Call and Notice of Special Meeting Planning Commission Aug. 26, 2026

The City of Santa Clara Planning Commission held a special meeting on August 26, 2026, focusing primarily on two key agenda items related to local housing and land use. The first major discussion centered on a proposed replacement housing unit ordinance designed to implement state law requirements aimed at preventing net loss of affordable housing units during redevelopment. The ordinance includes tenant protections, replacement unit mandates, and relocation assistance, with staff recommending its adoption by the City Council. Commissioners expressed concerns about the ordinance's impact on property owners, particularly small landlords, and requested a detailed comparison between state law requirements and the local ordinance provisions. The item was continued to a November 18 meeting to allow staff to provide clarifications. The second significant item was a conditional use permit for a church to occupy part of an existing office building at 2929 Patrick Henry Drive. The Commission approved the permit unanimously, with conditions addressing hours of operation and minor corrections to landscaping requirements. Other discussions included a continuance of a residential development project, election of a new vice chair, travel and training approvals, and procedural matters. The meeting also featured public comments on data center impacts and housing policies, and a request for future staff reports on industry water and electricity usage to inform policy decisions.