The purpose of the Specific Plan (SP) District is to provide for the orderly, systematic, detailed, and enhanced implementation of the General Plan for designated areas of the City. Preparation and processing of Specific Plans shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of State Law and this Chapter.

The City Council shall identify those portions of the City where application of the Specific Plan District is appropriate. The City Council shall initiate the preparation of all Specific Plans. At the discretion of the City Council, specific plans may be prepared by the City or by persons representing affected property owners.

When the City Council finds that a specific plan is an appropriate method of planning for the future development of property and implementing the General Plan, the cost for preparation of the specific plan shall be borne by such property owner. The method for determining costs of preparation and making payment shall be as specified in a resolution adopted at the time of initiation of the specific plan and the final amounts shall be fixed upon adoption of the Specific Plan.

The procedure to establish a Specific Plan District shall be those described in Section 9.61.070 of this Code. Establishment of the Specific Plan District before the adoption of the Specific Plan prohibits the issuance of grading permits, building permits, or land use permits, unless such permits or entitlements are for the restoration or remedial maintenance and do not in any way predispose land use or development, prior to the adoption of a Specific Plan.

A Specific Plan shall be adopted by the City Council in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9.61 of this Code. Adoption shall be by Ordinance, however, the non-regulatory portions of the Specific Plan may be adopted by Resolution. Adoption of the Specific Plan shall include findings by the City Council that the Specific Plan is consistent with, and provides for the orderly, systematic, and specific implementation of the General Plan.

Adoption of the Specific Plan shall include amendment of the Zoning Map to identify the Specific Plan area and its corresponding Specific Plan number, and inclusion of the Specific Plan as an appendix to the Zoning Code. Where the Specific Plan specifically addresses changes in the Zoning Code, the Specific Plan shall supersede those land use regulations applicable to the subject property, including the previously adopted ordinances, standards, and guidelines. Specific plans may either supplement or supersede all land use regulations applicable to the subject property including all previously adopted ordinances, standards and guidelines.

Any Specific Plan may be amended or replaced by the same procedure as the Specific Plan is adopted. Prior to adoption of the repeal of a Specific Plan, the City Council shall find that the Specific Plan is no longer necessary, and no longer provides for the orderly and systematic implementation of the General Plan. The adoption of a repealing ordinance shall include provisions for the immediate application of appropriate zoning to the area covered by the repealed Specific Plan.

As of the date of this Zoning Code, the following Specific Plans have been adopted by the City of Dana Point. Complete Specific Plans are provided as a separate appendix to this Code.