REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2086 amending the zoning code to create the El Camino Real Zoning districts.
Report
BACKGROUND
At the May 19, 2026 Council meeting, proposed Ordinance No. 2086 was passed for the purpose of publication. Pursuant to City Charter Sections 808 and 812, a summary of proposed Ordinance No. 2086 was published to the Santa Clara Weekly on June 3, 2026, and copies were posted in three public places.
DISCUSSION
On May 19, 2026, the Santa Clara City Council adopted the El Camino Real Specific Plan and made associated amendments to the General Plan. The Specific Plan provides for the redevelopment of the 3.2-mile El Camino Corridor with up to 4,400 residential units with supportive commercial uses on approximately 250 acres. The Council simultaneously introduced Ordinance No. 2086 to create five new zoning districts, which correspond to five new General Plan land use designations. The ordinance also establishes development standards for those zoning districts, resolves potential conflicts with other chapters of the City Code, and specifies affordability requirements for residential projects in those districts.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared for the El Camino Real Specific Plan and related approvals (the “project”) in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The EIR analyzes program-level impacts of the El Camino Real Specific Plan and the proposed ordinance. It is intended for the EIR to be used by developers as a starting point for the environmental clearance of their individual development proposals, which will further facilitate redevelopment of the area. The Council certified the EIR at the May 19, 2026 meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT
As part of the adoption of the FY 2022/23 and FY 2023/24 CIP Budget in June 2022, $1.0 million was appropriated for the El Camino Real Specific Plan project. The City Council approved the carryover of the project’s remaining balance ($0.7 million) as part of the adoption of the FY 2025/26 and FY 2026/27 Biennial Operating Budget on June 10, 2025.
COORDINATION
This item was coordinated with the Community Development Department.
PUBLIC CONTACT
A summary of proposed Ordinance No. 2086 was published to the Santa Clara Weekly on June 3, 2026, 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. 2086 amending the zoning code to create the El Camino Real Zoning districts.
Staff
Reviewed by: Glen Googins, City Attorney
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 2086 (Intro)