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Council denies appeal, upholds planning commission for 535–548 Ocean Street housing project
Summary
After a multi‑hour appeal hearing that included dozens of public commenters, the Santa Cruz City Council upheld the Planning Commission approval of a six‑story, 225‑unit Ocean Street housing project, finding staff had substantial evidence to support the project’s entitlement and CEQA infill exemption.
The Santa Cruz City Council voted to deny an appeal against the Planning Commission’s approval of a six‑story, 225‑unit mixed‑use housing project at 535–548 Ocean Street, upholding the Planning Commission’s findings and the city’s determination that the project qualifies for a CEQA infill exemption.
The appeal hearing, which ran through the evening, drew extensive public comment. Neighbors raised concerns about building massing, privacy, shadows on adjacent yards, the project’s proximity to Branciforte Creek and potential environmental impacts, and the presence of soil contaminants on the site. Labor and community representatives asked the council to require stronger subcontractor screening to avoid labor‑law violations on construction projects.
Appellants argued that the project should not have qualified for the state CEQA “infill” exemption because of two…
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