Santa Cruz council adopts introduction of revised noise rule, approves childcare fee changes and accepts state grant for downtown library-housing project

The Santa Cruz City Council on Tuesday directed staff to return with a revised noise ordinance after approving an amended introduction that increases the ordinance—s distance standard from 75 feet to 125 feet, approved changes to the city—s childcare impact fee exemptions, and accepted a state grant for the downtown library and affordable housing project.

Council members debated how best to balance public health protections against noise with the city—s street-level arts and cultural activity before adopting the amended ordinance introduction. Council member Susie O'Hara argued for a decibel-based approach tied to California Department of Public Health guidance and enforcement tools; Council member Greg Newsom moved the amendment to set the distance at 125 feet and treat the item as an introduction that will return for a second reading. The city attorney confirmed the amended measure is an introduction and will come back to the council for a second reading.

The childcare impact fee amendments passed unanimously. Staff presented three changes: add an exemption for Santa Cruz County school-district employee housing projects; limit the existing exemption for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs to those under 750 square feet; and modify the affordable-housing exemption so projects that include an on-site childcare facility are fully exempt, while affordable projects without on-site childcare would receive a 50% fee reduction.

On the downtown library and affordable housing project, council adopted a resolution accepting and appropriating the state Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) award. Staff and project…