Santa Cruz City Planning 05/07/2026

The Santa Cruz City Planning Commission held a meeting on May 7, 2026, where key procurement-related discussions included the approval of the 2027-2031 Capital Investment Program consistency update. The commission unanimously approved this consent agenda item, with two commissioners recused. A significant portion of the meeting focused on a public hearing regarding a proposed ordinance to amend the municipal code to strengthen protections against onshore support facilities for offshore oil and gas drilling and deep sea mining. The ordinance aims to require voter approval for any zoning changes related to such facilities, building on a 1985 ordinance known as the "blue wall." The commission discussed coordination with local and state entities, legal considerations, and environmental impacts. Additionally, an informational report on the annual housing element and progress toward affordable housing goals was presented, highlighting strong production of affordable units but a lag in moderate and above moderate income housing. The commission also discussed potential strategies to incentivize missing middle and moderate-income housing development, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and upcoming local ordinances such as SB10. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were mentioned, but the meeting included policy discussions that could influence future procurement and development activities in the city.