REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Special Permit to Allow Two Occurrences of Car Shows at 958 Homestead Road (CEQA: Exempt 15304(e) Class 4 - Minor Alterations to Land)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
The applicant, Richard Peralez, of the American Legion Post 419, a non-profit organization, is requesting a Special Permit for two years to allow their annual car show at 958 Homestead Road. The 2023 event will take place on June 10, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is open to the public; the exact date of the 2024 event is to be determined. The applicant has obtained a Special Event Permit from the Parks and Recreation Department for the event as well as an encroachment permit from the Department of Public Works for the closure of Washington Street between Lexington Street and Homestead Road.
The property is currently zoned Downtown Commercial (CD). The zoning encourages commercial and office use, and the surrounding area has a mix of uses, including office, commercial and single-family and multi-family residences. The proposed temporary use, with limited duration and operations proposed, are not anticipated to adversely impact surrounding land use.
DISCUSSION
The applicant is requesting a Special Permit to allow use of the parking lot to host a social event. This use is not allowed by right within the City’s Zoning Code but may be permitted on a temporary basis through the issuance of a Special Permit per City Code section 18.60.030(b). The applicant applied for and obtained a Special Event Permit, and, through the Special Event Permit review process, it was discovered that the applicant would need to also obtain a Special Permit as the event includes temporary use of the American Legion parking lot for event activities. The specific future car show event date for 2024 is currently to be determined and is also proposed for approval with this Special Permit. The 2024 car show event and date will be coordinated with the Planning Division of the Community Development Department and will also require approval of a new Special Event Permit from the Parks and Recreation Department.
The proposed event will provide entertainment and food to the community. Given the site context and limited timeframe of the proposed use, the benefit of providing entertainment to the community outweighs the potential temporary disadvantages. The proposed Conditions of Approval are provided as Attachment 1. In alignment with the City’s General Plan and other policies, granting the Special Permit will further cultural activities within Santa Clara with no expected negative impacts. The Special Permit is subject to revocation should problems arise.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15304(e) (Class 4 - Minor Alterations to Land) as it consists of the minor temporary use of land having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment, such as carnivals and the sale of Christmas trees. The proposed car show in an existing parking lot would be consistent with such allowable temporary uses.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no cost to the City other than administrative staff time and expense. The applicant paid for the necessary permit fees.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office
PUBLIC CONTACT
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 <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Approve the use of a Class 4 Categorical Exemption, and
2. Approve the Special Permit to allow two occurrences of Car Shows at 958 Homestead Road, subject to conditions, based upon the Director of Community Development’s findings set forth in the Permit.
Staff
Reviewed by: Andrew Crabtree, Director of Community Development
Approved by: Jōvan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Conditions of Special Permit Approval
2. Site Plan