GHG-13: Advance Infill Development
Measure Description
In Progress
This measure is based on the County’s existing Infill Development Program, which promotes denser, more sustainable development within identified Priority Areas to reduce urban sprawl, preserve open space, and optimize existing infrastructure. The Priority Areas identified in the Infill Development Program are the regions within the urbanized parts of the unincorporated county that are targeted for redevelopment and new construction. These areas are typically characterized by vacant or underutilized lands, such as empty lots or outdated commercial spaces that are situated within existing urban settings. The County plans to advance infill development through several implementing actions in these areas under this measure, including conducting studies for a new impact fee on projects that do not meet infill development standards, as a means of increasing financial support for infill development projects.
Measure GHG-13 was deemed not quantifiable because project-level data on infill development was not available.
Implementation Status
Updated 08/24/2026
The County's Infill Program aims to remove policy barriers that hinder development in the County’s commercial corridors. The Infill Program Update was adopted by the Board on August 20, 2024. The Program identifies seven barriers to infill development and provides an implementation program consisting of 13 actions intended to address these barriers. An Infill Coordinator has been appointed and the following are current and upcoming initiatives of the Infill Program.
- The Planning and Environmental Review Division (PER) received Green Means Go grant funding to implement this measure on the North Watt Avenue Corridor Plan/Special Planning Area, which is the largest potential infill growth area in unincorporated Sacramento County (roughly 705 acres). The North Watt Avenue Specific Plan will help remove regulatory constraints to infill development, identify necessary infrastructure improvements, and establish implementation tools. Specific Plan adoption is expected in late 2026.
- PER is conducting a Commercial Corridor Opportunities/Constraints Analysis to identify specific development constraints and opportunities within each of the County's commercial corridors. The findings will help establish priorities among the 14 commercial corridors.
- PER is leading the Housing and Infill Zoning Code Amendment initiative which will implement the Board’s directives from the Housing and Infill Resolution of Intention to streamline housing production and accelerate infill development. Proposed amendments to the Zoning Code include revisions to multifamily and non-residential development and design standards for commercial corridors, considerations for “missing middle housing” (multi-unit buildings) in single-family residential zones, eliminating use permit requirements for multifamily development, and other amendments consistent with the Board’s intent. Workshops and environmental review will occur throughout 2026 and adoption is expected end of 2026.
Actions
Action GHG-13-a
Action Description: Designate an Infill Coordinator position within the Planning and Environmental Review Division which will lead and oversee implementation of the Infill Development Program, including, but not limited to:
- Oversee coordination with County departments and external stakeholders throughout the development process.
- Identify the major barriers to quality infill development and develop strategies for addressing the removal of those barriers.
- Lead development of policies, development codes, and zoning codes that support infill.
- Support staff training on any relevant policies and codes designed to support infill.
- Develop and oversee administration of incentives for quality infill projects.
- Perform comprehensive reviews of the success and opportunities of the infill program every 5 years.
Action GHG-13-b
Action Description: Conduct a nexus study for imposing a fee structure for projects that do not meet defined standards for infill development (Infill Fee) to provide financial support for infill projects. Activities that may facilitate infill development or redevelopment using the infill fee fund, include but are not limited to:
- design assistance,
- fee deferrals,
- application fee reductions or offsets,
- staff support for Property Business Improvement District formation and capacity building,
- EV charging facilities and other mobility hub infrastructure, and
- code amendments that may be necessary for the conversion of existing commercial or office buildings to residential uses.
Action GHG-13-c
Action Description: Establish an Infill Fee fund using payments from non-infill development projects with the following requirements:
- Developers/builders of projects for non-infill developments, shall pay the County the appropriate amount determined by the nexus study for each dwelling unit equivalent; provided that the Infill Fee shall not be paid for any unit constructed on any parcel dedicated to the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) pursuant to an applicable Affordable Housing Strategy.
- The fee shall be adjusted annually on January 1 based on the Engineering News Record Construction Cost Index.
- This fee shall be paid to the County upon issuance of a building permit for the development and deposited into a separate account dedicated to facilitating infill development or redevelopment.
Action GHG-13-d
Action Description: Adopt an ordinance to update the Zoning Code establishing the Infill Fee requirements for all new non-infill development projects.
Action GHG-13-e
Action Description: Continue to engage with SACOG in regional planning efforts to secure funding and implement programs (such as the Green Means Go Pilot Program) to increase infill and reduce VMT by supporting the implementation of SACOG’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy.
Action GHG-13-f
Action Description: Share information regarding new Infill Fee requirements and infill supportive policy and code changes through public notices, the County website, and information sheets for developers.
Action GHG-13-g
Action Description: Adopt a form-based code based on floor area ratios for infill areas and corridors, such as Stockton Boulevard, when determined beneficial to reducing housing costs and increasing housing density.
Action GHG-13-h
Action Description: Conduct a review of existing development standards and permitting process to evaluate measures to reduce the baseline costs of housing in infill areas such that Infill Fee funds can provide additional value and reduce housing costs in infill areas.
Objectives
Implement the Infill Development Program to advance infill development in Priority Areas through 2030 and 2045.