OCT 23, 2026 | Planning Commission Study Session: Retreat

The City of San Jose Planning Commission held a study session/retreat on October 23, 2026 (the meeting metadata lists October 24). Staff reviewed housing and land-use legislation, including Builder’s Remedy, the housing element, SB 79, and other state laws affecting housing approvals. Staff reported that eight Builder’s Remedy projects have been approved, totaling 697 housing units, with additional applications still under review or pending. Discussion also covered preparation for the next housing-element cycle and the state-law requirements and timelines shaping the city’s planning work.

A major topic was the city’s development of uniform data-center standards, expected to come before the Planning Commission on November 18, with a later City Council consideration. Staff described the existing permit and environmental review process and estimated that a 99-MW data center could generate about $6 million annually in utility-user tax and $500,000–$1 million annually in property tax; proposed fees and construction-tax revenue were also discussed. Community feedback included concerns about emissions, water use, noise, standards development, and public review, as well as a request for a moratorium. No contract awards, purchasing decisions, procurement-related votes, or spending approvals were identified; the study session involved discussion and updates rather than action on procurement.