San Jose planning commission to study SB 79 implementation, schedules housing meetings

The San Jose Planning Commission on Monday was briefed by city planning staff on recent city council actions and directed steps for local implementation of state housing law changes, including SB 79.

Munira Sandeep, deputy director for planning, told commissioners the city council approved a set of ordinance amendments to align local rules with state law and directed staff to study how SB 79 would apply locally, including potential exemptions for some industrial employment hubs and analysis of historic resources in light of recent state changes, including Assembly Bill 130. Sandeep said amendments and environmental analysis will return to council with recommendations routed through the planning commission.

Commissioners asked for additional materials and context. Vice Chair Lisa Bickford requested that staff provide the council memo and supporting documents for commissioners to review in advance. Sandeep agreed to share a link to those materials.

The commission scheduled a study session on SB 79 for Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. and a joint study session with the Housing Commission on the housing catalyst work plan; staff also said a March 4 meeting will focus on small multifamily and "missing middle" housing once consultants are under contract.

Commissioners and staff also discussed recent council items that will return to the commission, including appeals set for Feb. 10 and Feb. 24. Sandeep noted the Feb. 10 council agenda will include an appeal of the commission’s decision on late-night use at the After Bar and Grill; Feb. 24 includes appeals related to PayPal Park concert uses and an industrial site near Milpitas.

The session closed with commissioners asking staff to track implementation questions and advise whether state-driven changes require local refinements to zoning, historic-resources review, or minimum densities in some downtown areas. Staff said it will continue outreach, onboarding consultants for the general-plan review, and return with materials for the commission’s review.