San Jose council denies early consideration to rezone 3630 Ketman Road over hillside, traffic and hazard concerns

San Jose City Council voted 10–1 on June 9 to deny early consideration of a privately initiated general‑plan amendment that would have changed the land‑use designation for 3630 Ketman Road (District 8) from Lower Hillside to Rural Residential, a reclassification that applicants said could allow subdivision and construction of up to 13 single‑family homes.

The council’s decision follows a staff presentation that emphasized geologic and transportation inconsistencies with the Envision San Jose 2040 General Plan and more than an hour of public comment from supporters and opponents. Councilmember Peter Kondelas moved to adopt the staff recommendation to deny early consideration; Councilmember Kamay seconded the motion. The motion passed 10–1, with Councilmember Dwan recorded as the sole dissent.

City planning staff told the council the 8.29‑gross‑acre site at 3630 Ketman Road is largely above the 15% slope line, is within a geologic/seismic/landslide hazard area with a previously recorded landslide, and is currently designated Lower Hillside (one dwelling unit per five acres). Ruth Cueto, the principal planner on the project, said the applicant’s request to change the designation to Rural Residential (up to two dwelling units per acre) would “facilitate the demolition of the existing single family residence and the subdivision to construct 13 single family residences with 1 new private street…