Commissioners discuss zoning impacts on wineries and agricultural land management

The County of Santa Clara Planning Commission convened on August 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss significant agricultural zoning amendments and their implications for local stakeholders. The meeting featured public comments, commissioner discussions, and a review of the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

The session began with public comments highlighting concerns about proposed caps on residential floor area and the potential impact on agricultural land use. One speaker urged the commission to exclude residential floor area from any caps, emphasizing the need to support agricultural contributions without imposing punitive measures on property owners.

Vice Chair Rausser expressed gratitude to the public for their heartfelt contributions, acknowledging the challenges faced by local nonprofits and farmers due to rising impact fees associated with development. He suggested that the commission explore solutions that promote agriculture without penalizing landowners, particularly those who may not have substantial financial resources.

Commissioner Cohen raised questions regarding the adequacy of the outreach timeline for the EIR and the potential impacts on residents bound by Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCRs). He also inquired about the relationship between the new Office of Economic Development and ongoing discussions about agricultural tourism.

Commissioner O'Donohue sought clarification on the comment period for the draft EIR, confirming that public comments would continue to be accepted throughout the process, including after the zoning ordinance is published. This assurance was echoed by other commissioners, who emphasized the importance of considering public input in the decision-making process.

Concerns were also voiced about the uncoupling of the EIR from the zoning amendments, with some commissioners suggesting that this separation could lead to confusion and hinder transparency. Commissioner Levy highlighted the need to balance individual property rights with long-term agricultural land protection, noting that existing wineries would be grandfathered in under the proposed changes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the commissioners to consider the diverse perspectives shared by the public and to ensure that future discussions remain focused on protecting prime agricultural land while accommodating the needs of local stakeholders. The commission plans to continue its outreach efforts and refine the proposed zoning amendments based on the feedback received.