Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan, adopted in 2021, provides a flexible 20-year framework to guide redevelopment of the Sunrise Mall property. It is designed to transform the site into a vibrant, mixed-use regional destination featuring retail, residential, office, entertainment, hospitality, and public gathering spaces. The Plan balances ambitious revitalization goals with flexibility to respond to evolving market conditions and private investment opportunities.

The Sunrise Mall property is privately owned. The City of Citrus Heights does not own the property. Redevelopment depends on private sector investment decisions made within the framework established by the Specific Plan.

The City’s role is to establish the regulatory framework through the Specific Plan, process development applications, support infrastructure improvements, and conduct business attraction efforts. The property owner is responsible for marketing the site, securing tenants and financing, maintaining the property and completing construction. Redevelopment timing ultimately depends on private investment and market conditions.

In April 2025, the City Council reviewed and denied a property owner-initiated amendment proposal that sought to expand allowable uses to include auto-oriented, landscape/materials sales, and storage uses and to eliminate some open space requirements. After careful public review, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to the original Sunrise Tomorrow vision, prioritizing the long-term goal of a vibrant, mixed-use regional destination.

The City remains focused on implementing the approved Specific Plan with the assistance of private development. Existing entitlements, infrastructure planning, and environmental clearances continue to position the site for redevelopment in alignment with community goals. The City will continue business attraction efforts and provide opportunities for public input as development projects advance.

Yes. Since adoption of the Specific Plan, the City has proactively taken several steps to position the Sunrise Mall site for redevelopment. The City completed infrastructure planning, environmental clearance, and entitlement approvals to remove common barriers to investment. (Entitlements are pre-approved development rights that allow projects consistent with the Plan’s vision to proceed more efficiently.)

The City also worked closely with the property owner to successfully approve a tentative parcel map for the site, a critical foundational step that creates flexibility for future investment and positions the property to attract a hotel developer. Building on this momentum, the City is actively engaged in hotel recruitment discussions to bring a quality hospitality partner to the Sunrise Tomorrow project.

On the property itself, early signs of activation are visible, including the opening of a Montessori school within the mall building and the installation of a new electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the parking lot. In parallel, the closure of several anchor stores has lifted longstanding private restrictions, unlocking greater flexibility for redevelopment consistent with the Sunrise Tomorrow vision.

In addition to preparing the site through zoning, infrastructure and environmental approvals, the City has actively engaged in targeted business attraction outreach, particularly to hotel developers, entertainment operators, and potential commercial tenants. These efforts position the Sunrise Tomorrow site for investment as the market supports new development.

Redeveloping a large infill site like Sunrise Mall involves complex market dynamics. Regional economic shifts, high construction and financing costs, interest rate volatility, and changes in retail and commercial real estate trends have influenced the timing. Aligning property owner and developer interests also takes time, which is typical of large-scale redevelopment projects nationally. Ultimately, redevelopment will proceed based on private investment decisions aligned with market opportunities.

The City focuses on creating a development-ready environment through completed infrastructure planning, streamlined entitlements, and active business attraction. Any future consideration of incentives would be evaluated carefully to ensure alignment with community priorities and fiscal responsibility.

No. The City cannot compel private property owners to develop their land. However, it has taken significant steps to prepare the site for investment and remains ready to collaborate with property owners and developers to facilitate projects consistent with the Specific Plan.

Regardless of business occupancy, the Sunrise Mall property remains subject to City municipal code standards for maintenance, safety, and appearance, as well as State law provisions. The City actively monitors compliance and enforces standards as needed to protect community quality of life.

While major redevelopment is still pending, the property continues to evolve. Recent interim uses include the addition of a Montessori school and an EV charging station, both currently under construction. The City encourages interim activities that maintain site vitality, enhance community services, and align with the long-term vision for the property.

The City encourages community participation in the Sunrise Tomorrow project. As individual development projects are proposed, there will be opportunities for public input during the review process. Residents are encouraged to sign up for project updates through the City’s website and stay engaged as redevelopment progresses.