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Legislative Public Meetings

File #: 25-457    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Public Hearing/General Business Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 4/10/2025 In control: Council and Authorities Concurrent Meeting
On agenda: 7/8/2025 Final action:
Title: Public Hearing: Consideration of Various Actions to Amend the City Place Santa Clara Project (PLN24-00060) Located at 5155 Stars and Stripes Drive to Provide for a New Scheme C Land Use Scenario to add Light Industrial as a Permitted Land Use on Parcels 1 and 2, Replacing the Originally Planned Office Uses and Transferring Unused Development Intensity to Parcel 4 and to Implement Other Project Changes
Attachments: 1. Planning Commission Staff Report of June 11, 2025, 2. Web Links- Project Website and Addendum to 2016 EIR and MMRP, 3. Resolution adopting the Addendum to the City Place Santa Clara EIR, 4. Resolution Approving the General Plan Amendment, 5. Resolution Approving the Rezone to amend the PD-MC, 6. Ordinance Approving the Amendment to the Development Agreement for Scheme C, 7. Resolution Approving the Amendment to the Disposition and Development Agreement, 8. Development Agreement Amendment, 9. Second Amendment to DDA Redline Version, 10. Public Comments Received, 11. Scheme C MCP Conditions of Approval, 12. Master Community Plan (MCP) Scheme C Site Plan, 13. Web Link- MCP Scheme C Supplement, 14. Vicinity Map, 15. Project Data Table, 16. Keyser Marston Associates Peer Review of Fiscal Impact Analysis
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REPORT TO COUNCIL

SUBJECT

Title

Public Hearing: Consideration of Various Actions to Amend the City Place Santa Clara Project (PLN24-00060) Located at 5155 Stars and Stripes Drive to Provide for a New Scheme C Land Use Scenario to add Light Industrial as a Permitted Land Use on Parcels 1 and 2, Replacing the Originally Planned Office Uses and Transferring Unused Development Intensity to Parcel 4 and to Implement Other Project Changes

 

Report

COUNCIL PILLAR

Promote and Enhance Economic, Housing and Transportation Development

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Related Santa Clara project (“the Approve Project”), a public-private partnership located on 240 acres of City-owned land across from Levi’s Stadium, is envisioned as a major regional destination for a new mixed-use residential, retail, office, hotel and industrial development near transit. On January 31, 2024, Related Santa Clara, LLC (“applicant”) submitted an application (PLN24-00060) for a re-zone to amend the 2016 Master Community Plan (MCP) by introducing a new “Scheme C” land use scenario. The application also includes a General Plan amendment a Development Agreement (DA) amendment, and a Disposition and Development  Agreement amendment, the environmental effects of which were analyzed in an addendum to the project’s previously certified EIR. The applicant proposes to add Light Industrial as a permitted land use on Parcels 1 and 2, replacing the originally planned office uses, and transferring unused development intensity to Parcel 4. These changes are a response to significant post-pandemic shifts in real estate markets particularly declining demand for office space, rising construction costs, and broader economic challenges. Parcels 4 and 5, comprising the project’s “City Center,” would retain their dense, mixed-use focus with retail, office, hotel, and residential uses, while Parcel 3 remains designated for a public park.

 

The proposed changes maintain the project’s original 9.16 million gross square feet and overall vision while aligning land uses with current market demand. Scheme C is intended to accelerate development on City land by allowing for industrial land uses that could include advanced manufacturing and data center uses on Parcels 1 and 2, helping to finance subsequent phases and enhancing the long-term viability of the project. At the May 6, 2025, City Council Study Session, the applicant reiterated its commitment to the project’s vision, including the creation of a walkable, transit-oriented urban district and an increase in affordable housing in Phases 2 and 3 of the project from 10% to 15% at deeper levels of affordability than originally approved.

 

The City Council is being asked to consider proposed amendments to the Related Santa Clara project to introduce the potential to develop light industrial uses on Parcels 1 and 2 and reallocate unused development intensity to Parcel 4. The Council is being asked to approve related amendments to the General Plan, Zoning Code, Master Community Plan, Development Agreement and Disposition and Development Agreement. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the resolutions approving the General Plan, Zoning and Disposition and Development Agreement amendments and introduce an ordinance approving the Development Agreement amendment, which will help align the project with current market conditions and support continued progress toward full build-out of the site.

 

BACKGROUND

The Related Santa Clara project (previously known as “City Place” and referred to herein as the “Project”) is a 240-acre public-private partnership between the City of Santa Clara and Related Santa Clara, LLC, located directly across from Levi’s Stadium at 5155 Stars and Stripes Drive in Santa Clara. Approved by the City Council in 2016, the project was envisioned as a vibrant, regional mixed-use district anchored by office, residential, hotel, retail, and entertainment uses. At full build-out, the project would comprise up to 9.16 million square feet of development across five major parcels and seven construction phases. The project site is designated Urban Center/Entertainment District in the General Plan and zoned Planned Development - Master Community (PD-MC).

 

The 2016 approvals included:

                     Certification of the City Place Santa Clara Environmental Impact Report (EIR);

                     Adoption of a Master Community Plan (MCP);

                     Rezoning of the site to PD-MC; and

                     Approval of a Development Agreement (DA) and Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA).

The environmental review for the Related Santa Clara project has been conducted in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In 2016, the City Council certified the original Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the full 240-acre mixed-use development and adopted a set of CEQA findings, a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”). Since then, three CEQA addenda have been adopted: the first in March 2020 for the approval of Development Area Plan 1 (DAP 1) on Parcel 5; the second in July 2020 for Development Area Plan 2 (DAP 2) on Parcel 4; and the third for the City Place Revised Soil Important and Earthwork Plans Project in 2020. For the current proposed Scheme C amendment, a fourth CEQA Addendum has been prepared.

 

The MCP includes two initial conceptual land use schemes-Scheme A and Scheme B-both of which allowed for office development on Parcels 1 and 2, as well as mixed-use residential, retail, and hospitality uses on Parcels 4 and 5. Parcel 3 was reserved for a future City Park. The MCP anticipates that the project will be implemented in multiple phases over several years. Development Area Plans (DAPs) provide the detailed planning and entitlements for each phase, translating the MCP into buildable, permit-ready projects for specific parcels. Since approval, two DAPs have been adopted: DAP 1 for Parcel 5 (Phase 1) and DAP 2 for a portion of Parcel 4 (Phase 2). Architectural materials reviews and a subdivision map have also been approved.

 

Project Location

The project site is comprised of mostly vacant City-owned parcels, which totals approximately 240 acres, located at 5155 Stars and Stripes Drive in Santa Clara. It has a General Plan land use designation of Urban Center/Entertainment District and is zoned Planned Development - Master Community (PD-MC). These actions were approved in 2016, along with the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), and MCP for the full 240-acre site and a DDA and DA between the City and Related Santa Clara, LLC.

 

The project site comprises multiple legal parcels, which are generally referred to and described as five development parcels.  For reference, see Attachment 14, Vicinity Map. Four of the development parcels are part of the former landfill that closed in 1994. Only Parcel 5 (8 acres on Tasman Drive across from Levi’s Stadium) is not underlain by landfill.

 

Lafayette Street divides the project site with Parcels 1 and 2 to the east and Parcels 3, 4, and 5 to the west. The Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) borders Parcels 3 and 4 on the west side of Lafayette Street. Stars and Stripes Boulevard runs parallel to Tasman Drive within the site on the west side of Lafayette Street. Centennial Boulevard provides access to the site from Tasman Drive through Parcel 5 and intersects Stars and Stripes Drive, bisecting Parcels 4 and 5.

 

MCP Conformity

Future development on the site is required to conform to the MCP. Specifically, the MCP sets forth the development standards, design guidelines, project implementation procedures, development transfer provisions among parcels, permitted and conditional uses allowed within the proposed land use areas, and City approval standards for Development Area Plan (DAP) applications. It anticipates up to seven potential phases of development, each of which would be governed by a DAP. Two DAPs (DAP 1- File No. PLN2019-14186 and DAP 2- File No. PLN2019-14249) have been approved by the City Council.  DAP 1 covers Parcel 5 and represents Phase 1 of the project; the applicant and the City have entered into a ground lease for Phase 1.  DAP 2 covers a large portion of Parcel 4 and represents Phase 2 of the project. 

 

City Council Study Session

On May 6, 2025, the City Council held a study session to review the progress and future direction of the Related Santa Clara project, with a focus on proposed amendments under Scheme C. City staff and consultants presented the project’s history, existing entitlements, development milestones, and challenges-including litigation, pandemic delays, and complex permitting for the former landfill site. The proposed Scheme C maintains the mixed-use vision in the “City Center” on Parcels 4 and 5 while introducing the option to develop light industrial uses, including data centers, in place of office uses on Parcels 1 and 2 and increasing density within the City Center area. Economic conditions impacting office, retail, and hotel markets were discussed, along with the strong demand for data centers. Fiscal analysis indicated that Scheme C would generate approximately $28.1 million annually in net General Fund revenue, comparable to previous plans. Council feedback was invited ahead of the Planning Commission hearing in June and the actions currently before the City Council.

 

June 2025 Planning Commission Meeting and Commission Recommendation

Following the May Study Session, a publicly noticed meeting on June 11, 2025, with the Planning Commission was held to review the proposed project. The Planning Commission recommended that the City Council approve the Addendum, the General Plan Amendment, the Zoning Amendment, and the Development Agreement Amendment. The General Plan Amendment recommendation was approved by a vote of 5-2, with the remaining recommendations being approved unanimously. The Disposition and Development Agreement involves the project’s real estate and business terms, as opposed to land use issues, and therefore it is outside of the Planning Commission’s purview and was not presented to the Commission for a recommendation.

 

With the exception of the Zoning Amendment, the Planning Commission recommended that the Council approve the project as recommended by staff. With respect to the Zoning Amendment, the Planning Commission recommended changes with respect to the treatment of data centers. The draft Scheme C Supplement to the MCP defines three categories of data centers: Small Power Plant Exemption (SPPE) data centers, Non-SPPE data centers, and ancillary data centers. The Planning Commission recommended making all data centers conditional uses, subject to a conditional use permit that would be reviewed by the Planning Commission.  Notwithstanding the Planning Commission’s recommendations, staff continues to recommend that the City Council approve the Scheme C Supplement to the MCP as originally drafted. This would allow SPPE data centers as a use by right, with Non-SPPE data centers and ancillary data centers allowed subject to the Community Development Director’s approval of a minor use permit.

DISCUSSION

On January 31, 2024, Related Santa Clara, LLC submitted an application (PLN24-00060) proposing an amendment to the 2016 MCP to introduce a new land use scenario, Scheme C. This proposal responds to changing market conditions and economic realities, including high office vacancies, reduced demand for new retail, rising interest rates and construction costs, and increased interest in advanced manufacturing and data centers.

Key Components of Scheme C include the following:

1.                     Introduction of Light Industrial Uses on Parcels 1 and 2

o                     Replaces previously approved office uses with up to 1.6 million square feet of light industrial development, including data centers, logistics, warehousing, and advanced manufacturing.

o                     SPPE (Small Power Plant Exemption) data centers permitted by right; Non-SPPE and ancillary data centers subject to Minor Use Permit.

o                     Incidental office, retail, and service uses are allowed to support industrial functions.

2.                     Transfer of Development Intensity

o                     Unused development square footage from Parcels 1 and 2 would be transferred to Parcel 4 (City Center) to accommodate additional office or retail development.

o                     Total project build-out remains capped at 9.16 million square feet, consistent with the original MCP.

3.                     Preservation of City Center Vision

o                     Parcels 4 and 5 continue to serve as the heart of the project, featuring high-density residential, office, retail, and hotel uses in a pedestrian-oriented urban environment.

o                     Mixed-use development in the City Center will remain the focal point for community activity and regional attraction.

4.                     Circulation and Site Access Modifications

o                     Due to the decreased traffic associated with Scheme C as compared with Schemes A or B, the previously proposed Lick Mill Boulevard extension is no longer needed to reduce traffic impacts on the adjacent Tasman East residential area; this connection is therefore modified under Scheme C to accommodate the reduction in bicycle and pedestrian connections, but not other

o                     Analyze the potential to introduce a new connector bridge over Lafayette Street to link industrial parcels (1 and 2) to the City Center while maintaining pedestrian/bike access through the site.

5.                     Building Height Revisions

o                     Removes the 219-foot maximum height limit for Parcel 4 (City Center) to allow for buildings up to 10-12 stories, consistent with updated ALUC policies. ALUC review was not required for this change, as the project is outside of the zone for review. No further review is required by the ALUC.

o                     Parcels 1 and 2 would maintain a lower scale appropriate for industrial uses.

6.                     Design Guidelines for Industrial Uses

o                     Scheme C introduces Chapter 5C.4 to the MCP, outlining buffer zones, landscape screening, and design standards to minimize impacts of industrial uses on nearby residential neighborhoods.

The General Plan’s Urban Center/Entertainment District designation supports a mix of regional and local uses including retail, hotel, employment, and urban housing. However, industrial uses are not currently permitted under this designation. A General Plan Amendment is required to allow light industrial as a permitted use under the MCP.

Scheme C is broadly consistent with General Plan goals and policies, particularly:

                     Encouraging development at minimum intensities. The project retains its full 9.16 million square foot capacity.

                     Supporting commercial development that respects surrounding neighborhoods. Buffering and truck route design address land use compatibility.

                     Providing industrial employment opportunities while ensuring separation from residential areas and regulating hazardous materials.

                     Promoting safety in hazardous material transport and storage.

The proposed amendments are also consistent with the purpose of the PD-MC zoning district, which allows for large-scale, phased, mixed-use developments. Zoning amendments are required to add light industrial land uses as allowed within the PD-MC zone and to add Scheme C as a permitted option within the MCP.

At the June 11, 2025, Planning Commission meeting, staff presented the applicant’s proposal to amend the 2016 MCP. Attachment 1 includes the Planning Commission Staff report with detailed analysis of the project. Project plans are included as Attachments 12 and 13. The Planning Commission discussion focused on the permitted uses on the northeast Parcels 1 and 2. The Commission deliberated on the possibility of  adding additional uses such as, “Office Campus”, “Education Campus” and “Medical Campus” to the list of permitted uses for the Light Industrial Parcels 1 and 2. Staff explained that since these uses were not analyzed in the environmental document, it would require a new environmental analysis in accordance with CEQA. It was explained that in the future, if these are desired uses, the applicant could come back with an amendment and analyze additional uses. The Commission also asked if housing could occur on the northeast parcels. In response, it was explained that the State Water Board capped the residential development for the project at 1,680 residential units, which has all been allocated to Parcels 4 and 5.

 

The Commission also discussed the possibility of data centers being allowed in the future as the MCP allows standalone SPPE data centers (50 Megawatts- 99 Megawatts) as permitted uses approved administratively at staff level. The Commission deliberated on recommending allowing data centers on only one of the Parcels or requiring them to come before the Planning Commission for approval.  

 

The Commission inquired about the phasing of the project and the applicants reasoning for developing the northeast parcels ahead of the City Center on parcels 4 and 5. In response, the applicant team shared that currently the market does not support new office uses, but there is a demand for light industrial, warehouse type development, and that this change would allow them to move forward with the project in Parcels 1 and 2. Also, that in parallel, they would continue to work on the permits for City Center Parcel 5.

 

There was one public speaker present at the meeting. They shared that they were the previous owners of David’s Restaurant, which was previously in operation at the project site and had to cease operation when the City applied eminent domain to allow the development of the site. They asked if the road would still go from there as planned or if that has changed. Staff confirmed that none of the proposed changes would alter the roadway. Staff also shared the email comments submitted on the project.

 

After their deliberation, the Planning Commission made a recommendation that City Council adopt the Addendum to the City Place Santa Clara EIR (2016 EIR) with a vote of 7-0. The Planning Commission made a recommendation that the City Council approve the General Plan Amendment to revise the permitted uses under the Urban Center/Entertainment District land use classification to include the proposed

Light Industrial uses on Parcels 1 and 2 with a vote of 5-2. Further, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the Rezone with a vote of 7-0 to amend the approved Planned Development Master Community (PD-MC) to add a new Scheme C with a modification to Chapter 3C.2 of MCP, page 21 of the MCP Scheme C to delete the SPPE data centers from the list under “Light Industrial Parcels- Parcels 1 and 2 Light Industrial Campus Development Permitted Uses” and to revise paragraph four under conditional uses so it applies to all data centers, and the Use Permit process be a Conditional Use Permit process determined by the Planning Commission rather than the Minor Use Permit process. The Planning Commission made a recommendation to the City Council to approve the Development Agreement as proposed with a vote of 7-0.

 

Land Transaction

 

Development Agreement - The 2016 Development Agreement (DA) has a 30-year term to allow for phased development of the project and vests the maximum density and intensity of uses; the maximum building heights and gross floor area of land uses; and the permitted uses. It also specifies that the developer must build a minimum of 200 housing units; that 10% of residential units must be affordable to households with income that does not exceed one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the Area Median Income for Santa Clara County, as adjusted and amended from time to time; the development fees that will be paid (including a voluntary regional fee and a voluntary contribution to the Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority (VTA)); the provisions concerning escalation of existing fees or imposition of new fees; and that all mitigation measures to minimize material adverse environmental impacts of the project must be implemented.

 

Proposed Development Agreement Amendment - The proposed amendments to the DA, Attachment 8, require that the original affordability contribution be replaced by more stringent requirements. Specifically, other than with respect to the initial 200 residential units in Phase 1, 15% of the units must be affordable to households with income that does not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the Area Median Income for Santa Clara County, as adjusted and amended from time to time. Thus, there would be more affordable units built and at deeper levels of affordability. In addition, the proposed DA amendments require that the industrial uses within Scheme C would pay development impact fees and administrative fees at the levels as and when otherwise due, with no caps. Finally, the amended DA would add a regional traffic fee for industrial uses (similar to office uses) at $1 per square foot.

 

Disposition and Development Agreement - The 2016 Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) is the governing document for the phased implementation of the 240-acre mixed-use Related Santa Clara project. It includes detailed terms on project phasing, rent payments, and obligations for public improvements and services. The Schedule of Performance outlines the timing for DAP submittals, approvals, and take-downs, with force majeure and excusable delay provisions for extraordinary events (e.g., pandemics or regulatory delays). The ground rent begins at specified base rates for each phase (e.g., $750,000 for Phase 1, increasing for later phases), escalating annually by 3%. Additional 10% increases are scheduled in certain years (e.g., Years 25, 35, etc.), and Fair Market Rent Adjustments occur in Years 20, 45, and 70, with defined caps and floors to ensure rent remains aligned with market conditions while recognizing extraordinary site costs.

 

The DDA also establishes obligations for infrastructure funding, public service contributions (e.g., for parks, fire, police), and affordable housing (initially set at 10% of residential units for moderate-income or below). Rent was calculated based on an “as-is” land value adjusted for the extraordinary costs of building over a former landfill, with the base ground rent reflecting a land valuation of $115 million in 2016-substantially exceeding comparable market transactions at that time. Over the 99-year term, the rent structure is projected to generate $6.4 to $9+ billion, supporting long-term fiscal benefits for the City.

 

Proposed Disposition and Development Agreement Amendment

Basic terms of the DDA Amendment, Attachment 9, include:

 

Phasing:                     The Developer may ground lease any of the three phases within Parcels 1 and 2 for industrial development ahead of ground leasing Phase 2 within Parcel 4.  (Phase 2 is currently subject to Materially Adverse Economic Conditions due to high office vacancy rates in the region so the deadline for the Developer to take down Phase 2 has been extended.)

 

Performance Schedule:                      A new Scheme C Schedule of Performance obligates the Developer to secure City Council approval of a Development Area Plan for and ground lease the first Scheme C phase within 3 years from now, starting construction within 1 year thereafter. 

 

Approvals for and ground lease of the other two Scheme C phases must occur in 3-year intervals after the first industrial phase (unless Phase 2 is ground leased, in which case the original Schedule of Performance will thereafter apply).

 

If the Developer fails to timely ground lease a Scheme C phase, one of the Scheme C phases would no longer be subject to the DDA and the City may offer it to another developer or make other use of it.

 

Rent:                      Any land within Parcels 1 and 2 that is developed as a data center will be subject to twice the rent that would otherwise be charged.

 

Pedestrian Connection:                      The Developer must conduct a pedestrian and bicycle bridge study to analyze the viability of and prepare schematic drawings for two bridge options to span Lafayette Blvd. to connect Parcel 4 and Parcel 2, including a path to link Tasman East and the City Center.  The Developer will reserve the land for bridge landings and paths, but the City will be responsible for all further efforts to secure approval of, fund and build such a ped/bike bridge.

 

Landfill Costs:                      Due to language ambiguity, revise the formula whereby the Developer funds a portion of the City’s annual landfill costs to clarify that the costs eligible for reimbursement are split 50-50 between the City and Developer if they occur on any land not yet subject to development activities (i.e., Parcels 1 and 2).  The Developer will pay 75% of the eligible reimbursement costs (based on the new formula) incurred by the City prior to Fiscal Year 2024-2025 in recognition of the prior ambiguities and administrative billing challenges.

 

ECONOMIC/FISCAL IMPACT

The development of the project under Scheme C will continue to provide substantial land lease revenues to the City’s General Fund. Sales and property tax revenues will accrue to the City, as well as to nearby agencies that benefit from the increases in the distribution of property tax that will grow as the project develops and is occupied. The economic analysis, Attachment 16, provided by the City's economic consultant; Keyser Marston projected as follows:

                     Scheme C generates a projected $20.6 million annual net positive fiscal impact to the City General Fund upon buildout, or $28.1 million annually with inclusion of ground rent.

                     The projected City General Fund fiscal impact with buildout of Scheme C, including a data center use, is a net positive $22.2 million annually, or $30.3 million with inclusion of ground rent. This is an increase of approximately $2 million annually compared with Scheme C without a data center. Higher assessed values, lower City service demands, and increased ground rent associated with data center uses contribute to an increase in the projected net positive City General Fund fiscal impact.

 

Comparison with Scheme A

                     Scheme A with minimum retail, generates a projected $20.5 million annual net positive fiscal impact to the City General Fund.

                     Scheme A with Full Retail with build-out of the full 1.5 million square feet of included retail uses generates a projected $25 million annual net positive fiscal impact to the City General Fund. This is the largest net positive fiscal impact of the four scenarios, attributable to the sales tax revenues generated by approximately 700,000 square feet in additional retail space.

 

The project will create a variety of jobs for residents in the City and region, the changes under Scheme C could accelerate early activation and lay the foundation for full realization of the project. Finally, the public benefits under Scheme C, include a commitment that at least 15% of all residential units on the sites will be affordable at a maximum average of 100% AMI.  In addition to the ongoing revenues, one-time sales tax revenues will be generated for the City from construction purchases. Through the purchase of building materials within the City, total buildout construction is also expected to generate onetime sales tax revenues to the General Fund.

The proposed Scheme C amendment retains the core vision of the Related Santa Clara project as a vibrant, regional mixed-use district centered around a high-density City Center while incorporating land uses that address current economic realities and enable development momentum. The modifications under Scheme C are supported by environmental analysis, consistent with applicable policy frameworks, and designed to uphold the City’s public-private development objectives.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

An Addendum to the City Place 2016 EIR was prepared for the project by the environmental consultant firm ESA, in accordance with CEQA, and was posted on the City’s website (weblink provided in Attachment 2). The Addendum concluded that any potential environmental impacts associated with development of the project site under the proposed Scheme C were adequately analyzed and covered by the analysis in the 2016 EIR. The proposed project would not trigger substantial changes to the previously approved EIR and implementation of Scheme C would cause no new significant environmental effects and no substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects than were disclosed in the 2016 EIR. Therefore, no further review or analysis under CEQA is required.

 

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.

 

On June 18, 2025, a hearing notice for the City Council hearing on July 8, 2025, was published in the Santa Clara Weekly and on June 18, 2025, a notice of public hearings for this item was mailed to property owners within 1,000 feet of the project side boundaries and interested parties. Staff have received five public comments on the project, and they are available as Attachment 10.

 

Community Meetings

A community open house was hosted by the applicant on September 10, 2024, to provide information about the Scheme C land use alternative describing the different mix of land uses proposed for the northeastern part of the site. It was attended by approximately 40 members of the community. The presentation boards and a summary of the Community Meeting are posted on the project page. See Attachment 2 for the weblink.

 

ALTERNATIVES

1.                     Adopt the alternative reflecting the Planning Commission recommendation with a modification to Chapter 3C.2 of MCP, page 21 of the Master Community Plan Scheme C to delete the Small Power Plant Exemption (SPPE) data centers from the list of permitted uses under Light Industrial Parcels - Parcels 1 and 2 Light Industrial Campus Development and to revise paragraph four under conditional uses so it applies to all data centers and the Use Permit process to be a Conditional Use Permit process that goes to the Planning Commission rather than the Minor Use Permit process, which is administrative.

2.                     Deny the project.

 

RECOMMENDATION

Recommendation

1.                     Adopt a resolution for an Addendum to the City Place Santa Clara Environmental Impact Report (2016 EIR)

2.                     Adopt a resolution approving the General Plan Amendment to revise the permitted uses under the Urban Center/Entertainment District land use classification to include the proposed light industrial uses on Parcels 1 and 2 for the Related Santa Clara project at 5155 Stars and Stripes Drive (‘Project”).

3.                     Adopt a resolution approving a Rezone to Amend the approved Planned Development Master Community (PD-MC) to add a new Scheme C for the Project.

4.                     Waive first reading and introduce an ordinance to approve amending the Development Agreement to implement aspects of Scheme C for Project.

5.                     Adopt a resolution amending the Disposition and Development Agreement for Project.

 

Note: All resolutions, ordinances and agreements are attached for approval in substantial form, subject to such minor corrections or non-substantive modifications as may be required or approved by the City Attorney.

 

Staff

Reviewed by: Afshan Hamid, Director, Community Development Department

Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager

ATTACHMENTS

1.                     Planning Commission Staff Report of June 11, 2025

2.                     Web Links- Project Website and Addendum to 2016 EIR and MMRP

3.                     Resolution adopting the Addendum to the City Place Santa Clara EIR

4.                     Resolution Approving the General Plan Amendment

5.                     Resolution Approving the Rezoning to amend the PD-MC

6.                     Ordinance Approving the Amendment to the Development Agreement for Scheme C

7.                     Resolution Approving the Amendment to the Disposition and Development Agreement

8.                     Development Agreement Amendment

9.                     Second Amendment to Disposition and Development Agreement Amendment Redline Version

10.                     Public Comments Received

11.                     Scheme C MCP Conditions of Approval

12.                     Master Community Plan (MCP) Scheme C Site Plan

13.                     Web Link- MCP Scheme C Supplement

14.                     Vicinity Map

15.                     Project Data Table

16.                     Keyser Marston Associates Peer Review of Fiscal Impact Analysis