REPORT TO NEIGHBORHOOD UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion on Neighborhood Nuisance Topics in Private Property Leases and Direction to Staff to return to Potential Opportunities to Communicate Committee’s Input to Property Owners in the Old Quad Neighborhood
Report
BACKGROUND
Since March 21, 2006, when two separate Council Committees were combined to create one Committee addressing neighborhood issues surrounding Santa Clara University, the NURC has been engaged in identifying and addressing nuisance issues arising in the boundaries of the Old Quad Neighborhood( Attachment 1). Committee members and Community members have raised ongoing concerns regarding noise, trash, outdoor furniture, among other topics.
At the May 18, 2026 NURC meeting, Committee members provided input on
Committee workplan priorities for 2026 and 2027. The Committee requested that the topic of lease terms which could address neighborhood nuisance issues for non-Santa Clara University units be discussed at the Fall 2026 NURC meeting.
DISCUSSION
As a starting point for the Committee’s discussion on this item staff will provide an overview of Santa Clara University’s neighborhood unit contract (Attachment 2) which include terms which may be helpful in addressing the ongoing neighborhood nuisance issues.
Property owners and individuals in Santa Clara are subject to City laws, whether or not those laws are stipulated as private property lease terms. The City also cannot regulate private property lease terms. As such the Committee’s discussion will be informative but will not result in specific lease terms being required for private property owners. Any private property owner should consult with their own legal professionals before creating leases for tenants.
After the Committee discussion, Staff will review and return with feedback on if and how the Committee’s desired terms regarding neighborhood nuisances could be incorporated in a communication for properties in the Old Quad neighborhood, which is most affected by the topics raised through NURC.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional cost to the City other than administrative staff time and expense.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office and City Manager’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 or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Discussion on neighborhood nuisance topics in private property leases with input to staff on ideal terms and direction to staff to return with potential opportunities to communicate Committee’s input to property owners in the Old Quad Neighborhood.
Staff
Reviewed by: Reena Brilliot, Director, Economic Development and Sustainability
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Old Quad Boundaries
2. Santa Clara University Neighborhood Unit University Housing Contract