Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is being asked to approve changes to an already-approved project at 405-417 Pacific Avenue. That approved project (CP25-0156) would demolish the existing buildings and build an 8-story, 102-unit, 100-percent affordable apartment building with ground floor commercial space. This building is meant to serve as the off-site affordable housing required for the redevelopment of 201 Front Street (CP25-0116). The current request, called a Major Modification, would amend the environmental determination for the project and grant one additional density bonus incentive, concession or waiver. A yes vote would acknowledge the environmental determination and approve the modification, subject to the conditions of approval attached to the staff report dated September 11, 2026.

City planning staff are proposing a package of changes to several parts of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code and to the General Plan. The changes would eliminate boundary adjustment fees for certain development projects, allow "Planned Development Permits" (a flexible permit type) on sites smaller than 20,000 square feet, bring the city's rules for agricultural housing and supportive and transitional housing into line with state law, clarify the existing inclusionary housing rules (which require affordable units in new housing), and update the General Plan so it matches the city's Climate Action Plan and its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan – Climate Adaptation Plan. A yes vote would not change the law by itself: it would recommend that the City Council approve the amendments, and would acknowledge that the changes qualify for an exemption from further environmental review.