Clearwater Specific Plan
What is a Specific Plan?
A Specific Plan is a planning document designed to implement the City’s goals and policies for the development of a specific area. The document contains detailed development requirements, land uses, infrastructure requirements, and actions for the planned development. Specific Plans allow for greater flexibility and provide an opportunity to develop the vision and regulations for a specific place. When the City Council adopts a Specific Plan by ordinance, a Specific Plan becomes the official regulatory document (zoning) for that area.
Background
The Clearwater East Specific Plan, adopted in 1987 and updated in 2018 to allow housing as an option, is in the area bounded by Paramount Boulevard to the east, Somerset Boulevard to the south, the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way to the west, and Rosecrans Avenue to the north.
The Clearwater East plan allowed housing and a mix of swap meet, institutional, retail, office, and light industrial uses. For reference, the plan as revised in 2018 (and superseded by the Clearwater Specific Plan Update in 2026) can be accessed from the link below:
Clearwater Specific Plan Update
On May 19, 2026, the City Council certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) for the Clearwater Specific Plan. On May 26, 2026, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1218 at the May 26, 2026 City Council meeting, formally approving the Clearwater Specific Plan. The plan took effect on June 26, 2026.
- Clearwater Specific Plan – Final Plan – May 26, 2026
- Clearwater Specific Plan – Final EIR
- Clearwater Specific Plan – Draft EIR
PLAN DEVELOPMENT – 2023 to 2026
In late 2023, the City began an update to the Clearwater East Specific Plan. This update shortened the name to “Clearwater Specific Plan” and plans for the long-term future of this central area of Paramount. Community input has been essential. As part of the Clearwater Specific Plan Update, the City consulted with local community groups, residents, businesses, housing and development professionals, and other stakeholders.
Below are links to a version from July 2025 and updates from March, April, and May 2026.
- Clearwater Specific Plan – City Council Revisions – May 19, 2026
- Clearwater Specific Plan – Public Hearing Draft – May 2026 The May 2026 update clarifies required MERV 13 filters for future multifamily residential developments, adds a note that residential balconies facing Rosecrans Ave or the Union Pacific rail corridor would be prohibited or minimized, and future homes should be located as far as feasible from the Union Pacific rail corridor.
- Clearwater Specific Plan – Public Hearing Draft – April 2026
- Clearwater Specific Plan – Public Hearing Draft – March 2026
- Clearwater Specific Plan – Public Hearing Draft – July 2025
PAST MEETINGS:
City Council Meeting – May 26, 2026
At this meeting the City Council adopted an amendment to the Municipal Code that adds the Clearwater Specific Plan to the Municipal Code.
Planning Commission Meeting – April 1, 2026
City Council Meeting – April 22, 2025
City Council Meeting – April 10, 2025
City Council Meeting – January 28, 2025
Scoping Meeting – January 16, 2025
A community scoping meeting was held on January 16, 2025, as part of the City’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
- Presentation Slides – Scoping Meeting 1/16/25
- Clearwater Specific Plan Scoping Meeting – English Audio 1/16/2025
- Clearwater Specific Plan Scoping Meeting – Spanish Audio 1/16/2025
Public Meeting – February 8, 2024
The presentation and poster boards that were displayed at the community meeting from February 8, 2024, are below.