Old Town Elk Grove and Special Planning Area

The Old Town SPA Design Standards and Guidelines is in the process of being updated. 

Same Great Location, New Name

Historic Main Street Elk Grove and the Old Town Special Planning Area

Old Town Elk Grove is a historic area within the City, and one of the oldest western settlements in the greater Sacramento region. Nestled along the Elk Grove Boulevard corridor between Elk Grove-Florin Road and Waterman Road, visitors can find the area populated by a broad array of shops, services, businesses, and restaurants in many buildings that date back to the late-1800s. In fact, over 40 buildings in Old Town Elk Grove form a Historic District that is listed on the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places.  In 2024, the City Council adopted a resolution to add 54 buildings to be listed on the Local Register of Historic Resources, which include the 47 buildings in Historic District. 

A Special Planning Area (SPA) was created to protect the historical character and ambiance of Old Town. The SPA serves as a master plan, guiding the long-term vision for Old Town and establishing the zoning regulations that define the type of allowed uses, architectural design standards and guidelines, and the public review process for new development.  The Old Town SPA was originally created by Sacramento County in 1985. A significant update was completed by the City in August 2005. Updates occurred in 2010 and 2014. Three minor amendments were completed in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. 

View the current Old Town SPA

Historic Main Street Elk Grove SPA Update

The Historic Main Street Special Planning Area, what was previously known as Old Town SPA is getting a refresh and we need your input to help guide the way.  

The City of Elk Grove is starting the process of updating the Special Planning Area for Historic Main Street Elk Grove.  As part of the update, six types of personas of downtown/main street have been identified to serve as inspiration for Historic Main Street Elk Grove.  The land use, built form, and public space character of the personas are highlighted below, along with examples in other California cities.  The six personas include the following types:

1. Upscale
2. Relaxed
3. Nightlife
4. Family-Friendly
5. Historic
6. Artsy

Now's your chance to help answer a big question: What should the future Main Street feel like?  Should it be a family friendly vibe like Folsom?  Embrace its historic roots like Placerville? or lean into a laid back, small town feel like Winters?  Check out the six personas and provide your input and please note you do not need to just pick one. 

• Existing Conditions Report (2019)
• Workshop Summaries
  • 2019 Dicken's Faire
  • Workshop 1 (February 2020)
  • Workshop 2 (June 2021)