Planning Commission Meeting | Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM

The City of Gilroy Planning Commission held a meeting on July 16, 2026, primarily focused on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment to enhance public notification and community engagement for architectural and site review (ASR) permits. The amendment would require applicants to notify property owners within a 1,000-foot radius and hold community meetings for projects over 15,000 square feet, particularly non-residential developments. The commission discussed concerns about the adequacy of public outreach, the environmental impact review thresholds triggering planning commission review, and the potential increased costs and delays associated with the new process. The commission unanimously recommended the ordinance to the City Council with amendments including expanded notification radius, inclusion of newspaper notices, and limiting enhanced outreach to larger non-residential projects. They also directed the council to consider developing objective development standards addressing project size, water and energy use, and operational characteristics, especially for large industrial projects like data centers. Additionally, the commission reviewed and provided input on grant applications for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements, supporting projects aimed at enhancing mobility and safety in disadvantaged areas of Gilroy.