The City Council adopted the plan on June 28, 2022 (Report to Council 22-0694). The City Council also certified the plan’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

The ECRSP and associated documents went into effect on Sept. 12, 2022.

ECRSP Vision Statement

“The El Camino Real Specific Plan will support and enhance community-serving retail and provide significant new residential options while advancing sustainability and improving transportation safety and mobility choices.”

ECRSP Guiding Principles

• Promote a balanced street system that supports a multimodal transportation network.
• Integrate land uses into local and regional transportation plans and policies.
• Preserve the quality of life of adjacent neighborhoods and existing community assets.
• Create a supportive environment for small and local businesses.
• Promote housing opportunities that meet the needs of the community.
• Focus on sustainability in new development. Use efficient modes of transportation in road improvements.

Adopted Plan Documents

• ECRSP Zoning Map (10 MB)
• Chapter 19.36 of the Zoning Code
• Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
• Transportation Impact Fee Nexus Study

Adopted Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

• Final Environmental Impact Report (33 MB)
  • Attachment 1 - Transportation Impact Analysis (22 MB)
  • Attachment 2 - Water Supply Assessment (11 MB)

• Draft Environmental Impact Report (8 MB)
  • Appendix A – Notice of Preparation and Comment Letters (8 MB)
  • Appendix B – Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Energy Study
  • Appendix C – Noise Study
  • Appendix D – Transportation Impact Analysis (11 MB)
  • Appendix D – Transportation Impact Analysis and Errata (19 MB)
  • Appendix E – Water Supply Assessment (11 MB)

Original Background Documents

• Precise Plan for El Camino Real (2007)
• El Camino Real Profile (2016)
• El Camino Real Corridor Market Study (2015)
• Affordable Housing and Anti-Displacement Strategy (2016)

Project History

El Camino Real is the oldest transportation corridor in the City of Sunnyvale. The corridor once linked the 21 Spanish missions together from San Diego to Sonoma. El Camino Real is now a California State Highway (Route 82). It is also an important regional roadway and valuable economic asset for the city. Retail, automobile dealerships, hotels, apartments and restaurants are along the route. The corridor is the most traveled in the city and serves the needs of local neighborhoods as well as the region.

The City completed the original Precise Plan for El Camino Real in 1993 and last updated it in 2007. Market conditions have continued to evolve since that time. Development interest has also increased. The 2007 Plan enhanced the vision for El Camino Real. But, it lacked guidance to address new challenges faced by the community.

In 2014 the City Council ranked two study issues to update and clarify the 2007 Plan.  For more information see related staff study issue papers.

Public Hearings

Additional relevant public hearings:

• Planning Commission – June 20, 2022
• City Council – May 10, 2022 (Study Session)
• El Camino Real Plan Advisory Committee – May 2, 2022
• Planning Commission – April 25, 2022 (Study Session)
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission – April 21, 2022
• Housing and Human Services Commission – April 20, 2022
• Sustainability Commission – April 18, 2022
• City Council – Jan. 4, 2022 (Study Session)
• El Camino Real Plan Advisory Committee – Jan. 23, 2020
• City Council – July 31, 2018 (Study Session)
• City Council – Aug. 15, 2017
• City Council – July 24, 2017