Santa Clara County Land Use & Development Overview

California is requiring two West Valley communities to build thousands of homes, while the state is ringing alarm bells over increasing fire risk where some of these homes might be constructed.
Cal Fire released updated fire hazard severity maps for …

San Jose’s first safe sleeping site for homeless residents was supposed to open in March, but has been delayed by months.
The city is converting a vacant lot at 1157 E. Taylor St. near Watson Park to allow up to …

Mountain View’s plans to redevelop Moffett Boulevard are taking shape, with several proposals on the table to roll out new land use regulations that would encourage more housing and commercial activity along the busy corridor.
The Environmental Planning Commission deliberated …

Over a pair of items that packed the Los Gatos Council Chambers on March 18, Los Gatos’ elected officials showed that, on some contentious issues, they’ll band together despite differences. On others, common ground is harder to find.

San Jose Berryessa Flea Market vendors say a city-owned landfill is their best option for a new home, but a state law is stopping the idea from becoming a reality.
The 90-acre Singleton site, a former landfill, is the favored …

San Jose has been clearing homeless encampments along city waterways, and is looking to do the same for people living under freeways.
Mayor Matt Mahan is exploring a partnership with Caltrans to accelerate sweeps near freeways through state legislation and …

Palo Alto is preparing to lead the charge in support of a new legislative effort to limit builder’s remedy applications, which allow housing developers to bypass zoning regulations in cities that don’t have compliant housing plans.
The city is working …

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan wants Santa Clara County to scale up shelter and health treatment options in response to the city's renewed crackdown on homelessness.
During Tuesday’s City Council discussion on Mayor Matt Mahan's 2025-26 March budget message, Councilmembers …

City leaders have agreed to give a San Jose housing developer multimillion-dollar tax breaks as part of a recently-passed program meant to win over builders.
The San Jose City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to approve a seven-story, 345-apartment complex at …

Sunnyvale wants to preserve retail space in an underserved community, but the city will have to convince developers the investment is worthwhile.
The Sunnyvale City Council voted unanimously Tuesday, with Councilmember Murali Srinivasan absent, to approve a retail preservation program …