A specific plan is a tool for the systematic implementation of the general plan. It effectively establishes a link between implementing policies of the general plan and the individual development proposals in a defined area. A specific plan may be as general as setting forth broad policy concepts, or as detailed as providing direction to every facet of development from the type, location and intensity of uses to the design and capacity of infrastructure; from the resources used to finance public improvements to the design guidelines of a subdivision. 

Focus Areas

Focus Areas represent locations with opportunities for more intense development with limited impact on existing neighborhoods. Focus Areas require conformance with applicable General Plan policies, including approval of a comprehensive (specific) plan for each Future Focus Area, prior to implementation. The following is a list of focus areas and their status.

Focus Area Specific Plans in Progress

• El Camino Real
• Santa Clara Station Focus Area

Adopted Specific Plans & Precise Plans 

• Lawrence Station
• Tasman East
• Patrick Henry Drive
• Downtown Precise Plan

Focus Areas with No Specific Plan

• Stevens Creek Boulevard Focus Area

Future Focus Areas (Phase III of General Plan)

Per the General Plan, planning for Phase III Future Focus Areas will begin in 2023.

• Freedom Circle Focus Area
• Central Expressway Focus Area
• De La Cruz Focus Area