REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2077, the Second Zoning Code “Cleanup” Ordinance Updating the City’s Wireless Facilities Regulations for Consistency With Federal Law; Updating the Density Bonus Provisions to Incorporate Recent Changes to the Government Code; Revising Reasonable Accommodation Requirements to Implement the Housing Element; and Making Other Minor Changes
Report
BACKGROUND
At the May 27, 2025 Council meeting, proposed Ordinance No. 2077 was passed for the purpose of publication. Pursuant to City Charter Sections 808 and 812, a summary of proposed Ordinance No. 2077 was published to the Santa Clara Weekly on June 4, 2025, and copies were posted in three public places.
DISCUSSION
As a follow-up to the January 9, 2024 adoption of the Zoning Code Update, the proposed ordinance makes “clean-up” amendments to the Zoning Code Update, such as correcting section numbers and cross-references. The City previously adopted a first “clean-up” ordinance on August 20, 2024. This second “clean-up” ordinance includes code changes that are necessary due to new state and federal laws, clarifications to eliminate ambiguities and improve code implementation, and various errata and corrections to the document.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Given that the Zoning Code Update is an implementation action for the 2010 General Plan Update, the City prepared an Addendum to the 2010-2035 General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to cover adoption of the Zoning Code, Zoning Map, and related General Plan Amendments. The Addendum indicated that the adoption of the Zoning Code Update would not result in environmental impacts beyond those described in the General Plan Update EIR. The City Council adopted the Addendum on December 19, 2023. The recommended actions all fall within the scope of the adopted Addendum.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of the Second Zoning Code Cleanup Ordinance would fully implement the City’s General Plan land use policies. These actions would involve no additional resources beyond those indicated at the time of Zoning Code adoption.
COORDINATION
This item was coordinated with the Community Development Department.
PUBLIC CONTACT
A summary of proposed Ordinance No. 2077 was published to the Santa Clara Weekly on June 4, 2025, and copies were posted in three public places and made available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office.
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2077, the Second Zoning Code “Cleanup” Ordinance
Staff
Reviewed by: Alexander Abbe, Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 2077 (Intro)