The plan should be revised as needed prior to final adoption to incorporate regulations and conditions directly into the plan. Just as in the adoption, the planning commission and legislative body must each hold at least one public hearing prior to taking action. Alternatively, a specific plan may be repealed by voter initiative. Often, the design standards and zoning adopted under the plan will differ from that of the zoning ordinance covering the other portions of the community. Agencies which adopt several specific plans, each with its own format and unique development specifications, may encounter increased permit processing times and errors due to varying plans, formats, and provisions.
Several options exist in order to simplify plan administration.
The first is educating planning staff about the intricacies of the plan through plan summaries, comparisons, and matrices. Existing zoning maps and other references should be changed to reflect the area covered by the plan and any changes in zoning or permit requirements. If necessary, the local zoning ordinance should be amended immediately to establish conformity with the plan. In jurisdictions where the adoption of several specific plans are being considered, the agency may consider adopting written specific plan guidelines. Guidelines for the preparation of specific plans establish format and content requirements which will enable staff to familiarize themselves and more effectively implement the plan.