Planning commission certifies EIR and approves 389‑unit Ocean Street mixed‑use project

The City of Santa Cruz Planning Commission on Feb. 20 certified a final environmental impact report and unanimously approved permits to allow a three‑building, mixed‑use development on a merged 21‑parcel site between Ocean Street and May Avenue.

Staff told commissioners the project, proposed by High Street Residential for a 4.15‑acre block, would contain 389 dwelling units, about 99,570 square feet of retail space and 13,500 square feet of residential amenity space across a five‑story building fronting Ocean Street and two three‑story buildings facing May Avenue. The developer is seeking a 42.5% state density bonus that would create 116 bonus market‑rate units in exchange for 36 very‑low‑income units; the project also includes 18 low‑income units to meet the city inclusionary requirement, for a total of 54 affordable units.

The project requires multiple approvals that the commission granted: certification of the final environmental impact report (EIR), residential and nonresidential demolition permits, a heritage tree removal permit, a minor land division to create three condominium lots and one common lot, a design permit, a special use permit and a density bonus with associated incentives and waivers. Commission votes were recorded as: Commissioner Thompson — yes; Commissioner Gordon — yes; Commissioner Dan — yes; Chair Paul Hammes — yes. The motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: the site is identified as one of three “catalyst” locations in the Ocean Street Area Plan and its redevelopment is intended to implement the plan’s objectives for pedestrian‑oriented mixed uses along a major corridor. Planning staff recommended certification despite an…