Development Review Hearing - 2026-04-08
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Santa Clara Development Review Hearing on April 8, 2026 approved all six projects on the agenda, including a 145,000 square foot industrial building at 3000 Bowers Ave. by Sobrato Organization, a historic home addition at 1184 Washington St., and four residential additions/ADUs across the city. No projects were denied or tabled, and all approvals included standard seven-day appeal periods.
Key Decisions (7)
Meeting Minutes Approval - March 11, 2026
Consent calendar approval of Development Review Hearing meeting minutes from March 11, 2026.
Industrial Building at 3000 Bowers Ave.
Architectural review approved for construction of approximately 145,000 square foot industrial building with surface parking lot and landscaping by Sobrato Organization. Project includes 16,000 square feet of potential office space with mezzanine. Building will be LEED Gold certified. Site previously entitled for 265,000 square foot five-story office buildings which were not constructed.
Historic Home Addition at 1184 Washington St.
Significant property alteration architectural review approved for approximately 481 square foot 1st floor addition and 233 square foot 2nd floor addition to existing two-story single family residence on Historic Resources Inventory. Historic and Landmarks Commission recommended approval and removal of condition P2 requiring 66% 2nd floor ratio compliance. Minor modification approved for reduced 2nd story interior setback of 8 ft 7 inches versus required 10 feet.
Two-Story ADU at 1995 Stafford St.
Architectural review approved for 1,000 square foot two-story attached accessory dwelling unit and 557 square foot 1st floor addition to existing one-story single family residence. Lot size is 9,000 square feet. Project required public hearing because attached ADU exceeds height of existing single-story building.
Second Story Addition at 3734 Prune Ridge Ave.
Architectural review approved for 228 square foot 1st floor addition and 331 square foot 2nd story addition to existing one-story residence with 456 square foot attached garage on 6,720 square foot lot. Applicant is Harvey Trip. Materials include wood-looking cement siding with matte finish.
New Two-Story Residence at 3523 Golden State Dr.
Architectural review approved for complete demolition of existing 1,627 square foot single-story residence and construction of new 3,002 square foot two-story residence (1,908 sq ft 1st story, 1,094 sq ft 2nd story). 2nd floor is 57.36% of 1st floor area. One public comment received expressing concerns about neighborhood compatibility, massing, privacy, and sunlight impacts to adjacent property.
ADU Addition at 4383 Cheney St.
Architectural review approved for 416 square foot 1st floor addition and 1,200 square foot 2nd story addition for accessory dwelling unit to existing one-story residence on 6,250 square foot lot. Applicant is Madhava. Project required public hearing because ADU exceeds height of existing single-story building.
Development Activity (6)
3000 Bowers Industrial Building
145,000 square foot single-story industrial/advanced manufacturing building with 16,000 square feet potential office with mezzanine, surface parking lot, three curb cuts (two on Oakmead Village Court, one on Bowers Ave.), dock doors facing Central Expressway, LEED Gold certified design, drought tolerant landscaping, storm water detention basins
1184 Washington St. Historic Home Addition
481 square foot 1st floor addition and 233 square foot 2nd floor addition to existing two-story single family residence on Historic Resources Inventory, Mills Act property, T-form Gothic revival style, preserving historic winder stair
1995 Stafford St. ADU
1,000 square foot two-story attached ADU with two bedrooms and bathroom on 2nd floor, plus 557 square foot 1st floor addition including living room remodel, on 9,000 square foot lot
3734 Prune Ridge Ave. Addition
228 square foot 1st floor addition and 331 square foot 2nd story addition to existing one-story residence with 456 square foot attached garage on 6,720 square foot lot, 2nd story element on top of garage with 4-foot step back
3523 Golden State Dr. New Residence
Demolition of existing 1,627 square foot single-story residence, construction of new 3,002 square foot two-story residence (1,908 sq ft 1st floor, 1,094 sq ft 2nd floor), four bed three and a half bath, 2nd story set back 27 feet from front property line, smooth stucco with stone veneer accent, metal and shingle roofing on 5,000 square foot lot
4383 Cheney St. ADU Addition
416 square foot 1st floor addition and 1,200 square foot 2nd story ADU addition to existing one-story residence on 6,250 square foot lot, modern cottage-style design
Market Signals (3)
Commercial Demand
Sobrato Organization pivoted from previously approved 265,000 square foot five-story office development to 145,000 square foot industrial/advanced manufacturing facility at 3000 Bowers Ave., indicating stronger demand for industrial space over office in the South Bay Peninsula market.
Housing Demand
Multiple ADU projects approved in single hearing session reflects continued homeowner interest in adding dwelling units to existing single-family properties in Santa Clara.
Sentiment
Historic and Landmarks Commission and staff showed flexibility on residential design guidelines for historic properties, accepting 70% 2nd floor ratio versus 66% guideline when existing historic structure already exceeded standard.