REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2065 Amending the Zoning Code to Create the Downtown Zoning District and Make Corresponding Changes to the Zoning Map.
Report
BACKGROUND
At the December 5, 2023 Council meeting, proposed Ordinance No. 2065 was passed for the purpose of publication. Pursuant to City Charter Sections 808 and 812, a summary of proposed Ordinance No. 2065 was published to the Santa Clara Weekly on January 3, 2024, and copies were posted in three public places.
DISCUSSION
On December 5, 2023, the City Council approved the Downtown Precise Plan, a long-range planning document that provides detailed guidance for future land uses, urban design standards, and public right-of-way design concepts in the City’s historic downtown area (identified in the 2010-2035 General Plan as the Downtown Focus Area). The proposed ordinance would adopt a Form Based (Zoning) Code to implement the Downtown Precise Plan and provide objective design standards to regulate new development projects. The Form-Based Code would establish policies, guidelines, and illustrations that implement the community vision and objectives for a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented destination Downtown.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and circulated for a 45-day public review between May 31, 2023 and July 17, 2023. A total of three comments were received during the comment period. Responses to the Draft EIR comments, as well as minor text changes and clarifications, in the form of a Final EIR, were made available on October 11, 2023. The Council adopted and certified the Final EIR at the December 5, 2023 Council meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than administrative staff time and expense to prepare this report.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Community Development Department.
PUBLIC CONTACT
A summary of proposed Ordinance No. 2065 was published to the Santa Clara Weekly on January 3, 2024, 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. 2065 amending the Zoning Code to create the Downtown Zoning District and make corresponding changes to the zoning map.
Staff
Reviewed by: Glen Googins, City Attorney
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 2065 (Intro)