicable and not allowing untreated
discharges to occur to the aquatic resources in the
Preserve areas.
Principle 4. Use elevated roads, arched
culvert crossings and other practices for
transportation corridors that must traverse
Preserve Areas to the extent that is practicable to
minimize direct and indirect impacts to aquatic
resources in the Preserve Areas and to avoid
significant impacts to the functions and values of
the Preserve Areas.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
NATURAL RESOURCES
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013(amended January 2020, December 2022) I.6-3 Figure 6-1 Location of Proposed Natural Resource Preservation Areas
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
NATURAL RESOURCES
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 6-4 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended January 2020, December 2022)
Principle 5. Use conservation design elements
to minimize the effect of adjacent development
on the Preserve Areas by constructing, to the
extent practicable, single-loaded roads where
housing directly abuts Preserve Areas, designing
roadside landscaping to drain (surface and
subsurface) toward urban features and not
towards the Preserve Areas, and orienting houses
so that the front living area faces the Preserve
Area. Fences should be low and not restrict
visibility into the Preserve Area. Impervious
surfaces would be minimized. Within the
development area, storm water/water runoff
plans would be designed to use BMPs such as
vegetated swales, infiltration trenches, and
constructed wetland filter strips to treat storm
water and water runoff from the development
areas.
Principle 6. Locate compatible land uses next
to Preserve Areas. The preferred land uses
adjacent to the Preserve Areas are parks, hiking
trails, athletic fields, and other forms of open
space areas. Trails and bike paths to provide
circulation within a development area would
generally be located outside the Preserve Areas;
and would only be permitted to cross the Preserve
Areas if it is determined, on a case-by-case basis,
that such crossings are necessary from a
circulation standpoint and will be constructed in a
manner that prevents adverse impacts to the
functions and values of the Preserve Areas.
Principle 7. Mow-only firebreaks may be
located at the outer edges of Preserve Areas.
Mowing within the Preserve Areas should be
conducted consistent with achieving the goals of
the preserve management plan, including
promoting native/discouraging non-native
species. Firebreaks that necessitate herbicide
application or tilling, plowing or other soil
disturbance would be located outside of the
Preserve Areas.
Principle 8. Ensure Preservation Areas are
protected in perpetuity. This includes establishing
buffers and not locating lot lines within the
preserve boundary. Areas would be protected in
perpetuity through conservation easement that is
adequately funded for maintenance and managed
by a conservation-oriented third party. Preserve
Areas would be fenced and signed.
Principle 9. Implement mitigation measures
(avoidance, minimization, and compensation) that
adequately offset direct and indirect impacts to
aquatic resources and listed species. In general,
establishing the Preserve Areas is considered a
regional measure to achieve impact avoidance
and minimization. Vernal pools that are directly
impacted by projects should be mitigated at ratios
equal to or greater than 2:1 for preservation and
1:1 for creation/restoration. Vernal pools
indirectly affected should be mitigated at ratios
equal to or greater than 1:1 for preservation and
1:1 for creation/restoration. Preservation and
creation/restoration will generally be completed
in the same watershed but not within, or in a way
that would affect, existing wetland complexes. On
a case-by-case basis, preservation credit may be
given for vernal pools in the Preserve Areas
(except for the 250-foot-wide indirect impact
zone). Excellent opportunities exist in or near the
SDCPA for the establishment of a vernal pool
conservation bank(s) and a wetland compensatory
(i.e., restoration/creation) mitigation bank(s).
Principle 10. Recognize the realities and
constraints placed on construction design due to
infrastructure and market-driven forces by
considering the costs of avoidance and mitigation
measures and choosing measures that are the
most cost-effective way to achieve the long-term
goal of maintaining the biological functions and
values of the Preserve Areas.
The following sections describe the typical
approach to managing and protecting resources in
the Specific Plan Area. Development standards
that regulate specific design features for resource
management are included in SCSP Volume II:
Development Regulations Sections 1.5.7 and 1.5.8.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
NATURAL RESOURCES
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013(amended January 2020, December 2022) I.6-5
6.4 WATER QUALITY
Sub-surface pipes will carry storm waters and
other drainage toward the detention basins and
water quality facilities located throughout the
Plan Area. The primary design principle is to
prevent direct urban drainage discharge into the
main drainage corridor until it receives detention
and water quality treatment prior to discharge. To
achieve this objective, detention basins are
strategically located throughout the project to
capture all runoff from the developed areas up to
and including the 100-year design event. Each
detention basin will include the capability to treat
urban runoff to acceptable levels and to detain
and release storm runoff to mitigate any
downstream hydro-modification impacts that
would otherwise occur without detention basins.
Water quality improvement facilities will typically
be integrated with detention basins but may also
be located as independent facilities in the open
space buffer areas between the developed areas
and the Preserve Area. Each water quality feature
will be unique to reflect the water volumes,
terrain, and specific conditions at each site. In
general, the detention basins will incorporate wet
basins to treat urban runoff prior to discharge,
and outlet control structures specifically designed
to control the release of flows from the detention
basin to levels that mitigate downstream hydro-
modification impacts of the development. SCSP
Volume II, Development Regulations Section 1.5.8
addresses water quality protection.
All structures that discharge water to the Preserve
Area shall avoid concentrations of water flow that
could cause soil erosion.
6.5 WATER CONSERVATION
The General Plan includes the goal to “Protect the
quantity and quality of the City’s water resources.”
(RCGP Goal NR.5)
This goal is to be implemented through the
policies to "promote water conservation within
existing and future urban uses", (RCGP Policy
NR.5.1).
The SunCreek Specific Plan will implement these
policies by:
▪ Promoting water conservation efforts
through education.
▪ Installing low-flow appliances and fixtures in
all new development.
▪ Utilizing irrigation systems that reduce
water consumption, such as drip irrigation.
▪ Installing drought-tolerant vegetation and
use water-efficient irrigation systems in
landscaped public areas.
6.6 URBAN FOREST PLAN
The City General Plan includes a goal to
"Encourage the planting and preservation of high-
quality trees throughout the City." (RCGP Goal
NR.4)
The few existing trees that are within the
SunCreek Plan Area are located around former
homestead sites.
Nonetheless, even the General Plan policies
addressing preservation of landmark tree
resources are applicable when applied to ensure
the protection of future resources that will result
from new tree plantings.
"Conserve native oak and landmark tree resources
for their historic, economic, aesthetic, and
environmental value." (RCGP Policy NR 4.1)
Improve overall landscaping quality and
sustainability in all areas visible to the public.
(RCGP Policy NR 4.2)
Promote trees as economic and environmental
resources for the use, education, and enjoyment of
current and future generations. (RCGP Policy NR
4.3)
Consequently, all policies in this section relate to
creating and preserving an urban forest in the
developed areas and along the edges of
permanent Preserve Areas described in the
natural resources section.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
NATURAL RESOURCES
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 6-6 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended January 2020, December 2022) The urban forest would include all trees in private
yards, the landscaping in the parking areas and
around buildings in the non-residential uses, the
street trees, park trees, and natural landscaping in
the useable open space areas.
SCSP Volume II: Section 1.5.3, Landscape
Standards provides development guidelines to
establish minimum planting standards and require
appropriate tree species and planting densities
within newly landscaped areas that are visible to
or shared by the public. The guidelines will be
consistent with the adopted City Tree List.
6.7 SOILS RESOURCES
Protection of the soil resources in this Plan Area
relate primarily to minimizing soil erosion during
construction activities. Implementation of Best
Management Practices (BMPs) during
construction would avoid this concern. SCSP
Section 5.12 addresses Water Quality issues.
6.8 ENERGY RESOURCES
The City General Plan includes a goal to “Reduce
per capita energy consumption.” (RCGP Goal
NR.7).
Under this goal the fundamental policies that
relate to the SCSP are to "promote the
development and use of advanced energy
technology and building materials" (RCGP Policy
NR.7.2), and to "encourage the development of
energy efficient buildings and subdivisions" (RCGP
Policy NR.7.)
The development in the Plan Area will include
energy conserving design and materials where
feasible. Energy conservation techniques and
materials will undoubtedly become more
affordable and effective during the build-out of
this plan. Homebuilders will adapt the feasible
and cost-effective technologies to remain
competitive, as homebuyers demand lower
annual operating costs and homes that are more
efficient.
SCSP Volume II: Development Regulations, Section
1.5.7, includes standards and guidelines to achieve
energy conservation in individual buildings and in
the urban design of common areas.
6.9 AIR QUALITY
Sacramento County does not comply with Federal
or State mandated air quality regulations. Internal
combustion engines such as those in cars, trucks
and off-road vehicles are a major source of ozone
emissions. These precursors include reactive
organic gases (ROG) and oxides of nitrogen (Nox).
The Sacramento Air Quality Management District
(AQMD) has endorsed the Air Quality
Management Plan for the SunCreek Plan. The
plan includes many features designed to minimize
ozone emissions and other pollutants. In order to
improve air quality in the region it is necessary to
reduce the number of automobile trips. The SCSP
facilitates pedestrian and bicycle access, reduces
the number and length of automobile trips
through careful placement of trip destinations,
such as commercial centers and schools. The plan
distributes higher density residential uses along
the proposed local transportation routes and close
to the commercial uses in order to facilitate
walking to the shuttle stops and to local shopping.
The SCSP is composed of relatively small, well-
defined residential neighborhoods. Each
neighborhood includes or is near a commercial
mixed-use shopping center (refer to Figure 2-6).
Each neighborhood will facilitate pedestrian and
bicycle access to homes, shopping, schools, parks,
and jobs through a pedestrian friendly modified
grid street pattern and easy access to the
backbone trail system.
All non-residential land use will provide a safe
location for parking bicycles. This will consist of a
series of racks, which will allow bicycle owners to
securely lock their equipment while engaged in
activities at those non-residential land uses.
All collector and arterial streets throughout the
Plan Area include Class II bike lanes.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) I.7-1 I.7 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
7.1 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
This Chapter describes the parks and the open
space areas provided in the plan.
The objectives addressed in this chapter include:
▪ Create a community scale park that will
provide active recreation facilities in the
core of the southeast quadrant of the city.
▪ Provide a major civic core by coordinating
the design of the community park with the
high school and middle school campus.
▪ Provide Neighborhood Parks and
Neighborhood Greens within a short walk
from most homes.
▪ Connect the parks and open space with a
network of trails and sidewalks.
This Chapter establishes the standards and
general locations and configurations, for parks and
open space in the SCSP. Cordova Recreation and
Park District will own and maintain Community
and Neighborhood Parks. The SCSP does not
establish which entity, the City or CRPD, will
design, own, operate, and maintain other park
and open space facilities. Those decisions will be
made at the next stage of the development
process, prior to approval of the first Tentative
Subdivision Map in each phase of the SCSP.
7.2 PARKS AND CITY OPEN SPACE
The SCSP establishes a network of parks and open
space throughout the Plan Area. The parks and
open space provide space for active sports,
walking paths and bikeways, and natural areas
adjacent to permanent resource preservation
areas.
“Community Parks”, and “Neighborhood Parks”
are the traditional parks that provide active
recreation and large gathering places and are
given full credit for Quimby park area
requirements. These parks are included in the
tabulation of park area requirements discussed
below.
City Open Space is comprised of two distinct
categories, Community Places and Green
Infrastructure. Community Places must meet a
measurable area standard of one acre per 1,000
residents, whereas the Green Infrastructure is
required to meet a “functional standard” such as
enhancing pedestrian/bicycle and neighborhood
connectivity or enhancing drainage basin design to
promote recreational and aesthetic features in the
community.
Community Places may include features such as
Neighborhood Greens, Urban Plazas, Community
Gardens, Water Resources and Streams,
Designated Places within Pedestrian Paseos,
Private Recreational Facilities, and Community-
wide Open Space Facilities.
Neighborhood Greens include improved park
spaces typically one-half to 2 acres in size, such as
“pocket parks” typically found within residential
areas.
Conceptual illustration of a park adjacent to a Village Center near Rancho Cordova Parkway.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 7-2 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) Green Infrastructure involves the backbone
features of the community including
pedestrian/bicycle mobility and neighborhood
connectivity, multi-function drainage facilities and
utility easements, and pedestrian friendly street
systems defined in Chapter 4. These include trails
along open space, other linear greenways called
“Park Corridors”, the extensive pedestrian bike,
and trail system, trail nodes and trailheads,
pedestrian paseos, utility easement with trails in a
naturalized setting, Green Streets, enhanced local
streets, and enhanced detention basins, water
quality features and drainage ways.
Neighborhood parks or greens are in or near each
of the Village Center sites. These parks and
greens will function as places where people gather
for special events, as well as informally
throughout the day. They will be an integral part
of the commercial/social/institutional activity in
the area. Consequently, the design for these
parks will be carefully coordinated with the design
of the adjacent commercial and mixed-use sites in
the Center Form Based District design process
described in Chapter 3 Land Use. The final design
for each park and Neighborhood Green will
coincide with the surrounding area development.
In general, each Neighborhood Green and park
will conform to the configuration and location
illustrated in Figure 7-1, but the shape and
location may be refined in the Tentative Map
review process.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) I.7-3
Figure 7-1 Park Facilities within the Plan Area
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 7-4 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022)
7.2.1. Park Area Requirement
The City of Rancho Cordova requires five acres of
parks per 1,000 residents comprised of
Community Parks and Neighborhood Parks (the
“Quimby” park area requirement), and one acre of
Community Places per 1,000 residents.
Historically, CRPD has been the recipient of
dedicated Quimby parkland. The Green
Infrastructure add significantly to the open space
experience but are not included in the calculation
of the land contributing the park area required to
serve the residents of the Plan Area.
In this SCSP, the City, CRPD and the developers
have implemented the standards in a manner that
meets the requirements, goals, and objectives of
the General Plan policies, the CRPD requirements,
and City ordinances.
Table 7-1 details the park dedication requirements
that shall govern the SCSP based on the estimated
population in each designated residential type.
Table 7-1 indicates that the total population in the
SunCreek plan will be approximately 11,874
11,665 11,606 residents.
This population would require a total of 71.2 70.1
69.7 acres of park and Neighborhood Greens, of
which 59.4 58.4 58.1 acres would be in
Community and Neighborhood Park and 11.8 11.7
11.6 acres would be in Community
Places/Neighborhood Greens.
As shown in Table 7-2 the SunCreek Plan provides
65.3 60.0 60.8 acres of Quimby parkland, and
9.513.5 10.5 acres of Community
Places/Neighborhood Greens that together
provide 74.8 73.5 71.3 acres.
Developers may provide additional Community
Places/ Neighborhood Greens in the preparation
of Tentative Subdivision Maps. Should the park or
community area acreages provided prove to be
less than the area required by Quimby standards
and open space guidelines the shortfall shall be
paid through in-lieu fees.
In addition, the SCSP includes 6.1 acres of Park
Corridors, as well as 52.0 51.6 acres of preserve
buffer lands, 49.6 acres of detention basin areas
that will be naturalized to appear as open space
amenities, and 199.6 acres of wetland preserve
areas that will provide visual open space. The
preserve buffer lands provide opportunities for
trails and small play areas. Parks counted toward
Table 7-1 Population Estimate and Quimby Park and Neighborhood Green Area Dedication Requirement
Residential Category
Dwelling
Units
Population
per
Household
Population
Quimby
Park Acres
Required
Non-Quimby
Park Acres
Required
LOW DENSITY (2.1 to 6 du/ac) 827 872
875
2.95 2,439
2,572
2,581
12.2 12.9 2.4 2.6
MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (6.1
to 12 du/ac)
2,429
2,337
2,275
2.95 7,165
6,894
6,711
35.8 34.5
33.6 7.26.9
6.7 COMPACT DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
(12.1 to 18 du/ac)
320 285
342
2.03 650 579
694
3.3 2.9
3.5 0.6
0.7 HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (18.1 to
40 du/ac)
1,052 1.54 1,620 8.1 1.6
TOTAL
4,6284,54
6 4,544
11,874
11,665
11,606
59.4 58.4
58.1 11.8 11.7
11.6 ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) I.7-5
the “Quimby” park area requirement are each a
minimum of 2.2 acres in size.
The total area identified as Community Park or
Neighborhood Park in Figure 7-1 is 65.3 60.0 60.8
acres. All of this area will be improved park with
turf, tree canopy, and other park amenities to be
determined.
The CRPD may consider crediting private
recreation facilities less than full portion of the
Park Area credit.
An updated Park Land Equalization Table will be
included with the Finance Implementation Plan.
Quimby park land should be unencumbered and
programmable. Landscape/trail corridors along
public roadways should be located in separate
parcels that are not included with the park land.
When roadways or utility easements need to
bisect Quimby Parkland, the location shall be
coordinated with Cordova Recreation and Park
District.
7.2.2. Storm Water Management
Adjacent to Parks
Parks in the SunCreek Plan Area do not include
storm-water detention basins. However, two
areas adjacent to the Community Park will include
permanent water quality control basins. These
basins are not counted in the required park area.
The areas required for storm water management
will include permanently wet basins and are
therefore included in the Detention Basin
calculation. However, the design of the
Community Park may integrate these basins as
naturalized amenities that augment the recreation
and aesthetic features of the park.
7.2.3. Community Park, Open Space
and Public Facilities Complex
The centerpiece of the SunCreek Plan is the
Community Park located in the center of the Plan
area contiguous to the high school and middle
school. The Community Park consists of two large
parcels separated by Central Park Drive, wetland
preservation, drainage basins, and water system
improvements, The complex of parks, the
adjacent schools, the wetland preserve areas, and
directly accessible contiguous open space provide
a magnificent open space and recreation feature
encompassing over 320 acres in the heart of the
SunCreek Plan Area.
Section 5.7 describes this complex as the “Great
Park” concept, the signature element of the SCSP.
This area is a visual landmark that distinguishes
this community, but also provides the hub of an
extensive trail network linked to all parts of the
Plan Area. Figure 7-2 provides a view of the entire
Type Required Ratio Acres Required
Acres
Acres
Provided
Quimby Park Area (Community and
Neighborhood Parks) 5.0 per 1000 59.4 58.4
58.1 65.360.0
60.8 Community Places/Neighborhood Greens 1.0 per 1000 11.8 11.7
11.6 9.2 13.5
10.5 Mandatory Parks and Neighborhood Green Total
71.2 70.1
69.7 74.5 73.5
71.3 Green Infrastructure /Non-Mandatory Park
Corridors
6.1 Table 7-2 Summary of All SunCreek Quimby Park and Neighborhood Greens Provided ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 7-6 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) complex of Community Park and open space
included in the “Great Park” concept.
The Community Park encompasses 27.8 acres of
active area on the north side of Central Park Drive
adjacent to the High School/Middle School
campus, and 15.7 11.1 acres of active area
adjacent to the elementary school to the south of
Central Park Drive.
The community park will provide space for ball
fields, restrooms, and parking areas. These will be
suitable for recreation leagues for soccer, softball,
and similar active recreation facilities. Lighted ball fields may be suitable in these parks depending on
the design of the facility. Community parks also
include such amenities as playgrounds, large
community picnic areas, skate parks, splash/spray
parks, amphitheaters, etc. The adjacent high
school/middle school facility provides an excellent
opportunity for joint facilities such as parking,
sports fields, and other recreation facilities.
If the 27.8-acre North Community Park cannot
accommodate the required park facilities, Sun
Creek Specific Plan shall be amended to
reconfigure the community park to accommodate
the required park facilities.
Access roads to the two public/quasi-public
parcels south of the 27.8-acre Community Park
shall be located outside the park property.
The Village Commercial Center at the intersection
of Central Park Drive and Rancho Cordova
Parkway is a gateway to this Great Park. The
center provides gathering places, food services,
and other community-oriented businesses that
enhance the experience of the Great Park.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) I.7-7
Figure 7-2 Combined Community Park and Open Space Complex Note that portions of the park facilities
and the schools will include structures
rather than unimproved open space.
These features are considered part of
the overall concept of a contiguous
community open space concept.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 7-8 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022)
7.2.4. Central Park Drive
Central Park Drive is a key component of the
Community Park that links the park to the Village
Center at Rancho Cordova Parkway. The
Pedestrian Boulevard transects the southern
portion of this park complex with an unusually
wide landscape corridor on the north side of the
street as described in Chapter 4, Circulation.
Traffic calming features in the street (such as
described in SCSP Section 4.5), a narrow travel
way with parking on the side and signage will slow
traffic through this area. A bicycle trail crossing
will be included in the center of the park to slow
traffic.
7.2.5. Neighborhood Parks
Figure 7-1 shows four Neighborhood Parks and
five Neighborhood Greens in the Specific Plan.
Tentative Map approvals may adjust the parkland
and open spaces illustrated on Figure 7-1 to
comply with the park and open space area
requirements. Neighborhood parks will be 2.2
acres to 5.3 acres in area. Neighborhood Greens
are approximately 2.2 acres or less and may
include small recreation amenities such as play
and picnic areas.
Neighborhood parks are typically located in the
center of a residential neighborhood and/or
adjacent to a school.
A typical neighborhood park will include a large
multi-use turf field, play structure, group picnic
area, and a drinking fountain. Neighborhood
parks will not include restrooms or parking.
Figure 7-3 Central Park Drive (see also Figure 4-10 Pedestrian Boulevard)
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) I.7-9
7.2.6. Park Corridors and Wetland
Edge Areas
There will be additional opportunities for small
playground and neighborhood green facilities with
seating and shade shelters adjacent to the
extensive open space and wetland preservation
areas. In some instances, the park and trail may
be adjacent to a small detention or water quality
basin.
Example of a small play area along open space
edge or trail.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
SunCreek Specific Plan
I. 7-10 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022)
INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended January 2020, December 2022) I.8-1 I.8. INFRASTRUCTURE & PUBLIC SERVICES
8.1 PURPOSE
This Chapter describes the level and type of
public services and facilities to serve the
SunCreek Specific Plan (SCSP). The SCSP will
require extensions of public infrastructure
(sewer, water, drainage, and utilities) and
expansion of the public services, both those
provided by the City of Rancho Cordova, and
other public agencies. Public services include
municipal services, fire and police protection,
public schools, hospitals, libraries.
8.2 OBJECTIVES
The infrastructure, facilities and services
objectives addressed in this Chapter respond to
issues identified in the General Plan. These
include:
▪ Ensuring adequate financing for the City’s
infrastructure improvements and
community services.
▪ Ensuring that long-term funding sources
are available to operate public facilities and
provide public services.
▪ Establishing a comprehensive infrastructure
system to meet the needs of residents,
employees, and visitors.
▪ Managing new development areas to
ensure that water lines and sewer and
drainage systems are constructed in
advance of residential development.
▪ Coordinating with water, sewer, and utility
service providers to reduce incidences of
service interruption, improve the quality
and sustainability of services, and reduce
per-unit costs.
▪ Minimizing visual impacts and physical
impediments of utilities.
▪ Creating public schools that are at the
forefront of educational efforts, seen as a
viable option by all parents, and are safe for
children.
▪ Designing and providing local services to
meet the needs of residents.
8.3 DOMESTIC WATER
The SunCreek Specific Plan Area is located within
the Sacramento County Water Agency (SCWA)
Zone 40 service area and will ultimately be served
with surface water from the Sacramento River and
groundwater from the Zone 40 groundwater
system. A potable water transmission system
supplies surface and groundwater to the greater
North Service Area (NSA). This transmission
system has the capacity to meet 100% of the build-
out demand in the Plan Area.
Each phase of development within the SCSP will be
subject to SCWA Ordinances, Standards and
Specifications, Fee Structure and Reimbursement
Policies and Procedures (including eligibility for
reimbursement and reimbursement agreement
requirements) in place at the time of application.
Transmission mains in Sunrise Boulevard, Kiefer
Road, Chrysanthy Boulevard, and Rancho Cordova
Parkway currently deliver treated water to the Plan
Area. A grid of 8-inch to 12-inch mains will extend
from the transmission mains to serve local
developments.
The first phase of improvements will include
transmission mains extending east of Rancho
Cordova Parkway on North Campus Drive and
Central Park Drive, south of Kiefer Boulevard on
Sunrise Boulevard and Rancho Cordova Parkway,
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.8-2 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended January 2020, December 2022) and along Kiefer Boulevard between Rancho
Cordova Parkway and Americanos Boulevard. As
development of the plan area progresses, this
transmission system will be extended northerly
from Kiefer Boulevard along Americanos
Boulevard and then easterly along Chrysanthy
Boulevard to Grantline Road.
Per Title 5, California Code of Regulations, the
California Department of Education (CDE)
requires school districts to investigate potential
hazards associated with underground water lines
larger than 12 inches in diameter if they are
located within 1,500 feet of school sites.
Therefore, if there will be an 18-inch transmission
line along North Campus Road, it will need to be
studied, and the pipeline infrastructure will need
to be designed in a way that would protect the
school should a rupture occur. The cost of any
mitigation measures required by the CDE to
protect school facilities and students from
potential rupture hazards, of either the storage
tanks or the water line, should be associated with
the installation of the water infrastructure and
not the development of the school property.
Eventually, larger regional water transmission
and storage improvements will be constructed by
SCWA from the Central Surface Water Treatment
Plant (SWTP) to the NSA to meet future demands
within the area. These improvements will include
a 7-acre water storage tank site (two 1.5-million-
gallon storage tanks) with necessary easements,
proper ingress and egress and necessary
environmental clearances. Additional space may
be required if adjoining land-uses necessitate
buffer lands. The current site will be
reconfigured in the future to meet the design
requirements of SCWA. SCWA will install these
improvements when regional water demands
within the NSA warrant.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013(amended January 2020, December 2022) I.8-3
Figure 8-1 Plan Area Water System Map
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.8-4 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended January 2020, December 2022)
8.4 SEWER
The SunCreek Specific Plan Area is within the service
area of the Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD) and
the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District
(SRCSD). SASD owns and operates sewer trunk and
collector systems throughout Sacramento County.
SRCSD owns and operates the Sacramento Regional
Wastewater Treatment Plant (SRWTP) and interceptor
systems throughout Sacramento County.
The SASD Sewer System Capacity Plan 2010 and its
2015 Update for the BR East Rancho Service Area sets
forth the overall plan for sewer service in this area.
The SunCreek Specific Plan reflects the Sewer System
Capacity Plan. In 2016, SASD approved a Level 2
Sewer Study for the Plan Area.
Each phase of development within the SCSP will be
subject to District Ordinance, Standards and
Specifications, Fee Structure and Reimbursement
Policies and Procedures (including eligibility for
reimbursement and reimbursement agreement
requirements) in place at the time of application.
The Plan Area will be bisected into two independent
sewer sheds. Shed A will serve the northern portion of the Plan Area and is bounded by the Plan Area’s west,
north and east project boundaries. Central Park Drive
creates the southern boundary of Shed A. Shed B will
serve the southern portion of the Plan Area and will
capture the sewer demand of the Shalako and Jaeger
Ranch properties.
The backbone collection system in the Specific Plan
will be constructed within the existing and proposed
rights-of-way and along the SunCreek Parkway open
space corridor. For Shed A, wastewater will flow by
gravity from the intersection of Grant Line Road and
Chrysanthy Boulevard to the southwest through the
northern portion of the Plan Area in a new trunk
sewer line to the Shed A Pump Station to be
constructed on park land adjacent to the intersection
of West Park Drive and the high school/middle school
site easement. A series of local trunk and collector
sewer lines will connect to the new trunk sewer line.
Wastewater will be pumped from the Shed A Pump
Station in a 12” force main along West Park Drive to
North Campus Drive, then west to Rancho Cordova
Parkway and north to the Chrysanthy gravity sewer
manhole point of connection, where the wastewater
will be conveyed to the Chrysanthy Pump Station. The
Chrysanthy Pump Station connects with the Bradshaw
Interceptor that conveys flows to the Sacramento
County Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant as
illustrated in Figure 8-2.
For Shed B, wastewater will flow by gravity in a new
trunk sewer line from the intersection of Central Park
Drive and Americanos Boulevard along the SunCreek
Parkway open space corridor to the Shed B Pump
Station to be constructed at the southwest corner of the Plan Area, adjacent to the east side of Sunrise
Boulevard. A series of local and trunk sewer lines will connect to the new trunk sewer line.
The existing Anatolia III pump station will be abandoned with the first phase of development in the Shed B area
of the SunCreek Specific Plan, and a relief sewer line
connecting to the Shed B trunk sewer line will convey its flows southwesterly to the Shed B Pump Station.
Wastewater will initially be pumped north in an 8” force main to Kiefer Boulevard to a point of connection with
the existing Anatolia III 8” force main. The existing 8” force main would then convey the initial flows northerly along Rancho Cordova Parkway to the existing
Chrysanthy gravity sewer manhole point of connection,
where the wastewater will be conveyed to the
Chrysanthy Pump Station.
The Chrysanthy Pump Station may need to be upgraded
to provide additional pumping capacity to serve
development in the Plan Area.
As the Plan Area and adjacent areas develop, the
SunCreek Shed B Pump Station would be upsized and
connected to the Sunrise Boulevard (northerly leg) of
the Kiefer Boulevard force main that would convey the
flows to the Aerojet Interceptor. The Shed B Pump
Station could be connected directly to the Chrysanthy
Pump Station via a new force main along Sunrise
Boulevard if the existing Kiefer Boulevard force main
lacks adequate capacity or is not otherwise available at that time.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013(amended January 2020, December 2022) I.8-5 Figure 8-2 Plan Area Sewer System Map
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.8-6 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended January 2020, December 2022)
8.5 HYDROLOGY & DRAINAGE
The Plan Area topography falls gently to the west
and southwest with average slopes of
approximately 0.006 feet per foot (ft/ft). The
rolling grasslands are interspersed with grassy
swales, seasonal drainage courses that provide
significant amounts of natural storage.
The natural storage capacity of the primary
drainage corridor will remain in place because
this portion of the Plan Area will remain in
permanent open space in the developed plan.
Approximately 307 acres, (24 percent) of the land
area in the plan, will be permanent open space in
wetland preserve, wetland buffers, and storm
water detention facilities. These low-lying areas
provide the majority of the storm water storage
capacity in the natural (pre-development)
condition.
The Plan Area is located primarily within the Kite
Creek watershed. Kite Creek is tributary to
Laguna Creek. Kite Creek conveys storm water
southwest towards the junction of Sunrise
Boulevard and Jackson Highway in a well-defined
drainage course. A small portion of the northwest
corner of the Plan Area is located in the Morrison
Creek watershed, and a small portion of the
southeast corner of the Plan Area is located in the
upper Laguna Creek watershed as illustrated in
Figure 8-3. These natural drainages convey storm
water to the Beach-Stone Lakes area in western
Sacramento County.
The project proposes to limit peak storm water
flows (measured at the edge of a project) after
development of the Plan Area (post development)
so they shall not exceed pre-development peak
flows.
Peak runoff flows and volumes would increase in
the Plan Area because of the planned
development.
Figure 8-3 Drainage Shed Map
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013(amended January 2020, December 2022) I.8-7 Figure 8-4 Local Detention Basins
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.8-8 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended January 2020, December 2022)
Planned storm water management facilities
within the Plan Area will mitigate for increased
storm runoff created by development of the
Specific Plan Area. Areas outside of the Specific
Plan Area will be required to mitigate for their
increase in storm drainage runoff prior to
discharge into the Plan Area unless facilities are
oversized on-site to accommodate off-site
development needs.
Figure 8-4 illustrates several small detention
basins located along the primary drainage
corridor that will provide natural storm water
storage. Combining multiple detention facilities
for tributary areas throughout the Plan Area and
storage of peak storm flows within the Preserve
area effectively reduces the peak flow- through
the Preserve Area and at the Plan Area’s
southern boundary. This corresponds to the
undeveloped peak flow.
The detention basins are a key component of a
comprehensive storm water management and
water quality system that extends throughout the
developed portions of the Plan Area. In addition
to the basins, the system includes underground
pipe conveyances and all the surface components
of that system (including inlets, filters,
maintenance access, and outfall structures). The
overall drainage system will convey and treat
storm runoff from the Plan Area without reliance
on on-site LID design features. Each developer can
incorporate LID design features into the on-site
design of the project and reduce the size of the
water quality and hydro-modification basins
accordingly.
The storm water and water quality features
throughout the Plan Area are an integrated
management system.
The detention facilities will be located at the edge
of the drainage corridor where they will intercept
run-off from the adjacent development areas
before the water enters the main corridor.
The basins will provide water quality treatment for
urban run-off before such water enters the
wetland preserve areas. Urban nuisance run-off
water will first flow through the wet basin where
water quality treatment will occur. Run-off water
will then be retained in detention basins.
Although storm water management and water
quality improvement are the primary functions, the
detention facilities will also provide an aesthetic
and informal recreation function. The basins will
be an integral element of the amenities in wetland
edge areas that also include naturalized
landscaping and a bike and pedestrian trail system.
Minor amenities such as benches, trash cans, and
Typical basin feature located in the buffer area
adjacent to the Wetland Preserve will provide water
quality treatment and small volume storm water
detention.
The detention basins may hold water during and
immediately after each storm. However, the basins
include small, permanently wet, water quality treatment ponds.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013(amended January 2020, December 2022) I.8-9 picnic tables may be located near the detention
basins to enhance their recreational value. All
improvements must be located outside of the
wetland preserve areas.
The detention basins will be visual amenities that
include naturalized landscaping such as willow
and native oaks, as well as native companion
plant groundcovers and shrubs. With
consideration to maintenance, requirements for
the basin's primary functions of storm water
management and water quality enhancement the
design may allow for placement of boulders or
other naturally occurring features that would
enhance the aesthetics of the facility.
The banks of the basins will be designed and
graded such that public safety fencing shall not
be required in most cases.
The basins will appear as a visual amenity and
extension of the adjacent land use. The
pedestrian paseos and other open space features
designed into medium and high-density
residential uses, as well as Village Commercial
and Commercial Mixed-Use areas may include
stormwater detention facilities. Such facilities
would include small basins and swales that are an
integral part of the feature landscaping and
interconnected with the overall stormwater
management system. The incorporation of these
types of LID features into the on-site designs can
reduce the size of the water quality and hydro-
modification features in the detention basins.
The parking areas in non-residential and multi-
family residential uses may also function as part of
the storm water management system. Parking
areas and pedestrian areas may include
landscaping features that function as storm water
storage and water quality enhancements.
Some basins may be located adjacent to and at the
lower end of parks located throughout the Plan
Area. In these instances, the basins will include a
portion that is typically quite shallow and will
appear as an extension of the park. The basin will
serve as a water quality enhancement feature that
treats pollutants coming from the park turf and
parking areas.
Multiple detention facilities allow for phased
development of the Plan Area. Basins can be
designed and constructed to accommodate the
storm flow from small sub-areas.
Final design of each detention basin will occur as
individual neighborhoods are developed and the
need for mitigation of flows arises.
8.6 SCHOOLS
The SunCreek Plan area is within the Elk Grove
Unified School District. To accommodate new
Individual subdivisions may include small basins as an
entry feature.
Parking lot landscaping can include water quality
improvement features.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.8-10 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended January 2020, December 2022) students, the district will need to construct new
schools and expand existing facilities.
Table 8-1 summarizes the current Student
Generation Rate for Elk Grove Unified School
District. The projected student enrollment is
1,653 1,614 elementary school students, 468
456 middle school students, and 826 806 high
school students.
The Specific Plan shows three elementary schools
located to serve individual neighborhoods.
Typically, elementary schools are adjacent to or
near a neighborhood park on sites that are level
and square in shape. The elementary school site
in the Shalako property is separate from the
nearby neighborhood park, but accessible from
the corridor along the adjacent open space as
shown in Figure 3-1. Collector streets provide a
separate pedestrian path for children to walk to
school. Schools are also accessible to the
backbone trail system as shown in Figure 4-18.
Schools will have timely access to all utilities and
services, including sewer, water, gas, electric and
drainage.
8.7 LIBRARIES
The high school and middle school campus would
be the first-choice location for a library in the
SunCreek Plan Area however there also will be
several alternatives in the Commercial Mixed-Use
sites. Furthermore, the library could be in
conjunction with other parks, schools, or
commercial areas in the Sunrise Douglas
Community Plan Area.
8.8 ELECTRICITY
The Plan Area is within the Sacramento Municipal
Utility District (SMUD). SMUD owns and maintains
power lines within the Plan Area and will be the
provider of electrical service.
8.9 NATURAL GAS
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will
provide natural gas service. PG& E owns and
operates an 8- inch feeder main along the entire
Plan Area frontage on Sunrise Boulevard.
This feeder main is currently operating at 60-psi
pressure.
8.10 TELEPHONE
AT&T, Citizens, or Surewest will provide telephone
service to the Plan Area.
LAND USE DWELLING
UNITS
K- 6 Students per
dwelling*
7-8 Students per
dwelling*
9-12 Students
per dwelling*
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
3,596 3,494
3,492 0.3846 0.1093 0.2063
MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 1,052 0.2572 0.0710 0.0806
STUDENT
ENROLLMENT
K-6 ENROLLMENT 1,653 1,614
7-8 ENROLLMENT 468 456
9-12 ENROLLMENT 826 806
* Source: Elk Grove Unified School District, March 2019 ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013(amended January 2020, December 2022) I.8-11
8.11 FINANCING PLAN
The City will adopt the Financing Plan concurrent
with the approval of the SCSP. The Financing Plan
will identify the infrastructure and public facilities
required for development of the plan along with the
required financing. The financing plan will
incorporate and implement the guiding principles set
forth in SCSP Section I.9 Implementation and will
provide more specific guidance for phasing of
infrastructure and public facilities. The Financing Plan identifies potential phases and the backbone
infrastructure required for each phase. This provides
general guidance for future conditions of approval
and development of more detailed tentative map
phasing plans. The tentative map phasing plans will
provide detailed phasing for the build out of each
tentative map, including the specific infrastructure
required for each phase.
8.12 SPECIFIC PLAN POLICIES
The City’s goal is to have all required infrastructure
for a development phase, including onsite and offsite
roadways, completed or guaranteed to the
satisfaction of the City prior to the issuance of
building permits in that phase. The development
agreement and financing plan will identify the
general timing and requirements for arterial and
collector roadway improvements. Details of specific
roadway improvements required for each phase will
be clarified and finalized to the satisfaction of the City prior to approval of each tentative map.
Policy IPS 1. An assured water supply and delivery
system shall be demonstrated at the time of
project approval. The water agency providing
service to the project may provide several
alternative methods of supply and/or
delivery, if each is capable individually of
providing water to the project.
Policy IPS 2. All required water infrastructure for
the project shall be assured with bonds or
other sureties to the City’s satisfaction prior
to approval of improvement plans
and/or recording of a final map for a
particular subdivision. Water
infrastructure may be phased to
coincide with the phased development
of large-scale projects.
Policy IPS 3. Proposed water supply and
delivery systems shall be identified at
the time of tentative map approval to
the satisfaction of the City. The water
agency providing service to the project
may provide several alternative
methods of supply and/or delivery,
provided that each is capable
individually of providing water to the
project.
Policy IPS 4. The agency providing water
service to the subdivision shall
demonstrate prior to the approval of
the Final Map that sufficient capacity
shall be available to accommodate the
subdivision plus existing development,
and other approved projects in the
same service area, and other projects
that have received commitments for
water service.
Policy IPS 5. Offsite and onsite water
distribution systems required to serve
the subdivision shall be in place and
contain water at sufficient quantity
and pressure prior to the issuance of
any building permits. Model homes
may be exempted from this policy as
determined appropriate by the City
and subject to approval by the City.
Policy IPS 6. Sewage conveyance systems
within the subdivision shall be in place
and connected to the sewage disposal
system prior to the issuance of any
building permits. Model homes may
be exempted from this policy as
determined appropriate by the City
Table 8-1 Summary of Plan Area School Facility Requirements
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.8-12 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended January 2020, December 2022) and subject to approval by the City.
Policy IPS 7. Utility equipment shall be placed
underground, or strategically placed and/or
screened to the maximum extent feasible.
Policy IPS 8. Underground sewer, water, and
drainage facilities shall be installed to the
ultimate planned capacity as part of required
road construction unless otherwise approved
by the City.
Policy IPS 9. Public service providers shall be co-
located in park, commercial, office, and
mixed use sites that are accessible to persons
in need of services.
Policy IPS 10. Any libraries within the SCSP shall be
accessible to pedestrians, bicycles, and public
transit riders, in a highly visible location that
is accessible to unaccompanied children.
Policy IPS 11. School facilities shall be sited
according to the following criteria:
▪ Schools should be within walking
distance of most residences, and should
connect with trails, bikeways, and
pedestrian paths.
▪ Schools should serve as a focal point of
neighborhood activity and be
interconnected with parks, greenways,
and off-street paths whenever possible.
▪ New schools should be placed adjacent
to neighborhood and community parks
whenever possible and be designed to
promote joint use of appropriate
facilities.
Policy IPS 12. An On-Site Phasing Plan, On-Site
Phasing Guidelines, and an Off-Site
Infrastructure shall be included within the
SunCreek Finance Plan.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended July 13, 2015, October 2018, January 202 0, May 2021, December 2022) I.9-1 I.9. IMPLEMENTATION
9.1 PURPOSE
A series of development entitlements between
the City and the developers will govern
Implementation of the policies set forth in this
Specific Plan document. The SunCreek Specific
Plan (SCSP) establishes land use designations for
all properties. The Implementation Section
primarily concerns two core elements:
• defining the obligations and means for
creating, maintaining, and operating the
physical infrastructure of the community,
and
• establishing the methods used to
administer the development of the
community. In many instances, this
involves references to the existing City
Municipal Code.
9.1.1 Definition of Terms
Throughout this specific plan, and notably in this
section on Implementation, the terms “small lot
map” and “large lot map” are used. Both terms
apply to Tentative and Final Maps as defined in
the Subdivision Map Act (Government Code
Section 66410, et seq.), and as administered in the
City Municipal Code Title 22 Land Development.
Due to the large scale of a master plan such as
SunCreek, land parcels are typically subdivided
into developable parcels in two distinct steps.
“Large Lot Maps” typically involve the subdivision
of the entire master plan, or individual ownership
areas into parcels of land similar to those
identified in Figure 3-2 Specific Plan Land Use.
The purpose is to create individual parcels for
allocation of infrastructure improvement
obligations and financing, and later sale to
homebuilders. This process typically defines the
structure of the “backbone” streets and utilities
that will serve large areas of the community.
“Small Lot Maps” typically involve the subdivision
of the large lot parcels into individual home sites
on which homes will be built and sold to individual
homeowners. This process typically defines the
residential scale streets and other improvements
that serve the individual home sites.
Both are subdivision map processes, but they
serve distinctly different purposes and are applied
at different stages of the land development
process. The following implementation measures
apply at these different stages as described below.
9.1.2 Approach to Financing
Implementation
The SCSP will require participation of all
properties in a Public Facilities Financing Plan
(Financing Plan) prior to development. The
Financing Plan will identify the infrastructure and
public facilities required for development of the
plan.
The Financing Plan will describe the financing
strategy and mechanisms to fund backbone
infrastructure and public facilities needed to serve
new development in the SCSP, and will include the
following elements:
▪ Description and associated estimated
costs of major backbone infrastructure
and public facilities (Phasing Master Plan)
to be constructed or acquired in
association with SunCreek development.
This includes roadways, sewer, drainage,
water, and public facilities (parks, schools,
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
IMPLEMENTATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.9-2 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended July 13, 2015, October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022)
fire protection, law enforcement, etc). In-
tract subdivision costs will not be
included.
▪ Identification of existing and new funding
mechanisms to pay for required onsite
and offsite backbone infrastructure and
other public facilities.
▪ Identification of general phasing
requirements for onsite and offsite
backbone infrastructure and public
facilities.
▪ Establishment of a policy framework for
financing the required major backbone
infrastructure and public improvements.
▪ Identification of costs associated with
ongoing operations and maintenance for
constructed backbone infrastructure and
public facilities.
▪ Identification of existing and new funding
mechanisms to pay for ongoing
operations and maintenance costs
associated with required backbone
infrastructure and other public facilities.
▪ Incorporation of the Guiding Principles
below that identifies the development
conditions and triggers for builders
regarding infrastructure required for any
given builder.
9.1.3 Guiding Principles
These Guiding Principles define the “rules”
regarding the funding and construction of
infrastructure and the phasing of development in
the SCSP. These rules clarify the approach for
developing required infrastructure as each project
or tentative subdivision map moves forward.
Development in the SCSP shall be consistent with,
and the Conditions of Approval shall include the
following principles:
Responsibility for Infrastructure Funding
Development within the SCSP shall pay the full
costs of infrastructure needed to serve the
Specific Plan area, except where other funding
sources are appropriate and available. The
Development Agreements or Conditions of
Approval will detail the amounts over and above
the developer’s fair share that will be reimbursed
or credited after subsequent developers pay their
fair share of the full costs of infrastructure. The
Financing Plan, Development Agreement, and
Tentative Map Entitlements will address issues
associated with timing of financing and
construction, fee credits and reimbursement for
developers who install public facilities.
Timing of Infrastructure Funding
The Financing Plan shall provide a strategy for
funding backbone infrastructure and community
facilities consistent with the timing set forth in the
Infrastructure Phasing Master Plan and these
Guiding Principles. Developers within the SCSP
shall be required to construct, or pay for the
construction of, public improvements as needed
pursuant to the approved phasing plans.
General Timing- Offsite & Onsite
Infrastructure
Both on-site (in the SCSP area) and off-site
(outside the physical boundaries of the Specific
Plan area) public facilities and infrastructure
improvements shall be installed to meet projected
development demands in accordance with the
City’s and/or other agency infrastructure
requirements and policies, unless otherwise
modified by subsequent entitlement approvals.
Linking Requirements to General Plan
Before building permit issuance in the SCSP,
infrastructure required of a specific project shall
be constructed to the satisfaction of the City
Engineer, consistent with General Plan Circulation
Element and Infrastructure Services and Finance
Policies in effect at the time of small lot tentative
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
IMPLEMENTATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended July 13, 2015, October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) I.9-3
map approval, unless otherwise modified by
subsequent entitlement approvals.
Refinement of Onsite Infrastructure
The Financing Plan shall provide the minimum
infrastructure required to meet the development
demands of each phase of development. These
infrastructure requirements will be refined as part
of the review and processing of individual projects
prior to the approval of small lot tentative maps or
large lot tentative map, or prior to building
permits for projects that do not require an
associated small lot tentative map.
Tying Offsite Core to Internal Capital
Projects
The City of Rancho Cordova Core Backbone
Roadway Phasing Plan provides minimum SCSP
offsite infrastructure required to meet
development standards throughout the city.
These offsite infrastructure improvements are
required and will be timed with SCSP onsite
capital improvement requirements, unless
otherwise modified by subsequent entitlement
approvals.
Offsite Core Infrastructure Timing
The Phasing Plan and Financing Plan will identify
offsite infrastructure timing requirements.
Finance Mechanisms and Funding
Availability
Finance mechanisms that ensure the availability of
funding for delivery of required onsite and offsite
infrastructure will be in place prior to the approval
of final maps or prior to the issuance of building
permits for projects that do not require an
associated final map. The required infrastructure
will be consistent with defined roadway
improvements in each phase of development and
consistent with City Core Backbone Plan
requirements.
Forms of Dedication
All dedications shall be in a form approved by the
City, including but not limited to grant deeds,
easements, irrevocable offers of dedication, or
other approved instruments. The type and form
of the dedication shall be at the sole discretion of
the City, or as otherwise provided for in the
approval of small lot tentative maps, or prior to
building permits for projects that do not require
an associated small lot tentative map.
Right-of-Way and Easement
Dedication
Developers shall be required to dedicate right-of-
way, public utility easements, landscape
easements and pedestrian easements for arterial
roadway, collector and residential roads
consistent with the requirements of the SCSP,
with the final map prior to improvement plan
approval or the issuance of building permits for
individual development proposals.
Park Dedications
All accepted parklands, paseos and other open
space shall be dedicated to the City or the
Cordova Recreation and Park District. The timing
for the delivery of parks, recreation facilities,
paseos, and open space shall be determined
before the approval of the first tentative
subdivision map in the corresponding phase of the
Specific Plan.
Major Roadway Timing and
Completeness
All required infrastructure for a development
phase, including onsite and offsite roadways, shall
be substantially complete to the satisfaction of the
City Engineer prior to the issuance of building
permits in that phase. Prior to occupancy, all
streets and improvements shown on the phasing
plan shall be completed to the satisfaction of the
City Engineer. The Development Agreement and
Financing Plan will identify the general timing and
requirements for arterial and collector roadway
improvements. Details of specific roadway
improvements required for each phase will be
clarified and finalized to the satisfaction of the
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
IMPLEMENTATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.9-4 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended July 13, 2015, October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022)
City Engineer prior to approval of each tentative
map.
These improvements shall include the full section
from curb to curb, streetlights, sidewalks, median
landscaping, parkway landscaping and other
roadside appurtenances. At the City’s discretion,
phasing of lanes on arterial roadway roadways
may be implemented through provision of wider
interim medians that will provide space for future
lanes. In addition, at the City’s discretion, certain
roadside elements could be phased with
construction of adjacent development.
Internal Streets Timing and
Completeness
The City’s goal is to ensure that the phasing of
construction within each tentative subdivision
map provides logical and reasonably complete
infrastructure for residents who occupy homes
prior to completion of the entire mapped
subdivision. As such, the developer shall provide a
phasing plan addressing sequencing and build-out
of all internal streets depicted on the tentative
map. A detailed agreement on requirements and
timing for the tentative map-phasing plan will be
finalized prior to the approval of small lot
tentative maps or large lot tentative maps, or
prior to building permits for projects that do not
require an associated small lot tentative map.
Logical Completion of Roadway
Segments
All roadways, pedestrian facilities, and bikeways
shall be constructed in logical and complete
segments, connecting from intersection to
intersection, to provide safe and adequate access
with each phase of development as conditioned
with the approval of each small lot tentative map,
or as set forth in subsequent entitlement
approvals.
Two Points of Access
Each phase of a project or tentative subdivision
map shall include a collector or local street system
that provides at least two points of access to
arterial roadways, to the satisfaction of the City
Engineer.
Arterial Roadway Completeness
Wherever collector or local roadways intersect an
arterial roadway, that arterial roadway shall be
improved, in accordance with the "Logical
Completion of Segments" and "Major Roadway
Timing and Completeness" items above, from that
point to the next completed arterial roadway
segment. Such improvements may allow for
future phasing of additional travel lanes at the
discretion of the City if traffic volumes and City
transportation priorities do not warrant full
construction at the time of development.
Intersection Completion
When intersections are part of the required
roadway improvements, they shall be constructed
to their ultimate configuration unless otherwise
approved by the City. If the City determines that
phasing of an intersection is appropriate, the
phased construction shall accommodate the
ultimate intersection design. Where an
intersection will be signalized, the new signal shall
be installed during construction of the intersection
unless otherwise approved by the City.
Ultimate Utility Installation
Underground sewer, water, and drainage facilities
shall be installed to the ultimate planned capacity
as part of required road construction, unless
otherwise set forth in subsequent entitlement
approvals.
Interim Improvement Alternatives
The phasing of infrastructure improvements
depicted in the Infrastructure Phasing Plan,
particularly sewer and water infrastructure
improvements, may not be the most cost efficient
and/or effective manner in which to phase the
improvements to service each phase of a project.
The City Engineer may consider interim
infrastructure improvements if the applicant is
able to demonstrate the viability and cost
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
IMPLEMENTATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended July 13, 2015, October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) I.9-5
effectiveness of phasing infrastructure
improvements. This agreement will occur prior to
approval of tentative subdivision maps.
Operations and Maintenance
Financing
All properties shall be included in one or more
financing districts (or will establish an alternative
financing mechanism) to provide adequate
funding as determined by the City for the annual
operation and maintenance costs of streets,
streetlights, drainage ways, landscaping corridors,
open space, parks, transit related services and
other public facilities prior to the approval of final
maps or prior to building permits for projects that
do not require an associated final map.
Police CFD for Residential Projects
Residential properties will be included in a
Community Facilities District that supports police
service costs prior to approval of a small lot final
subdivision map or for residential properties that
do not require subdivision, prior to issuance of
building permits.
Road Maintenance CFD
All properties shall be included in a Benefit
Assessment District or Community Facilities
District that provides additional ongoing street
maintenance revenues prior to approval of final
maps or prior to building permits for projects that
do not require an associated final map.
9.2 OVERVIEW OF THE PHASING PLAN
The Infrastructure Phasing Plan sets forth a
conceptual phasing plan for the major backbone
infrastructure needed to serve the SCSP. The plan
includes nine (9) discrete development-phasing
areas, each of which can be developed
independently of each other and in any order.
The concept of development phasing areas offers
a way of describing the orderly and cost-effective
phasing of backbone infrastructure construction.
9.2.1 Infrastructure Phasing Plan
The development of each of the phasing areas
depicted in Figure 9-1 do not indicate
development phasing or a prescriptive approach
to phasing; rather they depict conceptual
development phasing areas based on a logical
placement of infrastructure, utilities, roads, and
land uses that may or may not develop as
depicted or in the order noted. Furthermore,
shifts in market demand and available financing
mechanisms may also play a role in the way the
plan area develops over time and that may alter
the boundaries of the phasing areas, as well as
their number and the order of development.
The final infrastructure phasing will be determined
at the time of tentative subdivisions map
approval. Subsequent tentative map submittals
will include updated infrastructure phasing plans.
Infrastructure requirements for each sub-area of
development defined by the landowner shall
include all on-site backbone infrastructure and off-
site facilities necessary for each sub-area to
proceed. Included are roadway, sewer, water,
recycled water, storm drainage, dry utility,
recreation, school and other facilities and
improvements. Development will occur by sub-
area in a sequence established by the landowner,
however, development in advance of logical
extensions from existing infrastructure
connections will be at the cost of the
developer/landowner. Therefore, the opportunity
exists for certain parcels or sub-areas to move
forward subject to review and approval by the
City. Some phases may have reduced
infrastructure requirements if an earlier
developed sub-area provides required
improvements.
A full list of improvements and specific details
relating to those improvements are included in
the SCSP Financing Master Plan. Individual project
improvements will install all in-tract sewer, storm
drain, water, and dry utilities.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
IMPLEMENTATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.9-6 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended July 13, 2015, October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022)
9.3 FINANCING OF THE SUNCREEK
SPECIFIC PLAN
A variety of mechanisms will fund the construction
of public improvements to serve the SunCreek
Plan Area. These include Citywide impact fees,
County and Other Special District Fees, School
District impact fees, establishment of a Special
Financing District that could include a Mello-Roos
Community Facilities District (CFD), Plan Area Fee,
Assessment District, or Infrastructure charge,
developer financing, and other potential methods.
9.3.1 City Impact Fees
The City of Rancho Cordova has adopted a set of
development fees to finance capital
improvements including transportation, parks,
park renovation, police, library, and museums,
among other community facilities. Development
in the SCSP will participate in these programs by
paying the associated fees. Some of these
programs may require updating due to factors
such as the cost of improvements and the
integration of the SCSP land uses following
approval of SCSP.
9.3.2 County/Other District Fees
The County of Sacramento has adopted a set of
development fees to finance water, sewer, and
drainage capital improvements. In addition,
various special districts have implemented fees for
capital improvements and public facilities that will
apply to the SCSP. Future updates to these fee
programs may include certain improvements in
the SCSP.
9.3.3 School Financing
The SCSP is located within the boundaries of the
Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD). School
facilities within the EGUSD will be funded through
a combination of school impact fees, state
matching program funds, and funds from the Elk
Grove USD Community Facilities District (CFD) No.
1. 9.3.4 Special Financing District
A Special Financing District may be established to
help fund the construction and/or acquisition of
backbone infrastructure and public facilities within
the SunCreek Plan Area. As described below, a
Special Financing District could be a Mello-Roos
Community Facilities District (CFD), Plan Area Fee,
Assessment District, or Infrastructure charge.
Mello-Roos CFD
The 1982 Mello-Roos CFD Act enables cities,
counties, special districts, and school districts to
establish CFDs and to levy special taxes to fund a
wide variety of public facilities and services.
Proceeds of Mello-Roos special taxes can be used
for direct funding, acquisition, or debt retirement.
One or more Mello-Roos CFDs may be formed
over time to fund the necessary Backbone
Infrastructure and Public Facilities. Mello-Roos
CFDs tend to be favored over Assessment
Districts, described below, because Assessment
Districts need to establish special benefit to those
being assessed, which can be more challenging
than the Mello-Roos requirements.
Plan Area Fee Program
A plan area fee program establishes a
development impact fee typically for a Specific
Plan pursuant to local government’s police power
in accordance with the procedural guidelines
established in Assembly Bill 1600 (AB 1600) which
is codified in California Government Section 66000
et seq. This code section sets forth the procedural
requirements for establishing and collecting
development impact fees. These procedures
require that “a reasonable relationship or nexus
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
IMPLEMENTATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended July 13, 2015, October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) I.9-7
must exist between a governmental exaction and
the purpose of the condition.” 1
Assessment Districts
California statutes give local governments the
authority to levy several special assessments for
specific public improvements such as streets,
storm drains, sewers, streetlights, curbs, gutters,
and sidewalks. The agency creates a special
assessment district that defines both the area to
benefit from the improvements and the
properties that will pay for the improvements.
Thereafter, each property in the district will be
assessed a share of the cost of improvements that
is proportional to the benefit it receives from
those improvements.
Infrastructure Charge
An infrastructure charge is similar to a plan area
fee, but the revenue may be collected privately by
the Master Developer(s) either as a specific charge
or as a component of the price of the land sale. A
private cost-sharing mechanism between
developers will implement and manage this
funding mechanism.
9.3.5 Developer Financing
Direct developer/merchant builder financing may
be used to contribute towards backbone
improvements and facilities, shortfall financing
and for in-tract subdivision improvements.
9.3.6 Other
As noted, other financing mechanisms may be
utilized, including the creation of private districts
or associations to fund maintenance of certain
facilities within the SCSP. Specific financing
requirements, improvement obligations, fees,
reimbursements, land and easement dedications
1Public Needs & Private Dollars; William Abbott,
Marian E. Moe, and Marilee Hanson, page 109.
and conveyances, maintenance and other
financing and improvement related obligations
will be detailed in the SCSP Development
Agreements.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
IMPLEMENTATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.9-8 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended July 13, 2015, October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022)
Figure 9-1 Conceptual Development Phase
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
IMPLEMENTATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended July 13, 2015, October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) I.9-9
9.4 FUNDING OF ONGOING OPERATIONS
AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
The SCSP will be required to participate in a series
of special financing districts to fund public services
and the maintenance and operation of public
improvements. The SCSP properties will be
annexed to the Transit Services tax service area to
fund transit services and other travel strategies.
Formation of, or annexation proceedings for,
these districts will be completed no later than the
recordation of a final small lot map, or a building
permit for parcels not requiring a small lot map.
A combination of the funding mechanisms will be
used to fund ongoing public services, operations,
and maintenance costs. These funding
mechanisms may include, but are not limited to
the following:
Rancho Cordova Police CFD
The SCSP properties will be included in a
Community Facilities District (CFD) to fund a
portion of police operation costs.
Sloughhouse Fire Protection
The SCSP includes tax rate areas that were
formerly part of the Sloughhouse Fire Protection
District until it dissolved into the Sac Metro Fire
District but retained the name. This special tax
covers ambulance services.
Landscaping and Lighting District
A Landscape and Lighting District (LLD) could be
created to fund ongoing operations and
maintenance services for the landscape corridors
and any lighting.
Services CFD
Unless an alternative source of funding from new
development is identified, one or more services
CFD’s, or similar funding mechanisms, will be
formed in the SCSP to fund the costs of
maintaining streets, streetlights, drainage ways,
landscape corridors, open space, parks and other
public facilities.
9.5 DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
Each landowner shall enter into a Development
Agreement with the City of Rancho Cordova. Such
Development Agreement shall establish the scope
and intentions of the land use entitlements
granted to the landowner upon approval of the
SCSP. The Development Agreement shall also
identify the scope and timing for funding of on-
site and/or off-site improvements identified as
obligations upon the landowner(s) in the
Environmental Impact Report Mitigation
Measures.
9.6 SUNCREEK SPECIFIC PLAN
ADMINISTRATION
9.6.1 Specific Plan Administration
Authority
The City of Ranch Cordova will administer the
Specific Plan and related documents consistent
with the provisions of Article 8, Sections 65450
through 65457 of Title 7 Planning and Land Use
Law, California Government Code. Rancho
Cordova Municipal Code Title 23, Zoning Code
Chapter 23.152 establishes specific procedures for
adoption and administration of the Specific Plan.
9.6.2 Specific Plan Amendment
Procedures
The SCSP is flexible to respond to changing
conditions and expectations during the course of
its implementation. During build out of the SCSP,
amendments to the adopted Specific Plan may be
necessary to respond to changing circumstances,
including market demand, or to adapt certain
design guidelines or standards to special
conditions on a particular site. To address this
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
IMPLEMENTATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.9-10 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended July 13, 2015, October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022)
intent, the SCSP provides for both Minor and
Major Specific Plan Amendments.
Typically, property owners will request
amendments to the Specific Plan.
Scope of Amendment
Any proposed amendments to the Specific Plan
can include, but are not limited to, changing land
use designations, design criteria, development
standards, or policies. The Planning Director shall
categorize amendments to this adopted Specific
Plan as either an “amendment” or an
“administrative modification”.
The Planning Director shall determine whether a
proposed Specific Plan Amendment is minor or
major. The Planning Director may act upon a
minor specific plan modification known as an
Administrative Amendment. The City Council shall
review and adopt a Major Specific Plan
Amendment. The Planning Director has sole
discretion to refer any proposed amendment to
the City Council for action. Applicants may appeal
determinations and actions by the Planning
Director to the City Council.
Minor Amendment
An Administrative Amendment may be processed
pursuant to Rancho Cordova Municipal Code
Chapter 23.110.180(B), if determined by the
Planning Director to be in substantial
conformance with:
• The overall intent of the SCSP
• The applicable SCSP Development
Agreement(s)
• The City of Rancho Cordova General Plan
• The SCSP Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
Examples of Administrative Amendments include,
but are not limited to the following:
• The addition of new or updated information
that does not substantively change the
Specific Plan.
• Minor adjustments to land use boundaries
and street alignments that maintain the
general land use pattern.
• Variation in permitted use types and
development standards if such variations do
not substantively change the character of the
SCSP or are otherwise consistent with the
current applicable City standards.
• Changes to the provision of public
infrastructure and facilities that do not affect
the level of service provided or affect the
development capacity in the Plan Area.
• Changes to phasing boundaries or sequencing
that do not affect infrastructure sizing,
financing districts or the provision of adequate
services to associated development.
• Modifications to the Development
Regulations, such as revisions to design
treatments or changes in specified plant
materials, if it is determined that such changes
achieve the design intent.
• Changes to other Specific Plan provisions if it
is determined that compliance with such
provisions creates practical difficulties or
unnecessary hardship.
• Minor Residential Density Adjustments in
which the number of units within a residential
land use will be allowed to increase or
decrease provided that:
• The proposed change does not exceed the
maximum number of dwelling units
permitted in the assigned zone district in
the SCSP.
• The amended land use must be consistent
with the goals, policies and requirements
of the City of Rancho Cordova General
Plan, the SCSP, and affected Development
Agreements.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
IMPLEMENTATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended July 13, 2015, October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) I.9-11
• The amended land use does not result in
significant modification to conditions of
the approved tentative map, rezone, or
applicable permits.
• The amended land use does not affect the
Community Facilities District, or any other
benefit assessment facilities financing
arrangement.
Such amendments may be appropriate from time
to time in response to market feasibility;
regulatory constraints or other factors and will be
considered by the city on a case-by-case basis.
Specific Plan Amendment (Major)
If the Planning Director determines that a
proposed amendment does not meet the criteria
of a Minor Amendment, a Specific Plan
Amendment shall be required. An Amendment is
required when one of the following criteria is met:
• A new type of land use not specifically
discussed in the SCSP is introduced.
• Significant changes to the distribution of
land uses beyond that allowed by Section
9.6.3 Minor Density Adjustment, or other
changes affecting land use are proposed
which may substantially affect the Specific
Plan.
• Changes are proposed to Development
Regulations that, as determined by the
Planning Director, would substantially
change the physical character envisioned
in the SCSP.
• Changes are proposed to the approved
Phasing Plan that significantly increases or
alters the area boundaries or units
allocated by the proposed phasing
schedule.
• Any change proposed to the Plan that the
Planning Director determines could
significantly increase environmental
impacts or cause other significant
changes.
A Specific Plan Amendment shall be processed
and reviewed under RCMC Chapter 23.152 in the
same manner as the initial Specific Plan adoption.
9.6.3 Minor Density Adjustment/ Transfer
of Density
The specific plan assigns to each residential parcel
a density and allocated units, based upon factors
such as site location, conditions, and anticipated
market demand for a variety of housing products.
Table 3-3, Land Use Summary, in conjunction with
the Land Use Plan, Table 3-4, Land Use by Owner,
provides a detailed summary of the land use,
zoning, and unit allocation on a parcel-by-parcel
basis. The design of individual residential projects
may cause a more detailed assessment of these
factors that results in the need to adjust the
number of units assigned to some residential
parcels.
It is the intent of the SCSP to permit limited
flexibility in adjusting the number of residential
units allocated to and from any single family or
Medium Density (MDR) parcel and to and from
any high density (HDR) parcel in response to
market demand, subdivision design or other
considerations. To request a Minor Density
Adjustment, the owner, or owners of both the
transfer and receiving parcels shall submit to the
Planning Director a Request for Minor Density
Adjustment. The request shall identify the
impacted parcels, designate the number of units
requested for transfer, and provide other
documentation as required by the Planning
Director to determine compliance with all the unit
transfer criteria below.
Transfer Criteria:
• The transfer and receiving parcels are
within the SCSP and the total maximum
number of approved units for the entire
SCSP is not increased.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
IMPLEMENTATION
SunCreek Specific Plan
I.9-12 APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended July 13, 2015, October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022)
• The cumulative increase or decrease in
units resulting from the Minor Density
Adjustment does not change by more
than twenty percent (20%) the number of
pre-transfer units allocated to any one
receiving parcel as established by Table 3-
3 of the SCSP.
• The adjustments do not adversely affect
the affordable housing program as set
forth in the Affordable Housing
Development Agreement (or other form
as approved by the city). Any units
designated as affordable units and are
encumbered by an Affordable Housing
Development Agreement are not eligible
for unit transfers out of a parcel.
• The adjustments in density do not
adversely affect planned infrastructure,
roadways, schools, other public facilities
or SCSP fee programs and assessment
districts.
The Planning Director may determine that such
Minor Density Adjustments fulfill the above
criteria, and the adjustments are consistent with
the intent of the SCSP and EIR/EIS. Such
adjustments will not require an amendment to the
SCSP.
If the Planning Director determines that the Minor
Density Adjustment is not consistent with the
criteria, the Director shall deny the Minor Density
Adjustment, or refer it to the City Council for
resolution. The applicant may appeal the Planning
Director’s determination to the City Council for
resolution. The Planning Director may forward
any determination of consistency to the City
Council for review. When applicants request
Minor Density Adjustments that do not comply
with the above criteria, such requests shall require
an amendment to the SCSP.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
SunCreek Specific Plan
II. 1-1 APPROVED December 2, 2013(amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021 , December 2022) II.1. DEVELOPMENT REGULAT IONS
1.1 CHAPTER PURPOSE
The Development Regulations provide the
standards that guide development throughout the
SunCreek Specific Plan Area (Plan Area). The
purpose of this chapter is to provide clear,
comprehensive rules for development.
The development regulations are the primary
tools for implementing the concepts established in
SCSP Volume I Chapter 2, Community Vision,
Chapter 3 Land Use, and Chapter 5 Community
Character.
1.2 OBJECTIVES
The SCSP vision is to create a distinct community
with well-defined neighborhoods, retail, service,
recreation, and institutional centers linked by a
dispersed, inter-connected circulation network.
The vision includes relating urban development to
the physical characteristics of the Plan Area in a
manner that integrates open space and urban
development.
The development regulations encourage creativity
in designs that respond to the physical setting and
the community vision.
1.3 REGULATIONS IN THIS CHAPTER
This chapter includes two sections that establish
development regulations applied in the SunCreek
Specific Plan (SCSP). Section 1.5 addresses
regulations that apply throughout the plan. These
include:
• Neighborhood Connectivity
• Traffic Calming Measures
• Common Area Landscape Standards
• Streetscape Standards
• Parking
• Fences and Screens
• Sustainability: Energy Conserving Design
• Sustainability: Urban Runoff and Natural
Features
• Art in Public Places
• Outdoor Lighting
• Signs
Section 1.6 addresses the special design standards
that apply to the Center Form Based Districts
identified in Volume I Figure 3-3. The key
components of the form-based development
standards for the Center Districts in SCSP are:
• Permitted Land Uses
• Application of the Street Typology
• Design Guidelines for Buildings
• Street Frontage Building Types
• Site Development Standards
• Special Character of Each Center District
1.4 CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS
To encourage creativity and maintain consistency
with the City’s overall vision the SCSP
incorporates, by reference, the Rancho Cordova
Municipal Code standards. The SCSP also provides
special standards designed to achieve a certain
form and character in the Plan Area. This chapter
includes specific references to the applicable
existing City regulations, standards, and
guidelines, rather than repeating the entire
standard. This chapter also provides special
development regulations where required to fulfill
the design vision or specific conditions in the Plan
Area.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
SunCreek Specific Plan
II.1-2 APPROVED December 2, 2013(amended October 2018 January 2020, May 2021 , December 2022)
1.4.1. Municipal Code Zoning Standards
(RCMC-Title 23)
This chapter contains specific references to
regulatory sections of the Rancho Cordova
Municipal Codes (RCMC) Title 23-Zoning Code that
apply to development anticipated in the SCSP. For
example, the SCSP includes by reference
standards for signs, landscaping, lighting, and
other site elements provided in RCMC Title 23
Article 7 (Site Planning and Development
Standards). Specific standards applicable only to
the SCSP (identified as “DS XX”) supplement the
RCMC. Where this chapter is silent on a general
site development regulation, provisions of RCMC
Title 23 Article 7 will apply. Where standards
described in the SCSP differ from citywide
standards, the provisions of the SCSP will apply.
The RCMC may be amended from time to time.
The then current standards of the RCMC shall
apply to future entitlement applications at the
time that the project application is deemed
complete under Zoning Code Section 23.110.050,
Determination of Completeness.
The SCSP shall allow a deviation from Table
23.310-2: Residential Zoning Districts
Development Standards to allow a minimum rear
yard setback of 15 feet in single family residential
zones
Front yard setbacks may be uniform depth in
medium density residential and need not be offset
along a street frontage.
Application of Form Based Designations
The SCSP includes areas designated as Center
Form Based Districts as illustrated in Figure 1-4
and Volume I Figure 3-3.
RCMC Title 23 Article 5-Form Based Provisions
defines the concept of a form-based district in the
Center Districts in the SCSP. The RCMC form-
based development standards for the Village
Center (RCMC Chapter 23.507 Village Center Zone
Standards) and the Regional Center (RCMC
Chapter 23.513 Regional Town Center Zone
Standards) shall apply in the SCSP except where
specific standards are described in Section 1.6.
1.4.2. City of Rancho Cordova Design
Guidelines
Rancho Cordova Design Guidelines, adopted by
the City in September 2005, implement the City’s
vision for quality projects that enhance the
character of the community as outlined in the
City’s General Plan. The Guidelines describe
details of the City’s vision and the City’s design
goals. The Design Guidelines provide design
professionals, property owners, residents, staff,
and decision-makers with a clear and common
understanding of the City’s expectations for the
planning, design and review of development
proposals in Rancho Cordova.
Generally, the City’s Design Guidelines apply to all
new development within the city and are based
on development type, rather than zoning
designation. The Guidelines supplement the
minimum development standards in the City’s
Zoning Code (RCMC Title 23). Where the existing
zoning provisions do not allow the development
type or design flexibility preferred by the City,
staff will propose corresponding amendments to
the Specific Plan to ensure the desired result.
Volume I, Section 9.6.2, Specific Plan Amendment
Procedures prescribes the procedures for such
amendment.
The SCSP incorporates by reference the RC Design
Guidelines. This chapter provides specific
references to topics in the RC Design Guidelines
where applicable throughout this chapter.
1.5 GUIDELINES FOR COMMON AREA AND
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT
The following design guidelines apply throughout
the Plan Area wherever the applicable conditions
are found.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) II.1-3
1.5.1. Neighborhood Connectivity and
Circulation
The SCSP is designed to facilitate pedestrian and
vehicle connectivity between neighborhoods, and
between neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Volume I: Chapter 4 Circulation describes a
detailed plan for streets and pedestrian/bike ways
that provide a high level of connectivity
throughout the Plan Area. Also, refer to RC Design
Guidelines Connectivity and Circulation, p. 2:8.
Volume I Figure 3-2 Specific Plan Illustrative Plan
shows the conceptual development plan for
standard and minor residential streets. The final
route and design of these streets will be
determined in the Tentative Map approval
process. The following measures guide the design
of the neighborhood streets.
DS 1. The street system shall be designed to
encourage low volume/low speed traffic
within neighborhoods.
DS 2. The neighborhood street system shall be
designed to provide multiple, direct and
convenient traffic routes that make it easy to
walk or bike to nearby homes, parks, schools
and commercial areas.
DS 3. Single loaded streets shall be used where
practical adjacent to Preserve areas to
control surface run-off, and provide open
space views from the built environment
(shown in Volume I Figure 6-1 Location of
Proposed Natural Resource Preservation
Areas).
DS 4. The internal streets and pedestrian ways
in each neighborhood shall be designed so
that residents can easily walk or drive from
one neighborhood to another. Each
neighborhood shall provide at least one
neighborhood street connection to each
adjacent neighborhood unless constrained by
a major road, wetland preserve or other
significant feature.
Pedestrian Access to Arterial Street
Sidewalks
In some communities, long stretches of arterial
streets that do not have pedestrian connections,
residential street intersections, or vehicular
connections to the adjacent neighborhoods limit
walkability. As illustrated in Volume I Figure 3-2,
Specific Plan Illustrative Plan, the SCSP is generally
designed to provide residential street
intersections along major arterials and thereby
provide pedestrian access to sidewalks along
major streets.
DS 5. Access to the sidewalk along an arterial or
local streets from the interior of
neighborhoods will be provided at intervals
of not more than one thousand (1000) feet
and an average of eight hundred (800) feet.
DS 6. Pedestrian circulation will typically be
provided along residential streets that
intersect with the collectors. However,
where the road system does not provide
sufficient pedestrian connectivity along an
arterial street, access will be provided by a
pedestrian walkway connection (paseo)
between an interior street and the arterial
street sidewalk.
DS 7. Pedestrian access shall be provided from
the interior of neighborhoods to the arterial
street sidewalk within 400 feet of a transit
stop.
Example of a pedestrian link between residential street and adjacent arterial street.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
SunCreek Specific Plan
II.1-4 APPROVED December 2, 2013(amended October 2018 January 2020, May 2021 , December 2022)
1.5.2. Traffic Calming Measures
When included in proposed subdivision plans
traffic calming measures shall be developed at the
discretion of the project applicant and City
Engineer at the time of improvement plan
approval. Such measures shall be consistent with
the Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan
(NTMP). Chapter 7 of the NTMP identifies
approaches for traffic calming in new
neighborhoods.
Also, refer to RC Design Guidelines Connectivity
and Circulation, p.2:8, and Specific Plan Volume I
Section 4.5.
1.5.3. Landscape Standards
These Landscape Standards describe minimum
planting standards, appropriate tree species and
planting densities within newly landscaped areas
that are visible to or shared by the public. Refer
also to RC Design Guidelines Landscaping p.2:42.
The SunCreek Plan Area is relatively dry grasslands
with poor soils in the natural condition.
Landscaping in the street corridors and common
areas will add shade, color, and texture. The
effects will include a cooling of streets, sidewalks,
parking areas, and buildings. However, the
landscapes adjacent to preserves must be
compatible with the natural conditions that
include hot, dry summers. Moreover, the
landscape areas must avoid the potential to
change the natural ecology of the Preserve Areas
by inadvertently introducing invasive, competitive
plants.
Landscaped areas should appear to be an
extension of the natural open space, although
more attractive and diverse.
The landscape palette must emphasize drought
tolerant, non-invasive species that will be visually
compatible with the environmental setting of the
Plan Area. Lush lawns and water demanding trees
and shrubs are generally not appropriate but are
not prohibited where they may provide a focal
point or other landscape statement.
Street landscaping should include a primary tree
planted in a regular cadence to establish the
character and form of the street edge, but
otherwise should convey a sense of natural
informality. Secondary trees, shrubs and ground
cover should be placed with consideration to
water demand first, and then to form and color to
create a memorable collage. Mass plantings of
single species and plantings in a geometric grid are
to be avoided.
DS 8. Landscapes shall be designed with
consideration of the transition of the plant
mix as trees and shrubs mature and change
shape, color, water demand and shading
characteristics over time.
DS 9. All trees installed in all street landscape
corridors and common areas shall be
consistent with the adopted City Tree List,
and shall emphasize drought tolerant and
native or native compatible species.
DS 10. Where feasible, require that underground
utility lines near future tree planting areas
must be designed and installed to minimize
impacts to trees. Project applicants shall work
with the utility provider(s) to coordinate the
location and other potential impacts
associated with the under grounding of the
utilities.
DS 11. If provided by the City or other agency,
home builders shall distribute leaflets and
Informal naturalized landscape along open space edge.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) II.1-5 planting guides at the time of first occupancy
that promote the use of drought-tolerant
native vegetation in home landscaping.
DS 12. Careful selection and placement of trees
and shrubs shall be used to frame the view of
open space adjacent to streets.
Gateways
Gateways occur in several locations throughout
the plan at the entry to individual neighborhoods
as well as the primary entries to the SunCreek
community. Volume I Figure 5.2 Community
Design Features identifies potential gateway
locations; however, the specific location and
character of the gateway features will be
determined in the Tentative Map approval
process.
DS 13. The neighborhood entry includes the
landscape corridor plus an additional
triangular setback area. The neighborhood
entry shall provide an offset that may be
used for project signage oriented toward the
intersection.
DS 14. Landscaping in the neighborhood entry
may include accent trees, colorful annual
plants, signage and other special landscape
elements such as enhanced paving and
seating areas.
DS 15. Where provided at the rear of corner
clips, fencing shall be a masonry wall (with
pilasters or columns) to match or accent the
adjacent masonry wall.
DS 16. Improvements and plantings within
corner-clip areas shall allow adequate
vehicular lines of sight at intersections.
1.5.4. Streetscape
Street furnishings (including benches, trash
receptacles, bollards, planters, bus shelters, and
other similar amenities) are permitted within
landscape corridors provided placement does not
interfere with clear-vision standards for street
intersections, or pedestrian movement along the
sidewalk. Refer also to RC Design Guidelines:
Streetscape, p.2:46. The location and type of
street furnishings shall be reviewed at the
Tentative Map, design review, or improvement
plan stage as appropriate for the type of approval
required for the proposed development.
DS 17. The design of street furnishings should
match or complement the design of
surrounding elements including other
furnishings, walls and fences, and building
architecture.
DS 18. Street furnishings are to be low-
maintenance.
DS 19. Metal components of street furnishings
shall not be exposed such that they could
burn someone in high ambient temperatures.
1.5.5. Parking
The RCMC Section 23.719 regulates parking and
loading standards in all land use designations in
the SCSP. Refer also to RC Design Guidelines:
Parking, p.2:50.
Figure II.1-1 Conceptual Plan of
Neighborhood Entry Gateway
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
SunCreek Specific Plan
II.1-6 APPROVED December 2, 2013(amended October 2018 January 2020, May 2021 , December 2022) These standards regulate the amount, location,
and development of motor vehicle parking, bicycle
parking, and on-site loading areas. The purpose of
the standards is to provide for safe vehicular
parking, circulation, and loading requirements
supportive of a variety of uses in this pedestrian,
bicycle-friendly, and transit-supportive plan.
1.5.6. Fences, Walls and Screening
The RCMC Section 23.731 regulates the height and
location of fences, walls, and screening. Refer also
to RC Design Guidelines: Screening and Service
Areas, p. 2:54 and Streetscape, p.2:46.
Unless otherwise exempt in RCMC 23.731.040
(Exemptions), design review approval shall be
required for fences and walls.
Masonry Walls
Two types of masonry walls will be used in the
Plan Area. Simple masonry walls will be used
between dissimilar land uses to provide security
and privacy. Enhanced masonry walls are typically
located where sound walls are necessary along
arterial streets adjacent to low-density residential
and medium-density residential parcels.
Simple Masonry Walls
DS 20. Masonry walls that are used primarily to
demarcate property boundaries between
disparate land uses and are less visible from
public streets may be simple block walls.
Enhanced Masonry Walls (Sound walls)
Wherever sound walls are required to mitigate
sound impacts adjacent to streets, the following
standards shall apply. These standards shall not
preclude the use of other innovative methods of
project design utilizing greater setbacks, building
design, mounding, or single-story structures with
solid walls facing the street.
DS 21. Soundwalls shall be installed as required
subject to acoustic analysis and shall be
placed at the outside edge of the road ROW
or landscape easement. The area between
the road curb and the wall shall include a
public sidewalk and landscaping, including
canopy street trees consistent with the street
cross sections defined in Volume I Chapter 4,
Section 4.4.3.
DS 22. Landscaping should become the dominant
element in the corridor, rather than a
masonry wall. Therefore, the masonry walls
along public corridors should be a simple
design, of quality materials, that will
eventually be a background element
screened by, or visually recede beyond the
landscape materials. The appropriate designs
will include a simple, attractive surface
pattern, detailing to articulate the wall cap,
and columns or pilasters to mark the wall
ends and changes in direction.
DS 23.
DS 24. Columns or pilasters may be embellished
with textures, complementing materials, or
articulation details (such as shadow lines). In
addition, signature or logo elements that are
cast or otherwise incorporated in the column
or pilaster face may be included at end
pilasters at road entries into projects.
DS 25. Masonry walls along the public streets
shall not block views to the open space
corridors, or obstruct service access to
electric, telephone, cable, water or sewer
services or equipment.
DS 26. Variations in wall designs within the Plan
Area are acceptable at the following notable
break points only: creek crossings, arterial
intersections, and major changes in land use.
Notwithstanding this, continuity in theme
and materials shall be incorporated where
variations occur.
Enhanced Wood Fences
Enhanced wood fences or masonry shall be
constructed where lots abut a park or school.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) II.1-7 DS 27. Minimum solid-wood fence height is 6-
feet. Enhanced wood fences may be placed
on a berm not more than 24” above the
elevation at the back of the adjacent
sidewalk.
DS 28. Pilasters or columns shall be used in
enhanced wood fences at each side of
neighborhood vehicular entrances, at
pedestrian walkway entrances, and at each
angle point (change in direction).
DS 29. Pilasters and columns shall be constructed
of materials complementary to the wood
fence. Acceptable materials include masonry
block, brick, stone, cobble and stucco finish.
The pilaster material and design shall be
consistently applied throughout individual
subdivisions.
DS 30. Enhanced wood fences are to be of
redwood or comparably durable materials
construction, and if painted or stained,
should be an earth tone color.
Figure II.1-2 Enhanced Wood Fence
Example
Open Space and Trails Fencing
DS 31. Open decorative metal fences constructed
of tubular steel or wrought iron shall be used
adjacent to the open-space areas along the
rear and side property line of residential
parcels that abut open space areas. Open
fences, or post and cable, may also be used
adjacent to open space to define pedestrian
pathways and to separate different functions
within landscape corridors (for example, to
restrict access of dirt bikes and motorized
vehicles).
DS 32. Chain link fencing is generally not allowed.
DS 33. Open fencing shall not exceed 6-feet in
height.
DS 34. Brick or other masonry pilasters or
columns may be used as an optional detail
with open style fences.
DS 35. Bollards may be placed to control
vehicular traffic and pedestrian flow, and
along pedestrian/bike paths leading to the
school, park, or open-space sites. These
bollards shall be removable steel post or
approved replacement.
DS 36. Bollards may be constructed of metal,
precast out of natural or integral-color
concrete or of alternative materials approved
by the City.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
SunCreek Specific Plan
II.1-8 APPROVED December 2, 2013(amended October 2018 January 2020, May 2021 , December 2022)
1.5.7. Sustainability: Energy Conserving
Design
Energy conserving design not only reduces the on-
going operating costs of buildings but also
minimizes the demand for new energy sources.
The design of energy conserving buildings
responds to the climate of this region and thereby
establishes a distinctive architectural style.
Energy conservation can be implemented through
the following measures. Refer also to RC Design
Guidelines Sustainable Development: Solar
Access, Energy Efficiency, and Green Buildings, p.
2-62.
DS 37. Solar access for individual dwellings
should be considered where feasible in the
design of the local street network. Design of
buildings shall demonstrate consideration of
energy-efficient concepts such as natural
heating and/or cooling, sun and wind
exposure and orientation, and other solar
energy opportunities.
DS 38. Use of wind and thermal mass to heat and
cool structures and public spaces should be
considered in the design of all commercial
buildings.
DS 39. Buildings adjoining public spaces, such as
along a pedestrian path, should be designed
to provide sun to walkways and primary
gathering areas in the winter.
DS 40. Sun shade structures such as structural
overhangs, verandas, trellises and porticoes
may be incorporated at the primary entry
and pedestrian approaches to all buildings.
Example of Shade Trellis on a Commercial Building
1.5.8. Sustainability: Urban Runoff and
Natural Features in the Plan
Extensive open space is a major feature of the
SCSP that includes both naturally occurring
wetland areas and engineered water quality and
storm water control basins. The development
standards in this section address two primary
concerns regarding these features, the interface
with urban land use, and the aesthetics and
amenity of the open spaces.
Interface between Urban and Protected
Wetland Areas
Permits issued to individual landowners by the US
Army Corps of Engineers under Section 404 of the
Federal Clean Water Act establish the specific
development standards that shall apply to areas
adjacent to Preserve Areas identified in Volume I
Figure 6-1 in the SCSP. These standards protect
and manage those resources according to the
principles and standards identified in Volume I
Section 6.3.2 Strategy Principles and Standards,
Watershed Management Design Standard. Public
access to the Preserve Areas is strictly prohibited.
The naturally occurring areas are open grasslands
that provide broad vistas from buffer areas along
the perimeters. The edge areas provide a
transition from the urban area to the protected
wetlands. The plant materials in the edge areas
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
SunCreek Specific Plan
APPROVED December 2, 2013 (amended October 2018, January 2020, May 2021, December 2022) II.1-9 transition from non-invasive trees and
groundcover near the urban edge to natural
grassland and compatible species adjacent to the
protected areas.
The USACE permit will regulate irrigation and
fertilizing of plants in the buffer areas. All surface waters draining toward the protected area will be
captured and treated in surface water quality
swales prior to discharge to the natural drainage.
Where a bike trail is included in the edge area, the
trail will serve as a demarcation of the natural
grasslands. No trees or exotic vegetation will be
permitted between the bike trail and the
protected area.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
requirements for construction activities and new
uses pursuant to the National Pollutant and
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) will include
the use of Best Management Practices (BMP) to
prevent pollutant run-off during a storm
occurrence within the urban development areas.
The BMPs available to decrease storm water
discharge on project sites during construction
activities include both non-structural and
structural measures. The non-structural measures
include grading controls and “housekeeping”
techniques. Typical grading controls involve
timing, staging, setbacks and buffers, and
restrictions on activities within open areas.
Housekeeping techniques involve limitations on
material storage and disposal, soil stabilization of
all roads and entrances, dust control, and
mandatory site cleanup. Refer also to RC Design
Guidelines Sustainable Development: Urban
Runoff, p.2:60 and Sustainable Development:
Natural Features of the Environment, p. 2:64.
DS 41. All commercial and multi-family
development shall incorporate features to
enhance on-site water quality such as grassy
swales, multi-use detention basins, and
integrated drainage systems.
DS 42. All development within the Plan Area shall
apply best management practices to protect
receiving waters from the adverse effects of
construction activities, sediment and urban
runoff.
DS 43. The applicant shall install appropriate
signage to deter the discharge of hazardous
materials into storm drains. Such signage
shall be approved by the City of Rancho
Cordova.
DS 44. All Tentative Maps shall contain urban
runoff control strategies and requirements
that are consistent with Master Drainage
Plans and the City’s urban runoff
management program. Such strategies may
include participation in an area-wide runoff
control management effort consistent with
standards developed by the Public Works
Department.
Water Control Basins and Channels
The engineered basins and drainage channel along
Grantline Road are designed to protect the area
from storm water. The basins also treat the
pollutants in surface water run-off through natural
processes. These features primarily provide the
storm water management and water quality
treatment. These engineered features must also
be aesthetically pleasing, blend visually with the
nearby landscapes, and provide space for
pedestrian and bicycle trails. The basins are not
constrained by the federal regulations that apply
to the natural protected areas and so the
Example of a view to urban land use adjacent to natural open space.
ITEM 9.2.
ATTACHMENT 2
Exhibit A to the Ordinance