The Santa Clara Planning Commission took a significant step toward improving community engagement during its meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The commission passed an updated policy designed to enhance public notification and outreach for planning applications, including increased notice radii and hybrid community meetings.
Enhanced Public Engagement Policies
Commissioners unanimously approved the revised policy after a robust discussion that highlighted several key points. The updated policy includes adding early notification for projects without committee meetings, enhanced outreach to hard-to-reach populations like low-income groups or those with limited access to communication technologies, and hybrid community meetings allowing both in-person and remote participation.
The most notable change proposed was increasing the notice radius for standard projects from a quarter-mile to half-a-mile. Commissioner Nancy A. Biagini suggested this increase as a way to ensure more residents are informed about significant planning applications. Other commissioners expressed support for this proposal, including Commissioner Mario Bouza who seconded the motion.
Staff emphasized maintaining flexibility and iterative improvements through regular feedback loops and adjustments based on community input. They recommended holding four community meetings or six months of testing before finalizing the policy to ensure its effectiveness.
Public Comment and Discussion
During public comment, there were four speakers in favor of the updated policy. Alex Shore from Catalyze SV emphasized the importance of transparency and continuous improvement through community engagement. Betsy Magus highlighted involving community organizations early in the process for broader public awareness. Community Engagement Manager Jade Pareño suggested establishing a 'community bench' of trusted local non-profits to facilitate meaningful interactions between developers and communities.
Opposition came from three speakers who expressed concerns about overburdening residents with additional notifications but acknowledged the need for better outreach. They recommended focusing on targeted communication rather than expanding the radius too widely.
Study Sessions
Commissioners also discussed how best to communicate with reporters, particularly avoiding actions that could violate Brown Act restrictions. Commissioner Eric Crutchlow requested a study session on responding appropriately to press inquiries without creating legal issues. Chair Lance Saleme agreed and suggested a due process refresher for all commissioners regarding what they can say during public hearings.
Next Steps
The updated policy will be implemented after four community meetings or six months of testing, followed by periodic reviews based on feedback from the community. The Planning Commission will present its land use priorities to the City Council in May 2025 as part of their work plan for fiscal year 2025/2026.
The revised policy aims at fostering better communication between developers and residents while ensuring that all voices, especially those of marginalized communities, are heard. By increasing notice radii and offering hybrid meetings, the commission hopes to create a more inclusive planning process.