San Jose Planning Commission Reviews Covello Glen Housing Project Appeal Decision

The Santa Clara County Planning Commission convened on August 28, 2025, to address a significant appeal concerning the Covello Glen housing development project, which proposes 173 housing units on approximately 49.7 acres in San Jose. The appeal was initiated by the developer, Paul Latalla, in response to the county's determination that the application was incomplete as of June 26, 2025.

The Covello Glen project aims to provide a mix of 135 single-family homes and 38 duet homes, with 20% of the units designated for lower-income households. However, the county's planning department identified two key items missing from the application related to the official plan lines (OPLs) for the Almaden Expressway extension, which the applicant argued were unnecessary due to the project's compliance with state density bonus laws.

During the meeting, staff presented their recommendation to deny the appeal, asserting that the application was indeed incomplete at the time of the county's determination. They emphasized that the applicant had failed to provide the required information regarding the OPLs, which are critical for assessing the project's impact on local infrastructure.

The public hearing featured a robust discussion, with numerous residents expressing their concerns about the project. Supporters highlighted the urgent need for housing in the area, while opponents raised issues related to environmental impacts, fire hazards, and the adequacy of local infrastructure to support additional housing.

Ultimately, the commission voted to uphold the county's determination of incompleteness, denying the appeal. This decision underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing housing development with community concerns and regulatory requirements in Santa Clara County. The outcome reflects the complexities of navigating state housing laws while addressing local needs and environmental considerations.