Welcome to the Northeast Area Specific Plan website for the City of San Carlos.
The Northeast Area Specific Plan was adopted in June of 2026 and is effective beginning July 22, 2026.
Learn more through past updates.
City Council Adopts Northeast Area Specific Plan
The City Council held a public hearing on Monday, June 8, 2026 and adopted the Northeast Area Specific Plan, marking a key step in advancing a vision for a new mixed-use district in the Northeast Area. The City Council also adopted related amendments to the General Plan, Zoning Map, and Zoning Ordinance, as well as the Environmental Impact Report. The community’s participation and feedback over the past four years truly shaped and strengthened this project. Watch the recording of this public hearing and find all meeting materials HERE.
Planning and Transportation Commission Recommends Adoption of the Northeast Area Specific Plan
The Planning and Transportation Commission held a public hearing on May 18, 2026 and recommended the City Council adopt the Northeast Area Specific Plan and related amendments to the General Plan, Zoning Map, and Zoning Ordinance, as well as certify the Environmental Impact Report. Watch the recording of this public hearing and find all meeting materials HERE.
City Council Study Session on September 8, 2025
The City Council held a study session on September 8, 2025 at 7 PM to provide direction on potential revisions to the draft Northeast Area Specific Plan. Topics of discussion include residential density, maximum building height, public open space, stakeholder input, and the project timeline. Watch the recording of the Study Session and find the meeting presentation HERE.
City Council Study Session on May 27, 2025
The City Council provided input on the Public Draft at a study Session on May 27, 2025 at 7 PM. Watch the recording of the Study Session and find the meeting presentation HERE.
Planning and Transportation Provides Input at a Study Session on April 2, 2025.
The Planning and Transportation Commission provided input on the Public Draft at a study session on April 2, 2025 at 6pm. The feedback gathered from April 2nd meeting will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration at a future City Council study session. Following both meetings, City staff and the consultant team will continue to refine the Specific Plan in preparation for adoption. Watch the recording of the Study Session and find the meeting presentation HERE.
Learn more about the purpose of the Northeast Area Specific Plan.
Conceptual map of the Northeast Area Specific Plan in San Carlos
Why was the Northeast Area Specific Plan was prepared?
Over the last several years, the Northeast Area has received a lot of interest from developers who want to redevelop the area and build new buildings for life science and biotechnology companies. Because of this, the Northeast Area will likely see significant change from new development, and the City wants to thoughtfully plan for these anticipated changes.
The Northeast Area, which has historically been referred to as the Harbor Industrial Area, was annexed into the City of San Carlos city limits in 1997. Since then, there have been very few changes to the area. The Northeast Area is defined as the area north of Holly Street, to the San Carlos city limits at Belmont Creek, and between Highway 101 and Old County Road.