A Bold 20-Year Vision for the Future
City Council Set to Adopt Downtown Specific Plan
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The City of San Carlos is excited to announce that the Public Draft Downtown Specific Plan will be available beginning October 14, 2025, and will be accessible on the project website and at the Development Services Counter located on the first floor at City Hall, San Carlos Library, Adult Community Center, and Youth Center.
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After years of thoughtful collaboration, vibrant community engagement, and careful planning, San Carlos is on the brink of an exciting new chapter! The long-anticipated Downtown Specific Plan - a comprehensive roadmap for the heart of our city - is entering its final stages of completion.
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Designed to guide the evolution of downtown for the next 20 years, the plan lays out bold goals and actionable strategies across key areas that impact daily life, local character, and long-term vitality. These include:
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Land Use & Urban Design – Creating welcoming, well-designed spaces that reflect the charm and character of San Carlos.
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Prosperity & Economic Development – Supporting local businesses, attracting innovation, and keeping our downtown thriving.
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Mobility & Transportation – Making it easier and safer to get around - on foot, by bicycle, car, or transit.
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Parking & Transportation Demand Management – Smart solutions to balance parking needs and reduce congestion.
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Public Realm – Enhancing parks, plazas, and shared spaces that bring people together.
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Public Art – Celebrating creativity and community identity through meaningful public art installations.
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Sustainability & Resiliency – Building a greener, more resilient downtown that’s ready for the future.
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Infrastructure – Upgrading the systems that keep our city running smoothly.
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Implementation – Turning vision into reality with clear steps and ongoing community partnership.
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This plan is more than just policy - it’s a reflection of what we value as a community and where we see ourselves headed. The choices we make now will help shape a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic downtown for generations to come.
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As we approach the final stretch, we invite all San Carlans to stay engaged, share their voices, and help bring this vision to life. Together, we’re creating a downtown that’s not just a place to go - but a place to belong.
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Public hearings to consider the Downtown Specific Plan for adoption will take place:
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November 3, 2025, 7:00 p.m. – The Planning and Transportation Commission will consider adopting a resolution recommending the City Council adopt the Downtown Specific Plan.
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November 24, 2025, 7:00 p.m. – The City Council will consider adopting the Downtown Specific Plan.
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To access the agenda packets and Zoom meeting details please visit
www.cityofsancarlos.org/agenda.
Comments or questions? Email AdvancePlanning@cityofsancarlos.org.
A good plan involves everyone!
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Highlights
Final Design for Harrington Park approved by City Council, June 9, 2025
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Approval of the final design for the full span of the 700 Block of Laurel Street remains underway.
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A ground breaking ceremonial celebration for Harrington Park is expected in November 2025. Actual construction is likely to commence in March 2026 and take approximately 9 months to complete. ​
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​​​​​​​Questions? Please reach out to advanceplanning@cityofsancarlos.org
A good plan involves everyone!
Final Design for 700 Block Laurel Street Up Next:
Harrington Park Approved
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​City Council to Consider Final Design of the 700 block of Laurel Street, "Centennial Plaza", on October 14, 2025, 7:00 PM
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On June 9, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-054, approving the Final Design for Harrington Park and further directed staff to prepare Harrington Park construction documents. These technical plans are scheduled to be presented to the City Council on November 10, 2025, along with a request to authorize the public bidding process to construct Harrington Park improvements. Construction is estimated to commence in spring 2026.
At its June 9 meeting, the City Council deferred the Final Design for the entire 700 block of Laurel Street and on October 14, 2025, the Council will consider approving the Final Design for the 700 block of Laurel Street.
The 700 Block of Laurel Street, the new Centennial Plaza, will be transformed into a new pedestrian-oriented plaza and include:
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New paving and sidewalk layouts
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Rain gardens and stormwater features
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New trees and landscaping
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Public seating, including custom benches
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Multi-purpose pavilion
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Lighting
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Streetscape amenities such as bicycle parking and drinking fountains
A water feature is also contemplated, and the design of its centerpiece will be finalized through a separate, public engagement process.
Should Council approve the Final Design for the 700 block of Laurel Street, city staff and consultants will continue their work to develop technical construction documents for Centennial Plaza. These documents will provide detailed engineering and construction information that contractors will use to build the project should funding become available and pursuant to City Council direction. However, the timing of construction for the 700 Block of Laurel Street has not been determined.
Everyone is welcome to participate at the City Council Meeting, share their voices and help bring this vision to life.
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To access the agenda packets and Zoom meeting details please visit
www.cityofsancarlos.org/agenda
Comments or questions? Email AdvancePlanning@cityofsancarlos.org.
A good plan involves everyone!
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​City Council adopts the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan
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The City of San Carlos is excited to share that the Council adopted the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan on April 28, 2025. The plan can be accessed here.
The Downtown Streetscape Master Plan is a key component of the broader Downtown Specific Plan project. The Downtown Streetscape Master Plan sets forth new designs for the downtown's entire street network, including new public plazas, and sets the stage for significant transformation of the downtown core. ​​​