Santa Cruz · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Housing Rules Updated for State Law; Lot Consolidation Fee Deferred
Council reviewed SB 79, AB 130 and SB 131, which streamline infill housing approvals and limit CEQA review, plus six new e-bike-related bills.
Objective Design Standards and Heritage Tree Regulations
The Council launched a Housing Ad Hoc Committee to shape design guidelines, decided against expanding the downtown density bonus beyond downtown, and asked for draft heritage tree rules for housing projects by Fall 2026.
Citywide Permit Parking Restrictions for Developments
State law lets new apartments near transit skip parking, and neighbors fear spillover. Council authorized a consultant RFP and told staff to come back in the fall with permit-parking code updates — including possibly barring new no-parking multifamily buildings from residential permit districts.
Proposed City Charter Amendments
The city's 'constitution' is getting its first major refresh in years: gender-neutral language, updated council vacancy and term rules, and removal of an unconstitutional city manager residency requirement. Voters get final say on the November ballot after two more hearings.
Coral Street Overlay District for Temporary and Affordable Housing
The Council finalized a new zoning overlay with development standards for temporary and affordable housing, plus changes to industrial land use rules. This opens more paths for shelter and affordable housing projects citywide.
Unbundled parking requirements
The city can currently only encourage — not require — developers to sell parking separately from rent. Commissioners debated whether to make unbundling mandatory for larger projects (one suggested around 40 units), whether it should trigger on-street parking management, and whether new residents should get street permits. One commissioner argued most permit programs just shift the problem to the next neighborhood.