Santa Clarita Planning Commission Meeting | July 7, 2026

The Santa Clarita Planning Commission held a meeting on July 7, 2026, primarily focused on two major agenda items: the adoption of multifamily and mixed-use housing objective design standards and the review of the Belcaro at Sand Canyon senior housing project. The commission approved the design standards, which were developed with grant funding and aim to provide measurable, enforceable architectural guidelines for multifamily and mixed-use housing, while maintaining community character and complying with state housing laws. The Belcaro project, proposed by New Urban West Incorporated, involves subdividing nearly 194 acres to create 341 single-family senior homes with associated infrastructure improvements, including a new bridge, roundabout, trails, and fire safety features such as a helipod and a one-million-gallon water tank. The project is subject to a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) released the same day, initiating a 45-day public review period. Public comments revealed significant community concerns about wildfire evacuation safety, traffic congestion, access roads, and environmental impacts, with some speakers supporting the project for addressing senior housing needs and others opposing it due to safety and infrastructure worries. The commission continued the public hearing to August 18, 2026, to allow further review of the EIR and public input. No contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting, but the discussion included references to grant funding for design standards development and infrastructure improvements tied to the housing project.