AT&T’s Plan to Expand Cell Service Finally Approved

The Planning Commission approved plans for a trio of cell phone towers at a church on Benton Street; kicked a car wash expansion back to the owner.

On Jan. 15, the Santa Clara Planning Commission finally took action on a proposal to increase cell phone service for AT&T customers along Benton Street near Santa Clara High School. This is the fourth time the issue has gone before the Planning Commission; it was delayed the three previous times. In 2020, AT&T submitted plans … Read more

Planning Commission Discusses 2024 Goals

At its most recent meeting, the Santa Clara Planning Commission worked on setting goals and preparing for its meeting with the City Council.

A light agenda for the Planning Commission to start 2024 cleared the way for a deeper discussion about the Commission’s goals and what it would like to relay to the City Council about the future of Santa Clara. The Planning Commission is set to have a joint session with the Council on Jan. 30. To … Read more

Downtown Precise Plan, Zoning Code Amendment Recommended for Approval

Santa Clara's Planning Commission has recommended the Downtown Precise plan for approval, approved the Zoning Code update.

The Santa Clara Planning Commission tackled two major City projects in its two most recent meetings, recommending both for approval. The Downtown Precise plan and the Zoning Code update now head to the City Council for approval. Downtown Precise Plan Reshapes Vision of Santa Clara’s Downtown During the Planning Commission’s Oct. 25 meeting, City staff … Read more

Planning Commission Approves Subdivision Map for Townhouses on El Camino Real

The Santa Clara Planning Commission approved a tentative subdivision map for a planned development with 22 townhomes on El Camino Real.

A quick meeting of the Santa Clara Planning Commission on Oct. 11. In less than an hour, the commission dispatched all of the City business before it and headed home for the night. The only item on the agenda was a tentative subdivision map for the property located at 3378-86 El Camino Real. The lot … Read more

Planning Commission Gives Initial Thoughts on Zoning Code Update

Santa Clara's Planning Commission held the first of two meetings regarding the City's zoning code update and identified some red flags.

The City of Santa Clara is closing in on a modernized zoning code. On Sept. 20, the Planning Commission heard part one of a two-part presentation on the City’s zoning code update. Santa Clara’s original zoning code was adopted in 1969. While the City has made individual updates on an as needed basis, this is … Read more

Old Quad Remodel Leads to Debate Over Larger Issue

Santa Clara's Planning Commission recommended the City Council approve plans for a home expansion in the Old Quad, despite outcry from neighbors.

A portion of the Bay Area’s housing crisis played out in front of the Planning Commission on Aug. 23. What seemed like a routine request to add on to a Santa Clara home in the Old Quad neighborhood turned into a larger conversation about the high cost of housing and how local educators could possibly … Read more

“Selling Ourselves to Private Sector” Planning Commission Reluctantly Approves Controversial Ordinance Change

The Santa Clara Planning Commission was frustrated by a request to give by-right use of fuel cells to Bloom Energy to help the City avoid a lawsuit.

What appeared to be a routine change to the City’s ordinance code in favor of green energy was not well met by Santa Clara’s Planning Commission on April 12. Commissioners discussed at length a plan to amend Zoning Code Section 18.60.050 to make fuel cells and photovoltaic panels an allowable use, meaning they will not … Read more

Santa Clara Native Bouza Joins Planning Commission

The Santa Clara Planning Commission welcomed new member Mario Bouza and heard an update from the City's Homelessness Task Force on Aug. 24.

Santa Clara’s Planning Commission welcomed its newest Commissioner, Mario Bouza, on Aug. 24. Bouza joins the Planning Commission after the contentious appointment and then removal of Santa Clara businessman Ron Patrick from the Commission. Bouza is a Santa Clara native who previously served on Santa Clara’s Civil Service Commission. He is a retired local businessman. … Read more

Controversial Civic Center Drive Development Recommended for Approval

The Planning Commission recommended the controversial 1601 Civic Center Drive Development by Charities Housing for approval with added conditions.

After lengthy public comment, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council approve a planned affordable housing complex at 1601 Civic Center Drive with several added conditions. More than 100 people wrote letters and called in to the Aug. 3 Planning Commission meeting to express their opinion about the project proposed by Charities Housing. The … Read more

Planning Commission Makes SB9 Recommendations

Santa Clara's Planning Commission made SB9 recommendations to the City Council including parking and landscaping requirements.

After two meetings and hours of debate, the Santa Clara Planning Commission has made recommendations to the City Council concerning SB9. As discussed at the last Planning Commission meeting, the City cannot do anything to prevent the implementation of SB9, however, it can create rules to guide how the housing act is implemented. SB9 allows … Read more