Rural Zoning updates

The County is conducting Zoning Ordinance amendments across rural base zoning districts (exclusive agriculture, agricultural ranchlands, hillsides, and rural residential).

The update consists of three main components

• Simplifying and streamlining the permit process for agriculture supportive uses;
• Aligning development in agricultural areas with County policies; and
• Replacing “local-serving” provisions with objective development standards.

These amendments are intended to

• Further the County’s policy goals for continued agricultural viability;
• Keep the rural areas rural by limiting non-compatible uses; and
• Remove “local-serving” provisions that are difficult to understand and implement.

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Environmental review

The County of Santa Clara will be preparing a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Rural Zoning Ordinance Amendments Project.

• Notice of preparation

A meeting to receive comments on the NOP is scheduled April 14^th at 6pm via Zoom

Your comments regarding the project are welcome on or before April 27^th.  Written comments on the NOP should be addressed to Michael Meehan at [email protected] or (408) 299-5775.

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Materials related to the proposed Rural Zoning update

• Outreach presentation slides
• FAQ on Rural Zoning update

Background

• September 17, 2020 HLUET Committee staff report
• November 18, 2019 HLUET Committee staff report

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Outreach meetings

Rural Zoning update outreach meetings

• July 12, 2021 meeting recording
• July 14, 2021 meeting recording

Agricultural stakeholder meeting

• July 27, 2021 meeting recording
• Combined presentation slides for Rural Zoning updates and Coyote Valley

Chinese language stakeholder meeting

August 11, 2021