The Santa Clara Planning Commission unanimously approved updates to the city’s historic resource inventory (HRI) and adopted new objective design standards for multi-family housing projects at its meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. These decisions sparked community debate over preservation's role in development.
Historic Preservation Update
The commission passed a motion to update the HRI by adding 27 properties that were approved after 2010. The decision was made with support from all commissioners present: Priya Cherukuru, Qian Huang, Mario Bouza, Lance Saleme, and Eric Crutchlow.
Commissioner Cherukuru acknowledged the effort in updating the HRI while aligning it with the general plan’s goals. Chair Crutchlow emphasized that historic preservation should tell a story about the city's history rather than being used as a means to block development or override plans.
The update is considered an amendment to the general plan and must be reviewed at a public hearing. The decision was not contested, and no amendments were proposed.
Council Discussion: Commissioner Cherukuru: 'Acknowledged the effort in updating the HRI and aligned with general plan goals.' Commissioner Bouza: 'Seconded the approval motion.' Chair Crutchlow: Led discussion emphasizing preservation should tell a story about history, not block change.
Public Comment: Two speakers supported the update, one neutral. Mary Gristle argued that historical status must be earned and warned against its impact on zoning, density, housing affordability, property rights, and future planning decisions.