The proposed Woodland Research and Technology Park Specific Plan is envisioned as a new technology hub for the City of Woodland, intended to serve an array of research and technology companies interested in locating and growing near UC Davis and other research and technology institutions within the Sacramento region. Consisting of approximately 350 acres, the Woodland Research and Technology Park is proposed as a new type of employment center that also includes a range of housing options, a commercial mixed-use town center focused around an 11-acre linear park and connected by a multi-modal street network and pedestrian and bicycle trail system.

The Specific Plan area is comprised of all or portions of six individual parcels of land and is located adjacent to the Spring Lake Specific Plan neighborhood on the north and east, County Road 25A and the Urban Limit Line to the south, and is bound by State Route 113 (SR 113) to the west. The project applicant team consists of five property owners, representing all six parcels of land located within the Plan Area.

In May 2017, the City of Woodland adopted a comprehensive update to its General Plan after a four year planning process, involving significant community and local business engagement. The General Plan update sets the stage for future growth and development within the city’s Urban Limit Line through the year 2035.  A key focus of the General Plan is economic development and specifically, the expansion and attraction of diverse businesses and industries that create and increase quality, good paying and stable local jobs and careers.  

The Specific Plan Area is envisioned within the General Plan as a natural extension of the city, ideally located and positioned for jobs and housing development.  General Plan Policy 2.L.2 provides further guidance for the Plan Area:

General Plan Policy 2.L.2 - "Promote development of SP1A as a mixed-use residential district anchored by a research and technology business park in the Southern Gateway area at CR 25A and SR 113.  Concentrate the highest intensity of development within and in close proximity to the business park area, with lower density, largely residential uses to the north.  Encourage sustainable development through the use of renewable energy sources and water conservation tools with the goal of striving to achieve zero net energy at the building and neighborhood level to the extent feasible."

 Based on this guidance provided by the Woodland community through the General Plan, the following Woodland Research and Technology Park Guiding Principles provide the overarching vision and desired outcome for development within the Plan Area:

1. Innovation

The Plan Area will develop as a state-of-the-art innovation center campus for technology, research and development, and office uses.  Flexibility in design and implementation is supported, allowing businesses to respond to market demand through phasing of construction and the ability to offer a variety of building types and sizes.  Complementary uses within immediate proximity to the business park, including hotel, commercial, employee-serving retail and recreational opportunities will support day-to-day needs of businesses, their clients and their employees.

2. Technology Capture/Talent Retention

Collaboration with UC Davis, Woodland Community College and others will bolster start-up businesses and growing mid-to-large size companies through technology transfer and IP sourcing.  The Plan will accommodate advanced technology-related jobs and training that allow a greater number of Woodland residents and college graduates from the Woodland Community College and throughout the region to live and work in the community, generating an infusion of intellectual capital. 

3. Business Partnerships

Companies locating in the Tech Campus will have the opportunity to take positive advantage of the existing and thriving seed, food, and agricultural-based industries currently located and doing business in and around Woodland.  Access to additional resources and new markets, new ideas, materials and expertise will grow through strategic partnerships with new and existing businesses in Woodland.

4. Sustainable and Resilient

The Plan Area will lead in energy efficiency and sustainable design.  Development within the Plan Area will incorporate cutting edge green building practices.  Land use strategies and transportation demand management will reduce vehicle miles traveled and facilitate the use of alternative fuel vehicles.  The city’s urban forest canopy will be increased and projects will incorporate naturalized stormwater management.  These and other measures will contribute to meeting City goals for greenhouse gas reduction by 2035 contained in its 2035 Climate Action Plan.

5. Gathering Place

A successful Village Center and featured 11-acre linear park will provide a mix of social gathering spaces for employees, residents, and visitors to connect, recreate, and relax.  These informal networking opportunities will foster greater innovation and engagement among the workforce and allow for the balanced integration of work and life that the next generation of professionals seek.

6. Connectivity/Mobility

A combination of well-designed complete streets, protected bicycle lanes, and pedestrian / bicycle greenways will prioritize the pedestrian experience throughout the Plan Area. Well-connected parks, open spaces and greenbelts will encourage residents and employees to walk, bike, or scooter rather than drive to work, home and play.  Existing bike trails and greenbelts will extend from and connect to the adjacent community including nearby schools, community center and shopping center.  A shared mobility hub will serve as a point of connection for those arriving and departing the Tech Campus by various forms of alternative transportation – including micro transit stops and fixed bus routes with frequent service to Downtown Woodland and UC Davis.  Amenities to support last mile active transportation alternatives are featured, including bike and scooter share services.

7. Healthy Community 

Connected streets with bicycle and pedestrian facilities, trails, accessible parks and open spaces with passive and programmed recreation will facilitate and encourage active, healthy living.  Access to healthy foods through community gardens, a farmer’s market and/or fresh produce market in the Village Center will be promoted.  A mix of social gathering places will enable employees and residents to come together for fun and relaxation, boosting emotional wellness.

8. New Neighborhoods/Seamless Transitions

Diverse, high quality and attractive new neighborhoods and housing options, including single and multi-family residential units and mixed-used projects will allow Tech Park employees to live and work close by and “move up” within the same neighborhood as families grow or nests are emptied.  Land use and circulation planning, coupled with design and development standards will ensure a thoughtful transition between the Plan Area and the adjacent Spring Lake neighborhood, complementing the established community.

Consistent with the 2035 General Plan growth assumption for this area (SP1A), the 350 acre Plan Area will accommodate 2.2 million square feet of office, commercial and research/technology space, approximately 1,600 residential housing units and 21 acres of parks and open space, network trails and greenbelts at build out. Approximately 5,000 jobs are anticipated at build-out. 

On March 6, 2017, the City received the planning entitlement application for the specific plan project and on June 7, 2017, the City Council voted unanimously to authorize the preparation of the Specific Plan based on a finding of consistency with the vision and policies of the City of Woodland 2035 General Plan for the southern “new growth” area (SP1A).  Since City Council’s authorization to proceed, the applicant team has worked in partnership with the City to prepare the necessary entitlement package to bring the Specific Plan forward for consideration and adoption.

Information regarding the proposed Specific Plan will be made available here and in related links (Community Outreach, Documents, and Questions/Comments) found in the navigation column to the left. Check back often for the latest information!   To be added to the project email listserv, please email ResearchPark@cityofwoodland.org.  Via the listserv and other outlets, the City will provide updates on all critical meeting dates and document availability over the coming months.

Comments or questions are welcome at any time now and throughout the entitlement process.  For comments or questions regarding the Specific Plan, please contact Erika Bumgardner, Principal Planner/Business Development Liaison, at (530) 661-5886, or email your comments to researchpark@cityofwoodland.org.