Even if you have already written to San Jose City Council on this topic, it is very important to send another email now that specifically refers to “August 18 City Council Agenda Item 10.3″ – otherwise it may NOT go into the official packet for city council review.
Subject: Missing Middle Proposal included in San Jose City Council Agenda Item 10.3 on Tuesday August 18
Written Before? Send to City.Clerk@sanjoseca.gov
Even if you have already written to San Jose City Council on this topic, it is very important to send another email now that specifically refers to “August 18 City Council Agenda Item 10.3″ – otherwise it may NOT go into the official packet for city council review.
POSSIBLE LANGUAGE FOR YOUR EMAIL for flyer
On August 18, the San José City Council will vote on a “Missing Middle” proposal that would permanently allow up to 16+ units on single-family lots citywide tied to lot size — beyond any Housing Element commitment or state requirement. It also exceeds the density allowed in single-family neighborhoods elsewhere in Santa Clara County.
The proposal would allow by-right development, eliminate public hearings and neighborhood input, while permitting three-story buildings with no on-site parking requirement.
This sweeping change could worsen San José’s jobs-to-housing imbalance, increase fiscal pressure on city services and increase traffic, emissions, and vehicle miles traveled—making the City’s Climate Smart goals harder to achieve.
San José needs more housing, but it also needs responsible planning. The City Council should reject this proposal and pursue housing solutions that protect neighborhoods, strengthen the City’s finances, and balances housing with jobs.
and, another qualified view:
The Planning Commission’s proposal will PERMANENTLY up-zone ALL single-family-home neighborhoods, and will allow between 8 and 10 total housing units on a lot of 6,000 to 7,000 square feet.
Once the up-zone becomes permanent, it can’t be undone.
Email notice below from San Jose City Staff about City Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 18:
Good afternoon,
This email is to inform you that the Planning Commission’s recommendation on the GP 4-Year Review Policy Framework will be considered by the City Council next Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The City Council meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. with several items to be heard prior to item 10.3. The agenda, PC-to-CC memo, public comments, and materials are posted and will continue to be updated on this webpage: City of San José – File #: 26-852
You can also review the minutes and vote results of the Planning Commission’s discussion on the GP 4-Year Review Policy Framework here: 639185105477870000
Should the City Council approve the recommended policy framework on August 18, 2026, staff will initiate work on General Plan and Zoning Code amendments, continue work on required environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and identify outreach opportunities as development standards are further refined. Staff’s final recommendations are targeted to be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council by December 2027 for approval.
If you have any questions, please respond to this email or reach out to Jerad Ferguson, jerad.ferguson@sanjoseca.gov or Ruth Cueto, ruth.cueto@sanjoseca.gov.
Thank you,
General Plan Staff
City of San José | Planning, Building and Code Enforcement
200 East Santa Clara Street
San José, CA 95113
