Planning decisions in Pacifica are guided by a layered set of adopted plans, codes, and guidelines. The General Plan sets the city's long-range vision for land use, housing, circulation, and conservation. The Zoning Ordinance translates General Plan policies into specific rules for each district, governing uses, density, setbacks, and design standards. For properties in the Coastal Zone, projects must also be consistent with the Local Coastal Land Use Plan and may require a Coastal Development Permit under the California Coastal Act. In some areas, specific plans and design guidelines provide additional direction. Key planning documents are linked below.

General Plan

• General Plan 2040
• Housing Element of the General Plan (2023–2031)
• General Plan 1980

Municipal Code

• Pacifica Municipal Code
• Zoning Ordinance — Title 9, Chapter 4
  • R-1 Single Family Residential Zoning District
• Subdivisions and Dedications - Title 10
• Zoning Maps

Coastal Zone Permitting

• Local Coastal Land Use Plan
• Coastal Zone Map

Other Guidelines, Plans & Studies

• Rockaway Beach Specific Plan
• Rockaway Beach Design Manual
• Sharp Park Specific Plan — adopted; pending Coastal Commission certification
• Pacifica Design Guidelines (1990)
• Bicycle Plan (2000)
• Fairmont Shopping Center Master Use list

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