Public Meetings - San Jose, California

The Planning Director Hearing for August 12, 2026, was called to order by Hearing Officer Ruth Gueto, acting on behalf of the Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement. The meeting covered two public hearing items: the Icon Echo mixed-use project (including a site development permit and vesting tentative map) and a tentative map to subdivide the Western Digital campus into two lots. A consent calendar item was moved to the public hearing due to public interest. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar contained a single item: Tentative Map T26-006 and ER26-014 for a 176.29-acre lot (Western Digital) to be subdivided into two non-residential lots at 5601 Great Oaks Parkway in District 2. Because 11 members of the public raised hands to speak, Hearing Officer Gueto moved the item to the public hearing portion. No items were approved on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony Item 4A – Icon Echo (H25-041, T25-027, ER25-233) - Two speakers raised hands: one clarified they intended to comment on the other item; the other, a member of the public named Casey, questioned how removing 29 trees and building on historic land aligns with the city's environmental and public health plans. No opposition was expressed to the project itself. Item from Consent Calendar – Western Digital Tentative Map (T26-006, ER26-014) - Over 20 members of the public spoke, nearly all expressing strong opposition to the potential future development of a data center on the subdivided lots. Key concerns included: - Lack of environmental impact review and transparency regarding the subdivision's purpose. - Existing noise pollution (humming from Western Digital's substation) and worry that a data center would worsen noise, traffic, water usage, and energy costs. - Proximity to residential neighborhoods, schools, and parks. - The city's ongoing process to establish data center regulations (a 2 pm meeting that day and a community listening session scheduled for August 19). - Several speakers requested that the subdivision not be approved until more analysis and community input are completed. - The applicant's representative (Jason Victor, landscape architect/master planner) stated that Western Digital seeks to separate the lot to make it available for a future project by another entity, noting that any future development would go through normal public approval processes. - A few speakers also raised concerns about accessibility and universal design features (Richard Gallo, regarding affordable housing). Discussion Items Item 4A – Icon Echo Mixed-Use Project - Staff (Rena Shah and Nunawne) presented the project: two eight-story buildings with 645 multifamily units (5% very low‑income), 1,320 sq ft of commercial space, demolition of 22,527 sq ft of existing buildings (three non‑contributing structures in the St. James City Landmark District), removal of 29 trees (9 ordinance‑size), and a vesting tentative map to reconfigure four lots into two. CEQA exemption under AB 130 (Section 21080.66) was recommended. - The applicant, Matt Bernardis (Urban Catalyst), highlighted the project's 70% height reduction from previous high‑rise plans, its compatibility with the St. James Historic District, and direct benefits to the neighboring Town Park Towers (replacing 26 parking spaces with covered secure parking and building a new private courtyard). - Hearing Officer Gueto acknowledged the design’s sensitivity to the landmark district and the value of adding downtown housing, including the 33 very low‑income units. Item from Consent Calendar – Western Digital Tentative Map - Staff (Alec Atianza) explained the tentative map application to subdivide one 176.29‑acre lot into two non‑residential lots (Lot 1: 15.46 acres; Lot 2: approximately 160.94 acres) at 5601 Great Oaks Parkway. The site is zoned IP (Industrial Park) and lies within a planned development district. The map was reviewed for compliance with Title 19 subdivision requirements (lot sizes, access, etc.) and recommended for approval under CEQA Section 15315 (minor land division). - The applicant’s representative clarified that the subdivision is intended to separate a portion of the Western Digital campus for sale to another entity; any future project would require separate permits and environmental review. - Deputy Director of Planning Manira Sandir noted the city is actively addressing data center concerns through community outreach sessions and a council policy update expected in December 2026. - Hearing Officer Gueto reminded the public that the tentative map does not authorize any construction or land use; it is only a lot line adjustment. Key Outcomes - Icon Echo project (H25-041, T25-027, ER25-233): Hearing Officer Gueto approved the site development permit, vesting tentative map, and statutory CEQA exemption under AB 130, citing the project’s consistency with downtown design guidelines, its provision of affordable units, and its respectful integration with the St. James Landmark District. - Western Digital tentative map (T26-006, ER26-014): Hearing Officer Gueto approved the tentative map for subdivision and the CEQA exemption (Section 15315), finding that staff had conducted the appropriate analysis and that the map met all subdivision requirements. The officer emphasized that this action does not authorize any future data center or other project. - No other items were deferred or discussed. Note: The city will hold a data center community listening session on August 19, 2026, at City Hall (6–8 pm) and a City Council meeting on August 18 to discuss general plan amendments related to data centers.

The San Jose Planning Commission met on August 12, 2026, at 2:30 PM. The meeting included approval of the consent calendar, a public hearing on a planned development permit for a vacant commercial building at 5651 Cottle Road, and updates on city council actions and upcoming meetings. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the permit to the city council. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved unanimously (8-0, with three commissioners absent). No items were removed or debated. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided testimony on any agenda item. No speaker cards were submitted. Discussion Items - PD 25-020 / ER25-212 – 5651 Cottle Road: The commission heard a staff presentation by Project Manager Rena Shah and an applicant presentation by Derek Larson of Dolinger Properties. The proposal includes: - Modifications to an existing 37,000 sq ft vacant building in the Old Orchard Town and Country shopping center. - A 5,568 sq ft addition and demolition of a 1,200 sq ft loft, resulting in a net addition of approximately 4,000 sq ft. - Creation of four tenant spaces: a Sprouts Farmers Market grocery store (suite 3, 25,000 sq ft), a Goddard School daycare/preschool (suite 4), and two speculative retail suites. - Removal of 23 trees to create additional parking. - A Type 20 ABC license for off-sale beer and wine at Sprouts, to be sold incidental to grocery sales (less than 1% of floor area). Sales hours would be 7 AM to 10 PM daily. - Daycare operating hours from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM Monday through Friday, with occasional evening/weekend special events. - Staff noted the site is in San Jose Police Beat Y, a high crime index area, and the census tract has an overconcentration of off-sale licenses (four active, five with the proposal). A determination of public convenience or necessity is required but cannot be made by the Planning Commission; staff recommended that the City Council find the project provides significant overriding public benefit. - The Police Department is neutral on the alcohol license. - No public comments were received. - Good and Welfare: Deputy Director Manir Santhir reported: - City Council approved the rezoning for 5891 Ruffner Church that same day. - Three items are scheduled for the August 18 City Council meeting: the General Plan update (critical), conforming rezoning at 650 Harry Road (IBM site), and an appeal of an eight-unit project on Gartner Avenue. - A community outreach meeting on data centers will be held Wednesday, August 19, from 6-8 PM at City Hall. - The Planning Commission will move to a hybrid meeting format starting August 26, allowing remote public comment. - Commissioner Bickford asked if a recent board/commission schedule change to quarterly meetings would affect the Planning Commission. Staff confirmed the Planning Commission is a charter commission and not subject to that change. Key Outcomes - Vote on 5651 Cottle Road: The commission voted 8-0 (three absent: Commissioners Cowell, Newen, and one other) to recommend approval of the staff recommendation to the City Council. The motion carried. The commission’s action is advisory; the City Council will make the final decision on the planned development permit, including the determination of public convenience or necessity for the alcohol license. - The consent calendar was adopted unanimously. - Staff will implement hybrid meeting format for future meetings; no further action required.

The Rules and Open Government Committee met jointly with the Committee of the Whole on August 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers. The committee reviewed the final agenda for August 18, 2026, and the draft agenda for August 25, 2026, approved routine consent calendar items, and discussed two major memoranda: a temporary moratorium on detention and custodial facilities on private property, and a directive to include community benefits in data center standards. Public comment was heard on multiple items, and the committee voted on all actions. Consent Calendar - Item 1 (ROGC 26-282): Release of a study session date for Friday, August 28, 2026 – approved. - Item 2 (ROGC 26-279): Auditor’s Office Monthly Report of Activities for June and July 2026 – approved. - Item 3 (ROGC 26-285): Setting a City Council Study Session on Infrastructure Financing Tools for Economic Development for Monday, September 14, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM – deferred. Vice Mayor Foley noted a scheduling conflict and requested that staff poll the mayor and council for alternative fall dates. The committee voted to approve items 1 and 2 and defer item 3 (motion 5–0). Public Comments & Testimony - Agenda Review – August 18, 2026 Final Agenda: Lindy Hayes (Concerned Cory Neighbors) requested that the general plan revision item be moved to a time certain of 6:00 PM evening to enable public participation. Evan Brooks, an adjoining property owner at 650 Harry Road, asked that the rezoning of the IBM Almaden Research Center site (C26-008, ER2608) be removed from the consent calendar, arguing it is not routine and requires full discussion. Eric Schadenauer, representing the IBM property, stated the rezoning is a routine SB 1333 action and that the open space protection will remain. Linda Hutchins Knowles (Mothers Out Front, District 9 resident) supported removing the item from consent and preserving open space. Martha O’Connell (virtual) supported moving the general plan item to the evening. - Temporary Detention Moratorium (Item C.1): Multiple speakers (Jeremy Bruce, Amigos de Guadalupe; Wissa, CAIR; Kemi Flynn, IPEN; Mr. Mendoza, Amigos de Guadalupe; Daniela Valdivia, resident; Kylie Clark, Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits; Sandra Munoz, resident; Louis Powell, Santa Maria Urban Ministry; Jordan Moldow, District 3; Linda Hutchins Knowles; Meredith Hurley; Dasha Leeds, District 3; Carmen, Monatinos contra Cancer) expressed strong support for the moratorium but urged the committee to expand it to all property, not just private property, to close a loophole and protect the community. Some speakers also noted the importance of rapid action and that other cities are watching San Jose’s leadership. - Data Center Community Benefits (Item C.2): Evan Brooks requested that the committee consider sequencing so that data center standards are finalized before entitlements move forward. Brian Darby suggested pushing technology to reduce heat and water use. Isaac (District 2) cited health impacts from data centers and called for cumulative studies. Mitra Fabian (longtime resident) opposed rapid data center development due to lack of public health and environmental safeguards. Lena Drape (Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority) urged a pause on processing new applications until standards are approved. Jasmine Jordan (San Jose State student) highlighted environmental and job destruction. Caroline Donlin raised water use concerns. Dasha Leeds (Sierra Club Loma Prieta) requested a moratorium, citing infrasound health impacts. Linda Hutchins Knowles requested a pause on accepting and processing new data centers. Jordan Moldow supported the memo but called for a cumulative EIR and green infrastructure. Manny Bacala (Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action) urged a pause and stringent standards, especially for backup generators. Cleo described hellscape conditions around existing data centers. Discussion Items - Temporary Moratorium on Detention and Custodial Facilities on Private Property (ROGC 26-283): Councilmember Doan introduced the item, noting support from Mayor Mahan and council members. The committee questioned the city attorney about the scope. Chief Deputy City Attorney Reza Sangtari explained that the moratorium is limited to private property to avoid conflict with federal supremacy, but that the city already controls its own property. The city attorney indicated that state-level discussions may address public property. Councilmember Kamei asked about the 45-day timeline; the city attorney explained that 45 days is a statutory first step, extendable to 22 months. The committee voted to approve the memorandum and directed the city attorney to submit a supplemental memorandum addressing the legal analysis and exposure regarding public property by the September 15, 2026 council meeting. The motion carried 5–0. - Data Center Community Benefits (ROGC 26-284): Chair Cohen, an author of the memo, explained that the memo expands the scope of the ongoing uniform standards and best practices process to include options for community benefits. Councilmember Candelas emphasized the importance of community engagement, digital inclusion, workforce standards, and project labor agreements. City Manager Manuel Pineda outlined the outreach plan, including stakeholder meetings, a community listening session on August 19, 2026, a developer roundtable, and additional small-group meetings. He confirmed that any new data center application would take longer than six months to reach entitlement, so no rush is expected. The committee voted to approve the memorandum 5–0. Key Outcomes - August 18, 2026 Final Agenda: Approved with the cancellation of the evening session and the general plan item as the last item on the afternoon agenda (motion 5–0). - August 25, 2026 Draft Agenda: Approved (motion 5–0). - Consent Calendar: Items 1 and 2 approved; Item 3 (infrastructure financing study session) deferred to find an alternative date. - Temporary Detention Moratorium: Approved with direction for a supplemental memo on public property; to be considered by the full council on September 15, 2026. - Data Center Community Benefits: Approved; staff will incorporate community benefits into the ongoing uniform standards process and return to council in December 2026. - Open Forum: Public comments urged the committee to expand remote participation options for commissioners and to ensure community listening sessions include remote verbal participation in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. The committee took no formal action on these requests.

The San Jose City Council met in regular session on August 11, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers, following a closed session at 9:30 AM. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, unanimous approval of consent and land-use items, a resolution supporting Proposition 1 (Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act), adoption of amendments to boards and commissions policies, and a response to the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury report on tree canopy. Public comment was heard on several items, including airport worker wages, energy storage transparency, and tree canopy concerns. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent calendar (with item 2.2 pulled for a separate vote due to Councilmember Mulcahy's recusal) unanimously. - Item 2.2 (rezoning at 1402 Monterey Road) was approved separately with Mulcahy recused; motion passed unanimously. - Public speakers commented on Airport Grants (Item 2.8): Valdemar Calderon (Unite Here Local 19) expressed support for airport workers but criticized the living wage disparity ($7.56 less than city living wage). A Spanish-speaking speaker (name not given) described personal cost-of-living struggles. - On Item 2.21 (franchise for Tokay Energy Storage), speaker Roland expressed concern about transparency and a 100-megawatt battery plant connecting to the grid near a church. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3.3 (Prop 1): Public speaker Brian supported the bond act but requested more transparency on fund allocation. - Item 3.8 (Boards & Commissions): Jordan Muldow (BPAC chair) urged the council to strike the default quarterly meeting requirement, noting that monthly meetings are needed for community engagement. Brian supported more responsive communication. Caller Martha O'Connell (GSMOL) spoke in favor of hybrid meetings for commissions, citing the housing commission's positive experience with Zoom. - Item 5.2 (Tree Canopy): Lynn Paulson (resident/volunteer) asked for a funded implementation plan. Tara (Our City Forest) recommended five strengthening actions, including zero net canopy loss. Jordan Muldow criticized the city's response as pedantic. Greg (District 8) stressed the need for maintenance. Brian shared emotional stories about tree loss. Lillian (District 3) questioned the use of a $5.6 million grant and noted St. James Park's 98 trees to be removed. - Item 7.1 (Shelter Property Management): Ted Scarlet called the shelter system a "dismal failure" with violent participants. Brian hoped for consistent rule enforcement. Rachel (nonprofit founder) raised concerns about overdose deaths at Second Street Studios. - Open Forum: Speakers addressed issues including homeless seniors needing bottom bunks, permit difficulties, expressway pedestrian prohibitions, Coyote Creek trash, parking meter problems, a police-involved eviction, and public records transparency. Discussion Items - Item 3.3 (Proposition 1): Emily Lamb (IGR Director) presented the recommendation to support the $11.25 billion bond. She noted the city could secure $40 million, with flexibility to convert interim housing to permanent. The mayor emphasized flexibility negotiated. Councilmembers Doan and Tordillos expressed support. Motion by Tordillos passed unanimously. - Item 3.4 (CalPERS Amendment): Approved unanimously with no discussion. - Item 3.5 (Property Tax Levy for GO Bonds): Approved unanimously (Cohen absent). - Item 3.6 (Solid Waste Collection Charges): Approved unanimously (Cohen absent). - Item 3.7 (Sewer Service Charges): Approved unanimously. - Item 3.8 (Boards & Commissions Policy): Councilmember Tordillos presented the item. Discussion focused on meeting frequency. Vice Mayor Foley moved to modify the default quarterly requirement, allowing commissions to determine their own meeting frequency at the first meeting of the fiscal year. Councilmember Cohen supported flexibility. Councilmember Kamei requested removal of the phrase "first meeting" to avoid micromanagement. The motion was accepted and passed unanimously. Also, under Orders of the Day, the council approved virtual/hybrid meetings for Council Committees per Policy 0-37. - Item 5.2 (Tree Canopy Response): Staff presented the city's response to the Grand Jury report, disagreeing partially or entirely with all six findings. Councilmembers Ortiz, Cohen, Mulcahy, and the mayor asked questions about data, pruning, equity, and partnerships. Staff noted progress (12 FTE, reduced pruning cycle to 11 years, federal grant). Councilmember Cohen raised policy issues around tree preservation in development. The response was approved unanimously. - Item 7.1 (Bell Properties Shelter Management): Eric Sullivan (Housing Director) presented the agreement to consolidate property management for 15 sites (1,700 beds), projecting $1 million in savings (20% reduction). Motion approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (item 2.2 separate, Mulcahy recused). - Land Use Consent (10.1a): Rezoning for 5891 Rue Ferrari Church approved unanimously. - Prop 1 Support (3.3): Resolution supporting Proposition 1 passed unanimously. - CalPERS Amendment (3.4): Approved unanimously. - Property Tax Levy (3.5): Approved unanimously (Cohen absent). - Solid Waste Charges (3.6): Approved unanimously (Cohen absent). - Sewer Charges (3.7): Approved unanimously. - Boards & Commissions Policy (3.8): Amended and approved unanimously. Virtual/hybrid meetings for Council Committees also approved. - Tree Canopy Response (5.2): Approved unanimously. - Bell Properties Agreement (7.1): Approved unanimously. - Open Forum: No formal action taken; comments received for follow-up.

The Transportation and Environment Committee (T&E) of the San José City Council met on August 10, 2026, at 1:30 PM. The meeting covered consent calendar approval, reports on the Airport Commission's annual work plan and the Energy and Water Building Performance Ordinance, and an open forum for public comment. Votes were taken on all items, with attendance varying during the meeting. Consent Calendar - Climate Advisory Commission Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Report and FY 2026-27 Work Plan (CC 26-0831): The committee accepted the annual report and approved the work plan via a single motion. The vote was 3-0 (Chair Cohen, Vice Chair Foley? Not specified, but roll call showed Tordillos, Cohen present; absent: Campos, Ortiz). No public comment was received on this item. Public Comments & Testimony - Airport Commission Annual Report and Work Plan: Deo Kunkun, representing Unite Here Local 19 (550 food and beverage and retail workers at the airport), expressed concern that airport workers are paid $7.56 less per hour than city living wage workers, despite providing similar services. She noted that neighboring cities (Oakland, San Francisco) have equal living wage for city and airport workers, and urged the committee to address this disparity to retain experienced workers. - Energy and Water Building Performance Ordinance Status Report: Jordan Maldow spoke in support of the program, especially the public dashboard. He encouraged implementing performance standards over time, requiring faster remediation for buildings trending in the wrong direction, and restricting ratio billing (water submetering) to preserve conservation incentives. - Open Forum: Two speakers addressed the committee: - Kunzel Shah (District 4 resident with OCD and depression) requested microtransit service for North San Jose and Northeast San Jose, citing a lack of accessible transportation options for people with disabilities who cannot drive. - A second speaker (Jordan Maldow) promoted Transit Month and Week Without Driving, and spoke about the planned closure of Ewert Road (northern airport edge), which currently has a bike lane. He submitted an open letter signed by over 100 residents asking to keep the bike lane open for commuting and flood-season detours. Discussion Items - Airport Commission Annual Report and Work Plan (CC 26-0841): Staff presented the FY 2025-26 accomplishments and FY 2026-27 work plan, which includes quarterly meetings, capital projects, marketing, air service updates, rates and charges, and special topics (e.g., DBE goals, concessions, noise updates). Councilmember Tordillos asked whether the airport living wage issue could be addressed by the airport commission. Staff clarified that the airport living wage ordinance is set by the city council, and the airport living wage ($20.52 with benefits, $21.70 without) is already higher than the city minimum wage. The committee accepted the report and approved the work plan. Vote: 3-0 (same roll call). - Energy and Water Building Performance Ordinance Status Report (CC 26-0852): Staff provided a detailed status update on the ordinance (passed 2018), which applies to 1,800 properties (city-owned ≥15,000 sq ft; commercial/multifamily ≥20,000 sq ft). Key data: 87% average benchmarking compliance rate (2023-2025), 12% reduction in median energy use intensity, 9% reduction in water use intensity, 35% reduction in median GHG emissions per building since 2019. Planned improvements include surveying building owners, updating the ordinance for more flexibility, creating case studies, and connecting properties to incentives. Future considerations include a building performance standard policy, virtual audits, and AI use. Councilmember Ortiz asked about audit costs (median: $5,750 energy, $3,500 water, $10,500 combined) and noted the importance of keeping costs low to avoid deterring development. Councilmember Cohen questioned whether properties could avoid taking action by repeating audits every five years; staff noted that a future performance standard could require actual improvements. Councilmember Campos asked about data centers; Deputy City Manager Manuel Pineda confirmed that recommendations for including data centers in the audit process will come to council in December 2026. The committee accepted the report. Vote: 5-0 (all five members present by this point, though initial roll call had only three members present). Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved Climate Advisory Commission work plan (3-0). - Airport Commission: Accepted annual report and approved work plan (3-0). - Energy and Water Building Performance Ordinance: Accepted status report (5-0). Staff to return with data center recommendations in December 2026. - Open Forum: No committee action taken; public comments were received for consideration. Note on Attendance: Roll call at the start showed Councilmembers Tordillos and Cohen present, with Campos and Ortiz absent. However, later votes included all five members, indicating additional members arrived during the meeting.

The Planning Director's Hearing for August 5, 2026, convened at 11:15 AM UTC (9:09 AM local time) with Hearing Officer John 2 presiding. The sole agenda item was a request to defer a special use permit for a retaining wall at 6763 (address incomplete), due to concerns raised by Valley Water about potential property encroachment. After discussion, the hearing officer granted a two-week deferral. Discussion Items - Item 3A – SP26005 / ER26-024: Staff (Jacqueline Guerrero, planning project manager) requested a two-week deferral to verify property boundaries, as Valley Water had alleged that the retaining wall work was already under construction and encroaching on their property. The applicant (John) opposed the deferral, explaining that work had been previously permitted by Public Works but was stopped due to Valley Water's concerns. He stated the project was not currently active and that they were seeking proper approvals retroactively. Hearing Officer John 2 clarified that planning staff needed additional time to resolve encroachment issues and granted the two-week deferral. Key Outcomes - Deferral Granted: Item 3A was deferred for two weeks to allow staff to further review property boundaries and Valley Water's claims. - No other items were heard; the meeting adjourned at 9:09 AM local time.

The Rules and Open Government Committee and Committee of the Whole held a joint meeting on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting was chaired by David Cohen and included members Kamei, Foley, Doan, and Candelas. The committee reviewed upcoming City Council agendas, approved consent calendar items, and heard public comment. Consent Calendar - Public Record (June 11 – July 29, 2026): Received and filed. - Neighborhood Services and Education Committee Work Plan Updates: Approved amendments to drop and add items for the December 10, 2026 and February 11, 2027 meetings, including replacing an annual report with a verbal status report and adding a Parks and Recreation Plan Update. - District 2 Village Fest Special Event: Approved the September 19, 2026 event as a City Council sponsored special event, authorizing expenditure of funds and acceptance of donations. - Councilmember Tordillos Travel and Excused Absence: Authorized travel to Vienna, Austria for the Social Housing Field Study (September 13-19, 2026) and excused absence from the September 15, 2026 Council meeting. All consent items were approved unanimously (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Jordan Moldow (District 3): Speaking on the August 11, 2026 agenda item concerning boards and commissions policy, Mr. Moldow expressed concern that the staff recommendation to set default meeting frequency at once a quarter was too infrequent. He suggested the default should be more frequent and that commissions should argue for less frequency if needed. - Jordan Moldow (Open Forum): Also addressed the committee during open forum, urging the council to adopt optional provisions of SB 707 allowing advisory committees with no power to meet remotely. He supported a hybrid option for commissioners while maintaining in-person public meetings. Discussion Items - Review of August 11, 2026 Final Agenda: Chair Cohen summarized the agenda, including a closed session at 9:30 AM, regular session at 1:30 PM, consent items on pages 5-12, resolutions, public hearings on solid waste and sewer rates, boards and commissions policy amendment, deferral of Item 5.1, response to grand jury report on tree canopy, and a land use consent item. The committee approved the agenda unanimously (5-0). - Review of August 18, 2026 Draft Agenda: Summarized included closed session at 9:30 AM, regular session at 1:30 PM, consent items, housing department loan portfolio audit report, response to civil grand jury report on animal care center, land use consent, appeal hearing for 1295 Kurtner Avenue, and general plan policy framework discussion. Approved unanimously (5-0). Key Outcomes - Approved the August 11, 2026 Final Agenda (5-0). - Approved the August 18, 2026 Draft Agenda (5-0). - Approved the Consent Calendar for the August 5, 2026 meeting (5-0). - Adjourned at 2:06 PM.

Note on date discrepancy: The meeting was scheduled for July 31, 2026 per the assignment, but the transcript references a hearing "of July 22nd, 2026" and concludes "for July 26, 2026." This summary proceeds using the provided date, but the discrepancy is noted. The hearing officer, Sylvia Doe, called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. The consent calendar was approved without discussion. The main item was a public hearing for a site development permit (H25-039) at 470 West San Carlos Street, proposing a 276-unit, 8-story apartment building with 14 very low-income units. The applicant also requested state density bonus waivers and extended Saturday construction hours. After public testimony and staff discussion, the hearing officer approved the permit. Consent Calendar - Items 3A through 3E (site development permits H20-048, H22-030, H26-002, and special use permits SP24-041 and SP25-005) were approved on the consent calendar without separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Laura Winter (Stakeholders Plus Neighborhoods Initiative, S+NI) requested confirmation that prior letters were in the record, raised concerns about conflicting affordable housing compliance documents, and argued the project was materially different from the previously approved assisted living facility. - Debbie Krama (across the street resident) requested strict construction hour limits (Monday–Friday for concrete pours, Saturday 8–5) and that haul trucks use San Carlos Street, not Gifford Avenue. - Sarah Springer (Delmas Park, S+NI) noted the site is an unremediated hazardous waste site with an active cleanup program, and that deeper excavation for parking may increase risk. - Bert Weaver (Delmas Park, S+NI) questioned whether prior tenants had rent subsidies and urged the city not to approve until design issues (loading, parking, waste, sidewalks, street trees, sewer) are resolved. - Dina Casanova (trustee of adjacent property at 331 and 379 Gifford Avenue) raised concerns about insufficient fire separation, construction impacts on her property, and inadequate traffic safety measures. - Richard (Delmas Park, 20-year resident) accused the city of fast-tracking the project after a June 16th City Council meeting, and urged the applicant to redesign the building. - Kathy Sutherland (Gifford Avenue, S+NI) argued the density bonus was nonsensical given unbuilt height, criticized the last-minute height reduction to avoid AB 130 labor requirements, and demanded the city reject the waivers without evidence of physical preclusion. - Larry Ames (community advocate) supported high-density development but opposed the monolithic wall design and requested setbacks and upper-level stepbacks for neighborhood compatibility. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation (Jacqueline Guerrero): Presented the project details: 276 units (14 very low-income), 8 stories, five density bonus waivers (setback plane, skyline level massing, balconies, ground floor residential space, podium level massing). Staff found the project consistent with general plan, zoning, and the Diridon Station Area Plan. Public outreach included signs and a community meeting. The project is exempt from CEQA under AB 130; tribal consultation was completed. - Applicant Remarks (Matt Bernardis, Urban Catalyst): Thanked staff and the public. In closing remarks, he addressed concerns: responded to neighborhood letters, confirmed affordable housing compliance plan with the Housing Department, stated environmental cleanup will be modified under county oversight, noted that design items (parking, street trees, etc.) will be addressed at building permit phase, and clarified that the fire variance has precedent and will be finalized with the fire department. He also argued building height (84 feet 10 inches) has always been below the 85-foot threshold when measured correctly. - Public Comments (as above) - Staff Responses: - Bethlehem (CEPA planner): The site is not on the Cortese list, so AB 130 exemption applies. The county-approved soil management plan will be updated for the new project. - Alec Atianza (supervising planner): Explained state density bonus law: the city cannot deny waivers unless they cause a specific adverse impact to public health/safety. The five waivers were justified because the standards would physically preclude construction. The Housing Accountability Act also limits denial. - Staff clarified that fire variance, TDM, and waste management issues will be resolved during building permit phase, with conditions requiring compliance before final sign-off. Construction impacts (air quality, noise) are mitigated by standard permit conditions. Key Outcomes - The hearing officer approved the site development permit (H25-039) for 470 West San Carlos Street, including the five density bonus waivers and extended Saturday construction hours (8 AM–5 PM). - The approval is based on consistency with the General Plan and zoning, compliance with state density bonus law, and the statutory CEQA exemption under AB 130. - Conditions of approval include: completion of site cleanup under county oversight (soil management plan), resolution of fire variance, TDM, and waste management details during the building permit stage. - The hearing officer acknowledged the community’s engagement and the Delmas neighborhood’s history of supporting development, but noted that state law requires approval given the project’s compliance with applicable regulations. - The meeting adjourned at 9:57 AM.

This Planning Director hearing, conducted via Zoom by Hearing Officer David Kean (delegated by Director Christopher Burton), considered four development applications. All items were approved after staff presentations, applicant testimony, and, where applicable, public comment. The meeting began at 9:00 AM and adjourned at 10:16 AM. Consent Calendar - No items were on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4C (160 East Virginia Street): One public speaker questioned the applicant's characterization of a "oddity" regarding the city's land use policy and asked when the Historic Landmarks Commission had reviewed the building. The speaker expressed concern about the historic review process. - Item 4D (941-945 Bascom Avenue): Two speakers opposed the project. - Arian Tia, owner of 220 Maywood Avenue, stated that the applicant's own consultant found construction vibration could reach 2.58 inches per second, nearly three times the city's residential threshold. He requested denial or continuation until enforceable protections (pre-construction survey, real-time monitoring, damage bond, no tie-backs without consent) are written into the permit. - Dan Votto, a resident of Maywood Avenue and Lindair Avenue, cited inadequate parking, noting a previous nearby business closed due to parking shortages. He also raised concerns about vibration from construction and requested the developer activate ground-floor retail for community benefit. Discussion Items - Item 4A (1108 Pine Avenue): File H26-009 and ER26-035. A site development permit to construct a 519-square-foot detached garage, demolish an existing 370-square-foot garage, and add an attached porch to an existing duplex on a 0.13-acre lot. Staff (Jason Lee) reported the project meets all zoning and design standards. The applicant (Jeff Leang) explained the garage is structurally unsound and the porch will provide weather protection. No public speakers. The hearing officer approved the permit. - Item 4B (6835 Trinidad Drive – Almaden Country Day School): File H26-006 and ER26-027. A site development permit to construct a 2,915-square-foot storage building and demolish 10 sheds (1,684 square feet total) on a 9.13-acre site. Staff noted a late comment from Valley Water regarding flood zones and wells; staff clarified improvements are in Zone X and added a reminder about well destruction. The applicant (Ron Sipparin) said the project replaces old storage. No public speakers. Approved. - Item 4C (160 East Virginia Street): File SP25-023 and ER25-223. A special use permit to expand existing legal nonconforming office and medical office uses from the second floor to the first floor and mezzanine of the Hawaii Pineapple Company building (a candidate city landmark). Uses include a food pantry, gym, concession stand, daycare, and community space. One dock door will be replaced with a storefront door. Staff reported the project is consistent with the Martha Gardens specific plan and historic review by a qualified consultant and the Historic Preservation Officer. The applicant (Eric Schenauer, representing Gardner Health Services) stated the building has provided health services for 32 years. After public comment, the hearing officer clarified that because the building is a candidate landmark (not designated), the Historic Landmarks Commission review is not required. Approved. - Item 4D (941-945 Bascom Avenue): File H22-039 and ER22-054. A site development permit for a four-story, 53,000-square-foot medical office and retail building with ground-floor and underground parking, demolishing five commercial structures (4,636 square feet) and removing two non-ordinance-sized trees on a 0.43-acre lot. Staff (Jason Lee and Charlotte Yun) described the project as consistent with the South Bascom Urban Village Plan, with stepbacks and five design exceptions. The CEQA analysis found no significant impacts with standard conditions. The applicant (Evan Sakoloski) noted the project includes 45 parking spaces and retail activation. After public comments, the hearing officer questioned staff about vibration, air quality, shoring, and parking requirements. Staff confirmed vibration monitoring, a disturbance coordinator, and that the maximally exposed individual for cancer risk is southeast of the site due to wind patterns. The hearing officer noted the urban village plan incorporates stepbacks for privacy and that the project qualifies for the infill exemption. Approved. Key Outcomes - Item 4A: Approved site development permit H26-009 and ER26-035, with CEQA exemption under Section 15303. - Item 4B: Approved site development permit H26-006, with CEQA exemption under Section 15303(e). - Item 4C: Approved special use permit SP25-023, with CEQA exemption under Section 15301(a). - Item 4D: Approved site development permit H22-039, with CEQA exemption under Section 15332 (infill development). The hearing officer noted that standard conditions will address vibration, noise, air quality, and shoring. The applicant must also secure county permits for work on Maywood Avenue (county jurisdiction).