2023 – 2031 HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION STATUS Program
Number Program Name Program Summary (condensed)/ Quantified Objectives Housing Element Timeline Implementation Status
(2025 Calendar Year)
resource for a Farmers Market and community events in the downtown, CIP improvements including the Automall Parkway Pavement Rehabilitation program and pedestrian improvements downtown, the Downtown Façade Improvement and Blight Removal Program, and the Downtown Building and Planning Permit Fee Reduction Policy.
Quantified Objective: There are no quantified objectives associated with this program.
The Clean California Grant project must
be completed by June 30, 2024 (or as
approved for an extension).
Construction of the parking lot with
community event space will be complete
by the end of May 2023.
CDBG funding in the amount of $176,190.14 was allocated to a curb ramp project to install and upgrade curb ramps in low resource areas of the community.
F – 4
Housing
Mobility and
Choice in Higher
Opportunity
Areas
Improve housing mobility and choice, especially in higher opportunity areas of the City by implementing Program A-10 (triplexes and quadplexes), Program A-11 (inclusionary housing policy), and Program A-12 (Adopt incentives beyond density bonus state law policy)
Quantified Objective: There are no quantified objectives associated with this program.
By end of 2025 calendar year.
Continuous - An update on each of these programs is identified under their respective program number. See A-10, A-11, and A-12 above.
F - 5
Displacement
Prevention
Policy
Organize a focus group of organizations with experience in displacement prevention policies, complete an analysis of best practices in jurisdictions similar to Gilroy, and adopt a displacement prevention policy. The city will analyze potential strategies such as “tenant option to purchase agreements” for redevelopment projects meeting specified thresholds, a just cause eviction ordinance, and relocation agreements. The displacement prevention policy will be reviewed for effectiveness and revised as necessary two years after its adoption.
Quantified Objective: 100% replacement of demolished affordable units as part of redevelopment of a site, consistent with state law.
Hold focus group and complete analysis
by end of 2025 calendar year. Adopt
policy by end of 2026 calendar year. Midterm evaluation of policy two years after adoption.
In Progress - In 2025, City staff continued to participate in the Santa Clara County Planning Collaborative Anti-Displacement and Tenant Protections Steering Committee - this committee work will continue through 2026. City staff helped provide outreach and facilitation of a countywide displacement survey. 122 Gilroy residents responded to the survey. In 2026, City staff plans to facilitate a focus group of organizations with experience in displacement prevention policies to complete an analysis of best practices in jurisdictions similar to Gilroy.
During Affordable Housing Month in 2026, City staff will host a communitywide “Understanding Displacement – Causes – Impacts – Solutions” meeting.
In 2025, City staff created a "Displacement Prevention Efforts" webpage to educate residents about displacement, to link to resources that minimize displacement like rental, utility, and food assistance, and to tenant landlord/fair housing assistance and other non-profits and community-based organizations who minimize displacement and provide anti-displacement services.
In 2025, the City provided grant funding toward programs that provide efforts to prevent displacement, including programs by Rebuilding Together – Repair and Accessibility Modification Program for Low-Income Homeowners - $149,199,59, Live Oak Adult Day Services - Adult Day Care Program - $9,502.07, Loaves and Fishes - Meals on Wheels program - $9,502.07, South County Community Services (formerly St. Joseph's and Gilroy Compassion Center) - Rental Assistance program - $135,000.00, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center's Housing Search and Educational program - $26,605.00, Sunday Friends Foundation - Gilroy Rental Assistance Program - $70,000.00.
Beginning in 2025, the City utility billing function began to provide a link to these resources on monthly billings and on the Utility Services and Billing webpage (see subpage menu). Additionally, these resources are posted at the permit counter, on the resource computer screens, and posted outside of City Hall on the Housing and Community Services bulletin board.
In 2025, the City in collaboration with Santa Clara County created the Pilot Below Market Rate (BMR) Preservation Program and was able to purchase one resale BMR unit and resell to another low-income senior household while providing $134,000 in deferred down payment assistance. The City's Zoning Ordinance was amended and requires that any demolished residential units in the Sites Inventory be replaced. City staff procedures are consistent with State law regarding replacement of demolished affordable units as part of redevelopment of a site. Determination of a replacement unit is made by completion of the City "Replacement Unit Determination Form", available on the City Planning Applications, Permits & Fees webpage.
The City continues to contract with a Mobile Home Rent Arbitrator to administer the petition process and adjudicate claims of unfair rent increases under the Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
In 2025, City Code Enforcement Officers referred approximately 31 households to either Rebuilding Together or Project Sentinel programs to help prevent displacement.
During May of 2025 Affordable Housing Month, City staff partnered with Rebuilding Together for a “Home Repairs and Safety Modifications Workshop”, with Project Sentinel for a “Come Learn About Your Housing Rights!” workshop, and with California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) to present
2023 – 2031 HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION STATUS Program
Number Program Name Program Summary (condensed)/ Quantified Objectives Housing Element Timeline Implementation Status
(2025 Calendar Year)
a “First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Workshop.” All events were presented in English or Spanish with interpretation in English or Spanish. These events were communicated citywide via flyers, email campaigns to residents and Community Based Organizations, and on the City website.
G - 1
Collaboration
with
Development
Community
The City will cultivate collaborative relationships with for-profit and non-profit development companies working in the area of affordable housing, invite affordable housing developers and developers of housing for special needs households to the annual developer roundtable meeting, and create a list of housing developers, including developers of affordable and special needs housing. The list will be used for the annual developer roundtable meetings (or equivalent), and to advertise development opportunities, funding opportunities, and other educational and engagement efforts in the City.
Quantified Objective: Host an annual developer roundtable (or equivalent) meeting. Participation of at least four developers of affordable and special needs housing in the annual meeting.
Annual developer roundtable meeting.
Creation of developer interest list by end
of 2024 calendar year.
In Progress - City staff created a list of Gilroy developers over 2023 and 2024 while conducting outreach for CDBG Consolidated Plan, the Affordable Housing Feasibility Study, the Grand Nexus/Affordable Housing Study, and Station Area Visioning Study outreach, and through Planning and Building permit applications. The first annual Developer Roundtable was hosted in May of 2025.
G – 2
Community
Outreach and
Inclusion in the
Decision Making
Process
The City will encourage involvement of all Gilroy neighborhoods in the public decision-making process through the use of various methods of delivery, such as print media, mailers, web-based information, accessible meetings, pop-up events, and other methods that consider economic and cultural considerations unique to the City of Gilroy. Provide all pamphlets and communications in English and Spanish
Quantified Objective: There are no quantified objectives associated with this program.
Continuous throughout General Plan
implementation.
Continuous - The City utilizes a range of outreach methods and community groups to engage Gilroyans in the public decision-making process, including flyers, mailers, web-based information, accessible meetings, pop-up events, and other strategies that consider the City of Gilroy's unique economic and cultural considerations. The City makes a concerted effort to translate communications into Spanish, both written and spoken, and in both in-person and virtual settings.
Written communications include the use of Wordly at community meetings held in the City Council Chambers, translation of public noticing, resource and event brochures, and NOFA's, etc. Bi-lingual City employees receive 5% annual incentive pay. In 2025, City staff posted a bulletin board outside of City Hall to post flyers in both English and Spanish to ensure residents who come to City Hall when it is closed can learn about resources available.
G – 3 ADU Education
Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing program, including educational pamphlets in both English and Spanish on the City website and at City Hall, to advertise the benefits of ADUs, the process for constructing ADUs, and basic responsibilities and legal requirements of being a landlord. The City will consolidate its two ADU webpages into a single page that has all relevant information for ADUs. To expand housing mobility and choice, the City will focus outreach and education in the City’s higher opportunity areas, and make adjustments as necessary if ADU construction is low in those areas.
Quantified Objective: Increase the number of new ADUs permitted in the City from an average of approximately 17.5 (2018-2021) to an average of approximately
25. Develop marketing plan by end of June
2024. Implement marketing program by
end of 2025 calendar year. Biennial review
of ADU geographic distribution. ADU
webpage consolidation by the end of 2024
calendar year.
In Progress - The City Building and Planning Divisions’ ADU webpages were consolidated, with a link to pre-approved ADU plans gallery. City staff tracks ADU permit issuance and will collaborate to create an ADU marketing program and encourage residents to participate in the Santa Clara County ADU loan program with expected funding in late 2026.
G – 4
Increased
Outreach in
Downtown
Areas
The City will consult with local community leaders in the Downtown Specific Plan Area to ensure community priorities are being addressed. The City will consider the viewpoints and concerns of all neighborhoods within Gilroy when drafting the High Speed Rail Station Area Plan and when updating the Downtown Specific Plan.
Quantified Objective: There are no quantified objectives associated with this program.
Upon receiving funding and availability of
adequate staffing resources to complete
these area plans.
In Progress - City staff engaged community leaders in the downtown area during continued outreach for the potential High Speed Rail project and the Station Area Visioning Study in 2025, notifying them of outreach events, resources, and opportunities for engagement as they became available.
City staff held a walking tour in the downtown as part of the Station Area Visioning Study. City staff began outreach in 2025 for the Blue Skies Initiative. The implementation status will be updated in future years in accordance with the project timeline.
G - 5
Housing
Outreach and
Information
The City shall provide information about housing assistance, fair housing, housing resources, and housing programs through a wide variety of outreach methods such as workshops and webinars, disseminating information about fair housing on the City website and in City-owned buildings and other public locations, advertising housing assistance information on the City website, and coordinating with the City’s Fair Housing Service Provider to provide resources and information at a housing Update the City website with housing
information as new resources become
available. Annual housing event in the
DTSP area. Conduct community outreach
workshops on housing resources on a
monthly basis on average.
Continuous - In 2023, the City created a Housing and Community Services website, which provides housing resources for production, preservation, and protection, as well as centralizes other webpage information. In addition, the City held 12 workshops in 2023, nine workshops in 2024, and nine workshops in 2025, to inform the Gilroy community about housing resources. In 2025, the workshops covered topics including the CalHFA First Time Homebuyer Assistance Workshop, the Santa Clara County Manufactured Home Purchase Program, a Developer Roundtable, a Housing Affordability & Homelessness in Gilroy: The Facts, Challenges & Solutions workshop, Rebuilding
2023 – 2031 HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION STATUS Program
Number Program Name Program Summary (condensed)/ Quantified Objectives Housing Element Timeline Implementation Status
(2025 Calendar Year)
resources event in the DTSP area. Pamphlets will be made available in English and Spanish.
Geographic Targeting: Annual housing event in the DTSP area.
Quantified Objective: Provision of housing resources and information through at least three different mediums. All information made available in English and Spanish. Annual housing event in the DTSP. Outreach with 150 households annually.
Together Silicon Valley’s home repair grant program, and Project Sentinel’s Come Learn About Your Housing Rights, including Source of Income rights, tenant-landlord, and fair housing resources. The workshops were held in English and/or Spanish, with English or Spanish interpretation. The City coordinated with SV@Home to promote Affordable Housing Month and the workshops. Event and workshop flyers were available in English and Spanish. Workshop presentations were made available on the City website. The City achieved outreach to 567 residents over nine workshops and mailers in 2025. City staff also advertised on the City website, social media, City email newsletter, tabled at community events, set up standing stations at City Hall, Library, Senior Center, and San Ysidro Community Center, distributed flyers to non-profits and mobile home parks, and an email campaign to all local non-profits and resource groups like the South County Collaborative.
G – 6
Unhoused
Population
Education and
Outreach
The City will develop a program to educate the public on the unhoused population and homelessness through a variety of outreach methods, create a dedicated webpage with information on unhoused resources and efforts, and develop printed collateral for distribution at City Hall and by code enforcement officers in the field.
The City will also revamp the monthly Unhoused Service Providers Network meeting, to coordinate with direct unhoused service providers in the area regarding the needs of the unhoused community, advertise and coordinate events, and collaborate on outreach efforts.
Quantified Objective: Minimum of 3 medium of outreach. Scheduled service provider meetings throughout the planning period.
By end of 2025 calendar year; monthly (or
as scheduled) meetings of the unhoused
service providers network.
Continuous – In 2023, the City created a dedicated website informing the City’s unhoused resources and efforts, including the City’s Quality of Life Officers, Community Plan to End Homelessness, over a dozen unhoused resources (e.g., the Gilroy Shelter), Emergency Housing, and information on the monthly Unhoused Service Providers Network (USPN), including links to monthly USPN presentations. The City fully revamped the USPN meetings in January 2023 and continues to coordinate and facilitate the monthly USPN meetings, connecting service providers to share and access new and current resources for the unhoused population. During May 2025, as part of Affordable Housing Month outreach, the City hosted an Unhoused Educational Forum in collaboration with Destination Home and other unhoused resource service providers. In September of 2025, City staff joined Destination Home, Santa Clara County, and Nueva Vida local community group to conduct an educational workshop regarding homelessness and affordable housing in Gilroy. City Staff represented the City of Gilroy as the jurisdictional lead in the 2025 Point-in-Time count and worked with Santa Clara County Continuum of Care to draft the new Santa Clara County five-year Community Plan to End Homelessness that is expected to be introduced in 2026. The City provided information to the community regarding a long-term Valley Water encampment abatement.
G – 7
Bilingual
Engagement
Given the City’s large Hispanic population, the City will increase Spanish language engagement within city services and through translation of outreach materials and interpretation of housing opportunities. The City will advertise its collective bargaining unit bilingual pay benefits to attract new staff that can converse with the City’s Spanish speaking population.
Quantified Objective: There are no quantified objectives associated with this program.
Immediately upon adoption of the Housing
Element.
Continuous - The City utilizes Wordly, an artificial intelligence translation and captioning program with live two-way translation for over 50 languages, including Spanish, at City Council, Planning Commission, and other community meetings held in the Council Chambers. Spanish interpretation is also provided at meetings where the City anticipates a Spanish-speaking audience. The City consistently translates public notices, NOFAs, newsletters, and program and resource flyers into Spanish. The City weekly email Newsletter is also disseminated in Spanish and the City website can be read in any language via a language chosen from a dropdown menu. The City advertises bilingual pay benefits, offering a 5% salary increase in employment recruitments, and continues to hire new bilingual staff to help communicate with the City’s Spanish-speaking residents. 23 City Hall employees receive the 5% bilingual pay. In May of 2025, during Affordable Housing Month, all meetings were conducted in either English or Spanish with interpretation available in Spanish or English. In September of 2025, City staff joined Destination Home, Santa Clara County, and Nueva Vida local community group to conduct an educational workshop regarding homelessness and affordable housing in Gilroy. This discussion was presented in Spanish, with English, Mixteco, and Chatino interpretation available. In 2025, City staff began outreach for the Blue Skies Initiative which included outreach in Spanish. Specific methods for bilingual engagement include small group bilingual conversations and bilingual electronic and paper surveys.
G – 8
Help Center
Webpage
In partnership with local nonprofit organizations, the City will develop a Housing Help Center webpage to provide a centralized resource for tenants and landlords to receive information on local laws, assistance to apply for rent relief, and legal aid.
This webpage will consolidate existing information on the City’s website with additional information provided by local service providers to best serve the needs of the Gilroy community.
Quantified Objective: There are no quantified objectives associated with this program.
By end of 2024 calendar year
Continuous - In 2023, the City created a Housing and Community Services website, providing housing resources in production, preservation, and protection, and centralizing other webpage information. The City’s website includes several housing-related resources including Affordable Apartments, Below Market Rate Home Ownership Program, Accessory Dwelling Units, Block Grant Funds, Displacement Prevention Efforts, Emergency Housing, Home Modification, Homebuyer Assistance, Rental, Utility, and Food Assistance, and Unhoused Resources & Efforts. The main website contains a library of webinars and presentations on housing resources. The website is updated as new housing resources are available.
9.1. City of Gilroy
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Request to Direct Staff to Provide Council with Options regarding the Addition of Public Hearings to the Architectural and Site Review Permit Process (FAIR Memo – Marques &
Ramirez)
Meeting Date: March 16, 2026
From: Matt Morley, City Administrator
Department: Community Development
Submitted by: Sharon Goei, Community Development Director Prepared by: Sharon Goei, Community Development Director Michael Fossati, Planning Manager
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS: Not Applicable
RECOMMENDATION
Council consideration of a future agenda item directing staff to return to Council with options regarding the addition of public hearings to the Architectural and Site Review Permit process.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The intent of the staff report is to provide the City Council with the current process for reviewing Architectural and Site Review Permits and for Council to consider whether to direct staff to return to Council with options for adding or changing public hearings, and by which decision-making authority, to the Architectural and Site Review Permit process.
BACKGROUND
Councilmembers Kelly Ramirez and Carol Marques submitted a Future Agenda Item Request (FAIR) Memo to Interim City Administrator Harjot Sangha requesting information regarding the Architectural and Site Review Permit process. The
9.1. Councilmembers have requested that staff present options to the City Council for considering adding or changing which decision-making authorities hold public hearings for certain Architectural and Site Review Permits, in an effort to increase opportunities for resident participation. The FAIR Memo is shown as Attachment 1. Before proceeding with providing options, staff seeks Council confirmation if the City Council approves proceeding with a future agenda item.
ANALYSIS
Under the current Gilroy Zoning Code, owners or developers seeking to expand an existing building or construct a new one must obtain an Architectural and Site Review Permit.
According to Gilroy Zoning Code Section 30.50.40, the intent of architectural and site approval is to maintain or improve the character and integrity of a neighborhood or area by promoting excellence in development, preventing undue traffic hazards or congestion, and encouraging the most appropriate development and use of land in harmony with the surrounding environment and in accordance with the general plan. The City Code section is shown as Attachment 2.
The Gilroy Data Center project, located in an industrial zone, required approval of an Architectural and Site Review Permit. Under Zoning Code Section 30.50.41, this permit is issued by the Community Development Director or designee. Since the site has been designated as General Industrial in the General Plan and zoned Industrial for many years, no General Plan amendment or rezoning was required. The applicant was not planning to subdivide, so no Tentative Map approval was required. Therefore, for this particular project, the only necessary City approval required was the Architectural and Site Review Permit.
The City has approved similar Architectural and Site Review Permits in accordance with the Zoning Code, without public noticing or hearing, including the following:
• Performance Food Group at 5480 Monterey Road. The project includes one 347,651 square foot industrial building.
• McCarthy Industrial Buildings at 6500, 6503, 6601 Cameron Blvd. and 901-1001 Venture Way. The project included one 183,600 square foot industrial building and one 198,965 square foot industrial building, totaling 382,565 square feet.
Under the Zoning Code, some Architectural and Site Review Permits do require public notice or hearing. The table below shows which types of Architectural and Site Review Permits require review and approval by either staff, the Planning Commission, or City Council:
9.1. Application Type Administrative
Staff Approval
Planning
Commission
Approval
City Council
Approval
Public
Hearing
Architectural and Site Review
Permit (unless indicated below) Decision Appeal Appeal No (unless appealed) Architectural and Site Review
Permit for Accessory Structure
over 12-feet high or two-stories
Decision Appeal Yes
Architectural and Site Review
Permit on Historic Site or
Historic Neighborhood (includes
new build or demolition)
Decision Appeal Yes
Architectural and Site Review
Permit within the Murray / Las
Animas Overlay District
Decision Appeal Yes
Architectural and Site Review
Permit with another entitlement
that requires public hearing (e.g.
Planned Unit Development)
Recommend Decision Yes
Architectural and Site Review
Permit with another entitlement
that requires public hearing (e.g.
Tentative Map)
Recommend Decision Yes
If the City Council directs staff to propose changes to add public hearings and which decision-making authorities hold public hearings for certain Architectural and Site Review Permits, staff will need time to research best practices and return to the City Council with options to amend the Zoning Code.
ALTERNATIVES
City Council may approve, modify, or disapprove the request for a future agenda item.
FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
None at this time. If the City Council approves the topic for a future agenda, a fiscal impact analysis will be conducted by staff.
9.1. PUBLIC OUTREACH
This item was included on the publicly posted agenda for this meeting.
NEXT STEPS
If the City Council approves proceeding with the item, staff will place it on a future agenda.
Attachments:
1. FAIR Memo
2. Gilroy Zoning Code Section 30.50.40 – 47 Architectural and Site Review
January 25, 2026
Fair Memo: Review the City Zoning Code, Section 30.50.1.
Given the recent public concerns regarding the AWS data center that was approved by city staff, Councilmember Marques and I feel it is worth bringing up for review the Zoning Code that allows the Planning Director to approve an Architectural and Site Permit of a project without a public hearing.
In the case of the AWS Data Center, because the site has been designated as Industrial in the General Plan and zoned Industrial for many years, no general plan or rezoning was required. Nor, since the applicant was not planning to subdivide, was there a Tentative Map approval required. Thus, for this particular project, the only necessary discretionary City approval required was the Architecture and Site Review Permit.
This is due to a provision of the City Zoning Code that has been in place for many years.
Section 30.50.41 of the Zoning Code provides that a project to build new structures in an industrial zone requires an Architecture and Site Review Permit. That permit is granted or denied by the Planning Director, with appeal to the Planning Commission (per GCC section
30.50.47. We would like to propose for consideration, asking that staff be directed to return to council with options as to what hearings should be appropriate for certain application, and by which body (i.e., staff, Planning Commission, or City Council) to allow residents the opportunity to be engaged in the process.
We request that this be agendized for a council meeting in March, 2026.
Submitted by Councilmembers Kelly Ramirez and Carol Marques Financial impacts to publicize findings/mitigations and holding public hearings will be determined by staff.
30.50.40 Architectural and site review.
The intent of architectural and site approval is to maintain or improve the character and integrity of a neighborhood or area by promoting excellence in development, preventing undue traffic hazards or congestion, and encouraging the most appropriate development and use of land in harmony with the surrounding environment and in accordance with the general plan. (Ord. No. 2016-03, § 1, 3-7-16)
30.50.41 Review.
(a) Architectural and Site Review Permits. The community development director or designee shall review and decide applications for architectural and site approval, and shall be bound by any uniform standards adopted by the city council or planning commission relating to the intent, scope or review of architectural and site approval requirements. The community development director or designee shall review and may issue architectural and site approval for the following uses:
(1) Construction, installation, or major remodeling of structures in an industrial, commercial, professional office, public facilities or open space zone. Installation includes the location of trailers and mobile units on a site, unless such structures are temporary in nature in compliance with Article XLVII, Temporary Uses. Major remodeling includes building additions, as well as alterations within any twelve (12) month period exceeding fifty percent (50%) of the floor area, facade or value of the existing building. The value shall be determined by the city building department. Major interior remodeling projects may be exempt from review if they are determined by the director of planning not to be significant in terms of potential impacts to surrounding land uses and meet all other minimum city standards.
(2) Residential developments having two (2) or more total units on a parcel, unless otherwise exempted under this chapter.
(3) Relocated or moved buildings.
(4) Changes in historic site or neighborhood combining districts which the planning director determines are not significant, and thereby do not require further review, may receive an administratively approved architectural and site review permit, either through a new architectural and site review permit or through a minor modification process pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. The historic heritage committee shall review and make recommendations to the planning commission on applications for architectural and site approval which involve significant changes, and shall be bound by any uniform standards adopted by the city council or planning commission relating to the intent, scope or review of architectural and site approval requirements. The planning commission shall review and may issue architectural and site approval for the following uses:
a. Remodeling or construction in a historic neighborhood combining district, as defined in section 30.27.40(a), involving significant changes, as determined by the planning director. b. Remodeling or construction in a historic site combining district, as defined in section 30.27.40(b), involving significant changes, as determined by the planning director. (5) Development of four (4) or more single-family residential parcels which have been created from the same parcel map, tentative map or final map.
(6) Site improvements in commercial and industrial districts intended to allow for establishment of a new use or expansion of an existing use on property for which prior legal improvements have not been installed. Such new improvements could include, but not be limited to, grading, paving and fencing. 2/23/26, 3:09 PM Zoning 30.50 PLANNING DEPARTMENT APPLICATIONS https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Gilroy/#!/Gilroy30/Gilroy3050.html#30.50 1/7
(7) Use of a lot for outdoor uses or storage purposes, except for exterior storage in private residential yards that conforms to other provisions of the municipal code.
(8) Homes and accessory structures requiring building permits within the residential hillside zoning district, except for those accessory structures approved under the minor modification provisions in subsection (b) of this section. (9) Building demolitions, except for the following:
a. Demolition of a nonhistoric single-family home for which building permits have been issued for a replacement single-family house. For the purposes of this section, a historic home shall be any home in the historic neighborhood combining district, a designated historic site, or any structure meeting the criteria established in section 30.27.30.
b. Demolition or removal of a building which the city building official has determined to be an immediate threat to public health or safety.
c. Demolition or removal of a building that has been ordered to be removed or demolished by the code enforcement appeals hearing board or by a court of law. d. Demolition or removal of residential accessory structures, except for historic properties (subject to section
30.27.50), and subject to the provision of on-site parking. e. Demolitions of nonresidential buildings no greater than one thousand (1,000) square feet that are approved through the minor modification process.
f. Demolitions that, due to their size, nature, condition, or other factors, are determined by the community development director or designee to not require an architectural and site permit. (10) The creation, on or above ground, through installation, construction, or replacement, of two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet or more of impervious surface, except that single-family detached residences that are not within the residential hillside zoning district, a planned unit development overlay district, or the historic neighborhood combining district are not subject to the architectural and site permit process. For purposes of this section, the calculation of the two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of new or replaced impervious surface shall represent the total of all newly created impervious surfaces, whether on structures, pavement, or any other surface.
(11) Changes identified in subsection (b) of this section that are not approved as a minor modification.
Any other remodeling, except as indicated above or as indicated in subsection (b) of this section, shall be exempt from architectural and site or minor modification approval. For changes requiring a minor modification or architectural and site review permit, a building permit shall not be issued until architectural and site or minor modification approval is obtained from the community development director or the planning commission, if appealed. (b) Minor Modifications. A minor modification may be conducted only where such approval would be consistent and comply with all applicable local laws in effect at the time of issuance, including without limitation the city’s general plan and the provisions of the City Code. The intent of the minor modification process is to facilitate minor changes that maintain or improve the aesthetic, historic, architectural, landscape, or other qualities of properties. Minor modifications consistent with this section may, without limitation, be conducted to implement section 30.26.50(b), 30.50.47(d), or 30.50.50(g). No proposals requiring a new negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration, or environmental impact report as clearance under the California Environmental Quality Act shall be allowed through the minor modification process.
2/23/26, 3:09 PM Zoning 30.50 PLANNING DEPARTMENT APPLICATIONS https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Gilroy/#!/Gilroy30/Gilroy3050.html#30.50 2/7
The community development director or designee may, at the director’s sole discretion, approve a minor modification for the following elements, subject to and in accordance with the provisions of this section:
(1) Changes to previously approved development permits but only for minor modification of architectural elements, exterior lighting or landscape details (including but not limited to minor storefront alterations, relocation of doors, equipment screening, minor landscape furniture and structures, benches, small trellises, and planters) which do not affect the use, intensity, general character, architectural style, circulation or other site function of the project. (2) The creation, on or above ground, through installation, construction, or replacement, of less than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of impervious surface, except that single-family detached residences that are not within the residential hillside zoning district, a planned unit development overlay district, or the historic neighborhood combining district are not subject to the minor modification process. For purposes of this section, the calculation of the maximum square feet of new or replaced impervious surface shall represent the total of all newly created impervious surfaces, whether on structures, pavement, or any other surface. (3) The replacement, repaving, reconfiguration, or restriping of parking spaces on existing surfaces. (4) Building additions or accessory structures of less than one thousand (1,000) square feet or less than twenty percent (20%) of the building area prior to the addition in area, whichever is smaller, to nonresidential buildings. (5) Building additions or accessory structures of two hundred fifty (250) square feet in total area or less, or less than twenty percent (20%) of the total building area prior to the addition, whichever is smaller, to hillside singlefamily residences, residences in planned unit development overlay zones, a duplex, or a multiple-family building; provided, that current parking regulations are being met and would continue to be met after the completion of any addition and provided that site amenities are not adversely impacted. (6) Above ground storage tanks of two thousand (2,000) gallons or less in zoning districts other than industrial zoning districts and an above ground storage tank of ten thousand (10,000) gallons or less in an industrial zoning district.
(7) Demolition of nonresidential buildings less than one thousand (1,000) square feet. (8) For properties designated as a historic site or within a historic neighborhood combining district, minor modifications can be processed and approved for the following:
a. Minor modifications of architectural elements, landscape details (including but not limited to equipment screening, minor landscape furniture and structures, benches, small trellises and planters), or installation of new or additional pavement that do not affect the historic significance, use, intensity, general character, architectural style, circulation or other site function of the property. b. Accessory structures or building additions that do not exceed two hundred fifty (250) square feet in area and that are consistent with historic compatibility criteria and applicable design guidelines and standards. (9) Other similar minor items, as determined by the community development director.
The decision to grant, deny or condition a minor modification is an administrative determination and requires no hearing or public notice. The action of the community development director or designee shall be final, and nothing herein shall be deemed or construed to confer on an applicant a right to a minor modification or to require the director to issue a minor modification. If the community development director denies a minor modification, nothing herein shall preclude the applicant from thereafter filing an application for an appropriate development permit. 2/23/26, 3:09 PM Zoning 30.50 PLANNING DEPARTMENT APPLICATIONS https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Gilroy/#!/Gilroy30/Gilroy3050.html#30.50 3/7
Where property was developed prior to the requirement of an architecture and site permit, minor modifications for projects as set forth in this subsection (b) may be approved without the necessity of the issuance of a full site architecture and site permit. The minor modification process may, at the community development director’s discretion, also be used to make the above-noted modifications to an approved planned unit development permit. (Ord. No. 2016- 03, § 1, 3-7-16; Ord. No. 2019-08, § 28, 10-7-19)
30.50.42 Filing of application.
Applications for architectural and site approval shall be filed with the planning department. The department shall prescribe the form and content of the application. A site development plan and architectural design drawings shall accompany the application. If development is to be carried out in stages, each stage shall be shown on a master plan of development. (Ord. No. 2013-08, § 2 (Exh. A), 8-5-13)
30.50.43 Scope of review.
The planning director shall review the application to insure that the development addresses and adequately meets requirements for the following:
(a) Traffic Safety and Efficiency.
(1) Traffic volume and conditions on abutting or access streets. (2) Street improvements, including lighting.
(3) Circulation patterns within the development, including the locations and dimensions of vehicular and pedestrian entrances, exits, drives, walkways, buildings and other related facilities. (4) Adequacy of off-street parking.
(5) Surfacing, lighting and landscaping of off-street parking facilities. (6) Location, quantity, height of materials, and shape of landscaped areas. (7) Adequacy, location, arrangement and dimensions of truck loading and unloading facilities. (b) Outdoor Advertising and Signs.
(1) Potential traffic hazards.
(2) Appearance.
(3) Harmony with adjacent development.
(4) Favorable image of the city.
(5) Number, area, bulk, shape, height, location, separation, clearance, projection, illumination, color and landscaping of such signs.
(c) Site Development.
(1) Physical characteristics of the site.
(2) Existing and proposed easements.
(3) Appearance and harmony of buildings with adjacent development, the character of the neighborhood, and existing and projected public improvements.
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(4) Location, appearance and orientation of structures, open spaces and activities. (5) Determination of boundaries, building setbacks and uses intended. (d) Landscaping.
(1) Harmony with adjacent development.
(2) Concealment of storage areas, utility installations, or other unsightly development. (3) Quantity, location, height and materials of walls and fences, hedges, screen planting and landscaped areas. (4) Planting of ground cover or other surfacing to prevent erosion and reduce dust. (5) Unnecessary destruction of healthy trees.
(6) Facilities and methods of insuring continued maintenance of landscaping. (e) Drainage and Flood Control and Health Standards.
(1) Effect on flood control and storm and surface water drainage facilities. (2) Additional flood control and drainage improvements required. (3) Minimum health standards.
(4) Consistency with the city’s adopted flood plain management ordinance. (f) Fire Protection.
(1) Additional fire protection improvements required.
(2) Location, number and type of such improvements.
(3) Adequacy of the water supply for fire protection purposes. (g) Environmental Impacts.
(1) Consistency with the city’s adopted environmental review procedures and process. (2) Consistency with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The planning director may request any information, including maps, impact reports, and/or design criteria, deemed necessary to evaluate the application. (Ord. No. 2013-08, § 2 (Exh. A), 8-5-13)
30.50.44 Conditions.
The granting of architectural and site approval may include such conditions as the planning director deems reasonable and necessary under the circumstances to carry out the requirements of the zoning district and the intent of architectural and site approval, and to insure that the development will meet the requirements enumerated in section 30.50.43. The following conditions shall be standard on all architectural and site approvals, where applicable:
(a) Landscaping. Landscaping plans including specifications for an irrigation system shall be approved by the planning director in accordance with Article XXXVIII, prior to issuance of a building permit. The landscaping shall be continuously maintained in an orderly, live, healthy, and relatively weed-free condition, in accordance with the approved specific landscape plan.
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(b) Trash Enclosures. All trash enclosures shall consist of visually solid fences and gates, six (6) feet in height, in accordance with the adopted City of Gilroy standard trash enclosure design plan, or a similar design approved by the planning director. All trash enclosures shall be located in accordance with the approved site plan and the Uniform Fire Code. In addition, recycling areas must be provided within the trash enclosures, in accordance with the following regulations:
(1) Areas for recycling shall be adequate in capacity, number, and distribution to serve the development project. (2) Dimensions of the recycling area shall accommodate receptacles sufficient to meet the recycling needs of the development project.
(3) An adequate number of bins or containers to allow for the collection and loading of recyclable materials generated by the development project should be located within the recycling area. (c) Exterior Lighting. No unobstructed beam of exterior lighting shall be directed outward from the site toward any residential use or public right-of-way. Lighting shall be constructed or located so that only the intended area is illuminated and off-site glare is fully controlled.
(d) Mechanical Equipment. Mechanical equipment to be located on the roof of a building shall be screened by an architectural feature of the building such that it cannot be seen from ground level at the far side of the adjacent public right-of-way.
(e) Outdoor Storage. All outdoor storage and loading areas must be screened from public view with a combination of landscaping, solid fencing, and building design and orientation. (f) All backflow devices shall be painted an earth tone color, so that they blend with their surroundings, and shall be heavily landscaped.
Other conditions may include, but are not limited to, conditions regarding site planning, architecture, engineering, landscaping, street dedication, flood control and drainage, street drainage and flood control improvements, building setbacks, off-street parking, off-street loading, outdoor advertising, street lighting, survey of property, fire protection, excavation, grading, sewage disposal, water supply, geological engineering, and environmental concerns.
Such conditions may also include the execution of a land development agreement with the city to fulfill the conditions of architectural and site approval within a specified period of time. Said agreement may be secured by a good and sufficient improvement security. A liability insurance policy in amounts and form may be required. (Ord. No. 2013-08, § 2 (Exh. A), 8-5-13; Ord. No. 2019-08, §§ 29, 30, 10-7-19)
30.50.45 Inspection prior to use and occupancy.
The conditions of an architectural and site approval may prohibit a building, structure or land use to be occupied until an inspection has been made and it is found that the building, structure or land use complies with all the conditions required to be completed prior to occupancy. If a building permit is issued for a building or structure which is subject to an architectural and site approval, the building inspector shall not approve a final inspection of such building or structure until the planning director or an authorized representative has inspected the building or structure and approved the use and occupancy. (Ord. No. 2013-08, § 2 (Exh. A), 8-5-13)
30.50.46 Notification of approval.
Upon the grant of an architectural and site approval, the planning department shall prepare and deliver a letter of approval with any conditions attached thereto to the applicant. The planning director shall report to the planning commission all approvals and disapprovals. (Ord. No. 2013-08, § 2 (Exh. A), 8-5-13)
30.50.47 Terms of approval.
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(a) Time Limits. If any development for which architectural and site approval has been granted has not obtained building permits within one (1) year from the date of notification of approval, the approval shall be deemed automatically revoked.
Upon application, an extension of time may be granted by the planning director. (b) Transfer. Architectural and site approval shall be deemed revoked if the use for which the approval is granted is changed unless, upon application to the planning director, the approval is transferred. The planning director shall transfer the approval to the new use if the previous approval meets the requirements of this section for the changed use.
If the planning director does not reissue the approval, a new application must be filed. (c) Conformance to Approval. Development for which architectural and site approval has been granted shall conform to the approval and any conditions attached thereto.
(d) Modification. Upon request of the applicant, modifications of the approved plan, which meet the requirements of this chapter, may be approved by the planning director.
(e) Appeal. Anyone so desiring may appeal the decision of the planning director by written request to the planning commission and payment of the appeal fee within twenty (20) days of the planning director’s determination. (Ord. No. 2013-08, § 2 (Exh. A), 8-5-13)
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