Sunrise Tomorrow Proposed Amendment

Like many aging malls, Sunrise Mall has struggled due to changing shopping habits, e-commerce, and competition. While some malls have been revitalized through private investment, its owners have not historically reinvested in the property. The Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan (STSP) is a city-led framework to guide the comprehensive redevelopment of the site through land use guidelines, design standards, and infrastructure planning. The STSP was unanimously adopted in 2021 after nearly two years of community engagement and reflects the community’s vision for a vibrant, mixed-use destination featuring housing, retail, employment centers, entertainment, and public areas. It is not a specific development proposal; it is a toolbox that provides developers with a streamlined approval process to implement projects aligned with the community’s vision.  

While the City does not own the mall and cannot control redevelopment timelines, it has worked to remove regulatory barriers and create a process to support private investment. This includes approving zoning and entitlements through the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan, which provides a framework for property owners and developers to move forward with projects with both certainty and flexibility. The City has also approved new projects on the site, such as a Montessori school and a hotel development agreement, to introduce new business and activity to the area with uses that are consistent with the approved Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan. 

While development decisions ultimately rest with property owners, the City is taking active steps to prepare for future opportunities. To support potential investment at Sunrise Mall, the City has commissioned an infrastructure financing study to identify funding options for necessary improvements. The City has also pursued and been awarded grants that could help accelerate redevelopment and make the site more attractive for high-quality projects. These efforts ensure that the City is ready to support redevelopment that aligns with the community’s vision and long-term economic goals. 

The upcoming, yet-to-be-scheduled amendment proposal presentation will allow the property owner to receive initial and informal feedback from the City Council. This presentation is intended to offer early insights and guidance before the application is processed. Should the amendment continue to process, this would be the first of many public meetings, including Planning Commission and City Council hearings, environmental review, and community feedback opportunities.

If you have already submitted feedback before the postponements, your comments will still be included in the review process. The City will ensure all previously submitted input is considered when the amendment proposal moves forward. 

The proposed Amendment Project Description and Justification calls for a variety of significant modifications to the Specific Plan, summarized below: 

The applicant proposes to amend the Specific Plan in two phases: 

• Phase I of the Specific Plan Amendment will focus on the southern approximately 25 acres
• Phase II of the Specific Plan Amendment will address the remaining approximately 50 acres as further described in the Applicant's project description

Proposed changes to the Specific Plan include: 

• The allowance of six quick-service restaurants and drive-thru businesses (three in each phase)
• Allowance of building and landscape materials sales (Home Depot)
• Storage uses within the basement of the existing Sears Buildings
• The reduction of requirements for open space
• Allow for typical “mixed-uses”, providing more than one use or purpose within a shared building or development area that may include any combination of housing, office, retail, medical, recreational, or commercial components, in either vertical or horizontal layout throughout all areas of the Specific Plan irrespective of the Specific Plan sub-area.

The applicant's site plan  has been updated to identify the following changes: 

• An open space/event area east of the Men's Macy's (Phase 2)
• A multi-family residential component north of Home Depot (Phase 2)
• Sunrise Montessori School (Approved August 13, 2024)
• Home Depot
• Judi's Cleaners
• EV Charging Station 
• National Bowling/Entertainment Use
• In-N-Out Burger

The applicant has also indicated that, simultaneous with a formal Specific Plan Amendment, they would like to submit for processing a commercial parcel map, which will merge and reconfigure some of the existing parcels to allow for the above-referenced businesses to be located on individual parcels.  

 The applicant has developed a website with more information about the proposed application. Applicant’s website. Please note that the linked website is not a City-owned website.

The city encourages community participation in this process. Residents and stakeholders can: 

• Submit feedback through the City’s online comment form at sunrisetomorrow.net or here.
• Attend public meetings where community input will be considered

Submitted community comments are available to view here.

Redeveloping a site of this size happens in phases, driven by market conditions, infrastructure needs, and private investment. While the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan provides a long-term framework, projects can advance sooner if property owners and developers choose to invest. 

Development opportunities fluctuate based on factors like economic conditions, interest rates, and construction costs. By securing entitlements, setting zoning guidelines, and engaging with developers, the City ensures the site is ready when the market aligns with the plan’s vision. The City remains committed to supporting responsible redevelopment and attracting investment to the area.