ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3220 • FAX: (408) 777-3109
CUPERTINO.GOV
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Date: January 13, 2026
Subject
Study Session Regarding Potential November 2026 Ballot Measure on Parkland Rezoning Considerations Recommended Action
Conduct study session and provide direction to staff to begin preliminary analysis and engagement regarding a potential parkland rezoning ballot measure, and return to City Council with recommended next steps.
Background
Parkland Protection / Rezoning Initiative
Council asked staff to bring information on parkland rezoning considerations as part of the TBD list in December 2025. Staff researched the parkland protection measure adopted by the City of Milpitas’ Measure K (2016) and seeks direction on evaluating a similar measure in Cupertino. Measure K in Milpitas proposed that any future construction or change in land use designation on parcels zoned as Parks and Open Space (POS) would require approval by two-thirds of Milpitas voters at a general or special municipal election.
Specifically, Measure K did the following:
Prohibited residential, commercial, or industrial construction on land designated as Parks and Open Space unless approved by a two-thirds vote.
Prohibited redesignation of land currently zoned Parks and Open Space to another land use without two-thirds voter approval.
Measure K was approved by voters with approximately 85% in favor and 15% opposed.
Next Steps and Support Needed
Upon direction from Council to pursue a ballot measure effort, staff will begin preliminary work, before returning to Council with a recommended scope of work and, if appropriate, a consultant contract and corresponding budget adjustment.
Sustainability Impact
No sustainability impact.
Fiscal Impact
There is no direct fiscal impact from this action. If Council directs staff to proceed, costs for consultant services and placing items on the ballot would be identified in the current budget or brought forward as part of a future appropriation.
City Work Program (CWP) Item/Description: Yes.
Protections for Parkland/Consider establishing protections for parkland, similar to those adopted by the cities of Sunnyvale and Milpitas Council Goal:
Quality of Life
California Environmental Quality Act
No California Environmental Quality Act impact.
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Prepared by: Jonathan Orozco, Finance Manager
Reviewed by: Floy Andrews, Interim City Attorney
Approved for Submission by: Tina Kapoor, City Manager
Attachments: