Planning Commission Meeting - May 20, 2026

The City of Santa Clara Planning Commission held a meeting on May 20, 2026, where they approved the consent calendar including the biennial capital improvement program budget for fiscal years 2026-2028. The commission discussed several planning and land use topics, notably the continuation of zoning code cleanup and property rezoning items to a future meeting. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Planning Commission work plan for fiscal year 2026-2027, including proposed study sessions on housing legislation, infrastructure planning, transit, code enforcement, data centers, and cell tower master planning. Commissioners emphasized the need for policies addressing data center development standards, power usage limits, and the impact of data centers on the community and environment. They also discussed the challenges of vacant and blighted buildings, skilled labor policies in construction, and the importance of coordinated study sessions with other city bodies. Public comments highlighted concerns about cell tower placement and health, as well as pedestrian safety improvements. No new formal policy or contract decisions were made, but the commission identified priorities for future council consideration and study sessions to guide upcoming planning and procurement activities.