Major Project Applications

Project: 41st Avenue 10-unit Mixed Use Project
Application No.: 251461
APN: 033-141-30
Address: 880 41st Avenue
Applicant: Trevor Shur
Project Planner: Evan Ditmars 
Status: Planning Application Submittal

Public Meetings
No public meetings are currently scheduled for this project.
Past public meetings: None

Background

On November 17, 2025, the applicant submitted application 251461. The application is a proposal to construct a 10-unit multi-family residential development in two buildings with retail on the first floor and surface parking. The project is associated with an SB330 Application and requires a Commercial Development Permit and a Coastal Development Permit. 

The property is located on the east side of 41st Avenue about 300 feet north of its intersection with Portola Drive.

Project: 100% affordable - 256 rental units
Application No.: 251009
APN: 030-121-61 & 030-121-34
Address: No situs address, located at the corner of 41st Avenue and Soquel Avenue
Applicant: Linc Housing
Project Planner: Nathan Macbeth
Status: Development Review Group (DRG) Application completed – Building permit under review

Public Meetings
No public meeting is required – project qualifies for Ministerial review due to location within the -Min Combining District.

Background
On January 14, 2025, the applicant submitted a pre-application (DRG) 251009. The application is a proposal to construct a six story 100% affordable housing project consisting of 256 total dwelling units consisting of three on-site manager units and 253 - 100% affordable rental units (20 - studio, 100 - 1 bedroom, 71 - 2 bedroom, 65 - 3 bedroom units). Project includes 261 parking spaces and operational/office space at the ground level with community facilities at the second level.

Project: Seahawk Energy Storage
Application No.: 241473
APN: 051-101-77
Applicant: Sequoia Energy Storage 1, LLC
Project Planner: Evan Ditmars 
Status:

Public Meetings
No public meetings are currently scheduled for this project.
Past public meetings: None

At least three public hearings are required for consideration; review of the project’s consistency with agricultural protection policies by the Agricultural Policy Advisory Commission (APAC) is required to move the project to the Planning Commission, who will consider the project and provide a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. The required CEQA review process, which will be conducted prior to considering the project at public hearing, also prescribes a public review and comment period.  Public participation is welcomed at all phases of this project.

Minto Road Project, Application 241473
On December 17, 2024, “Sequoia Energy Storage 1, LLC” submitted an application (#241473) to develop an 800-megawatt hour (MWh) utility-scale battery energy storage BESS facility at 90 Minto Road in the unincorporated area of Watsonville in Santa Cruz County. The preliminary project proposal includes about three hundred lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery units staggered pairs across a 14-acre site. Batteries are contained within a shipping container-style structure, include independent fire protection systems, and adjacent module pairs are physically separated to avoid fire spread.

Following staff review of the submitted materials, the project was determined to be “incomplete,” requiring clarification, revision, or supplementation of application materials. Furthermore, upon application completion, both the proposed project and the developing energy storage ordinance require evaluation for compliance with CEQA; the preliminary staff determination indicates that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) document is likely to be required. The applicant has hired a consultant to begin preparation of an initial study, which will provide a deeper understanding of the impacts of the project and will identify focus areas for further environmental review, as required. It is anticipated that both the ordinance and project application would be evaluated by the EIR document. 

Background
Utility-scale battery energy storage (BESS) is a rapidly evolving technology, but the local regulatory framework for evaluating these projects remains underdeveloped. On August 13, 2024, the Board of Supervisors directed Community Development and Infrastructure Department staff to begin development of an ordinance regulating the siting of battery energy storage projects in unincorporated Santa Cruz County.

Currently, smaller scale energy facilities (“microgrids”) which serve a small geographic area such as a college campus, hospital, or business center, are conditionally permitted (requiring a conditional use permit, public hearing, and environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act [CEQA]) in most zone districts. County Code does not define the permitting requirements to develop projects where power may be distributed locally, regionally, or beyond for the larger transmission grid (“utility-scale”). As there has been an uptick in interest for this type of project in recent years to support clean energy goals, improve resiliency, and reduce power outages, consideration of how, where, and under what circumstances these projects should occur has been determined to be necessary.

The need for proactive regulation is heightened by recently enacted State legislation, such as AB205, which allows the California Energy Commission to override local regulations with findings of public convenience and necessity. Adopting a local ordinance ensures that projects submitted under AB205 either comply with locally developed, site-specific requirements or require findings of overriding public convenience and necessity if non-compliant. Without a regulatory framework, community involvement in the development of these types of projects becomes diminished.

Ordinance Development
As directed by the Board of Supervisors, the Community Development and Infrastructure Department is currently developing an ordinance to allow and regulate BESS facilities on parcels greater than 10 acres that are adjacent to existing transmission substations. The County Zoning Code and Zoning Map would be amended to allow and regulate these facilities within an “Energy Storage Combining District.”  Impacts under the proposed Ordinance must be analyzed under CEQA prior to adoption. The draft ordinance would require written approval from the local Fire agency before approval of the project. The Board of Supervisors will consider approving in concept a draft ordinance for an Energy Storage Combining District on November 18, 2025.

View the Nov. 18 Board Agenda Leave Your Comment

Additional Resources

• The applicant has developed a website for additional project information, available here: Seahawk Energy Storage | Clean Renewable Energy, Watsonville, CA
• Information from the County of Monterey about the Moss Landing Battery Fire is available here. 

Project: Brommer Street / 7th Avenue - 100% affordable project, 100 rental units
Application No.: SB 330 Preapplication PA251051
APN: 026-261-13, 026-261-16, 026-261-17
Address: 905 7th Avenue
Applicant: Anton Thurber LLC
Project Planner: Nathan Macbeth 
Status: Preapplication submitted – review complete

Public Meetings
No public meetings are currently scheduled for this project.

Background

On November 21, 2025, the applicant submitted a SB 330 preapplication PA251051. This application is a proposal to construct a 100-unit affordable housing development. The development will target households earning between 30-60% Area Median Income (AMI). Unit mix will be 50 one-bedrooms, 25 two-bedrooms, and 25 three-bedrooms, including one two-bedroom manager's unit. Twenty-five units (25% of total units) will be set aside for individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities. The project includes a community room, communal laundry facilities, property management offices, a computer lab, an outdoor courtyard and play area. Neighborhood commercial space (coffee shop) with outdoor seating is proposed along with connectivity to open space and parks adjacent to the site (Arana Gulch Open Space Park & trails directly adjacent).

Project site consists of three contiguous parcels located on the southwest corner of the intersection of 7th Avenue and Brommer Street in the Live Oak Planning Area.

The County has four Builder's Remedy Projects. They can be viewed here.

Project: Housing Matters, Live Oak Landing
Application No.: 251352
APN: 026-031-14
Applicant: Housing Matters
Project Planner: Rebecca Rockom
Status: Planning Application Submittal

Public Meetings
No public meetings are currently scheduled for this project.
Past public meetings: None

Neighborhood meeting (applicant lead): August 27, 2025

Housing Matters, Live Oak Landing, Discretionary Permit Application 251352
On August 21, 2025, a Temporary Use Permit application was submitted for a proposal to utilize the existing motel structures as group quarters to provide interim housing and supportive services for houseless individuals, with dinner meal service to be provided daily to on-site occupants as prepared and delivered from an off-site kitchen, and cold meals available on demand through the central kitchen onsite. The fenced and gated facility will include 19 sleeping rooms, offices, on-site laundry facility, and at least 16 parking spaces.

A Temporary Use Permit approval is required to expedite the opening of this transitional housing facility. If approved, a provisional permit will allow this use for up to one year, with the condition that the applicant then obtains permanent approval within an additional 6 months. The current proposal will be administratively reviewed as a Minor Use Permit by planning staff designated by the Planning Director.

Permanent use as “group quarters” within the Visitor Accommodations (VA) zone district requires a Conditional Use Permit to be processed with public noticing and decision to be considered at a public hearing before the Planning Commission.

Background
The site is located at 2950 Soquel Avenue in Live Oak at the former Santa Cruz Inn motel site, just off the Highway 1 Soquel exit ramp.

In 2025, Housing Matters purchased the inn with the intent to repurpose the motel for temporary housing.

CEQA Determination

This proposal is exempt from CEQA pursuant to SB 91, which allows the exemption of the conversion of a structure with a certificate of occupancy as a motel, residential hotel, or hostel to supportive or transitional housing as long as it does not result in the expansion of more than 10% of the floor area of any individual living unit and/or does not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality or water quality.
 

Project: 18-Unit Mixed Use Project
Application No.: 251035
APN: 032-092-01 & 032-092-05
Address: 3800 Portola Drive
Applicant: Bill Kempf, WCK Architects
Project Planner: Evan Ditmars 
Status: Planning Application Submittal

Public Meetings
No public meetings are currently scheduled for this project.
Past public meetings: None

Background
On January 31, 2025, the applicant submit application 251035. The application is a proposal to construct an approximately 24,000 square foot, three-story mixed-use building consisting of eighteen residential condominium units and two commercial suites (~4,000sf). The project proposes utilizing Density Bonus provisions to increase the maximum allowable density by 24.5 percent, resulting in 16 market-rate units and two low-income units, and requests priority application processing as an "incentive" under SCCC 17.12.040. The project requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP-PC), a Conditional Site Development Permit (CSP), a Coastal Development Permit, and a Subdivision Map. Previous approvals for development at this location have expired. 

The project site is located on the south side of Portola Drive at its intersection with 38th Avenue.

Project: Land Division
Application No.: 231137
APN: 025-211-07 & 025-211-02
Address: No situs address, south end of Mattison Lane
Applicant: Pacific Rim Planning
Project Planner: Nathan Macbeth
Status: Planning Application Approved

Public Meetings
Past public meetings: Approved by the Planning Commission on March 26, 2025

Background
On April 23, 2023, the applicant submitted application 231137. This application is a proposal to amend approved Residential Development Permit 201208, a proposal to develop a 10-unit apartment complex (dwelling group) in the RM-6 zone district, to be constructed in two phases: Phase One includes eight (8)-units consisting of four (4) duplexes and Phase Two consists of two units consisting of one (1) duplex. Amendment results in a subdivision of the two existing parcels to create 10 townhouse parcels (Lots 1 through 10) and a common area (Parcel A). Project was previously approved as a rental project and is now proposed as a for-sale project. Requires approval of a Subdivision, Tentative Map, Site Development Permit, and consider an addendum to an adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act. Property located at the south end of Mattison Lane approximately 1,000 feet south of the intersection with Soquel Drive, in the Live Oak Planning Area.

Project: 6-Unit Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Application No.: 251276
APN: 025-032-33, 34, & 35
Address: 3522 Mission Drive
Applicant: Atri Macherla, Swarna Bhairava LLC
Project Planner: Evan Ditmars 
Status: Planning Application Submittal

Public Meetings
No public meetings are currently scheduled for this project.
Past public meetings: None

Background
On July 4, 2025, the applicant submit application 251276. The application is a proposal for a Subdivision and Planned Unit Development (PUD) to divide three parcels (APNs 025-032-33, 025-032-34, 025-032-35) to create six fee-simple lots with detached single-family dwellings. Five lots and a private street will be developed with access from Thurber Lane, and a sixth lot will be developed with access from Mission Drive. The project requires an Administrative Site Development Permit (ASP) with Design Review, a Subdivision Map, and Board of Supervisors adoption of a PUD ordinance, and a Soils Report Review (REV251054).

The project sites are located roughly 1500 feet north of the intersection of Mission Drive and Soquel Drive, extending between Mission Drive and Thurber Lane (3522 Mission Drive).

Project: Mount Hermon Solar Array
Application No.: 251463
APN: 071-331-06
Applicant: Mars Energy Group
Project Planner: Rebecca Rockom
Status: Planning Application Submittal

Public Meetings
No public meetings are currently scheduled for this project.
Past public meetings: None

Mount Hermon Solar Panel Array, Discretionary Permit Application 251463
On November 14, 2025, an application was submitted for a proposal to construct and install an 835.44 Kw ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system on a vacant 8.88-acre parcel, to provide electric power for private use only. All excess energy will be used to offset the client’s usage; this project will not have an Energy Storage System.

The site is zoned Special Use (SU), which allows utility facilities, including microgrids - public or private, subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The scale of this non-residential development triggers a Conditional Site Development Permit (CSP). Design Review is also required for all new commercial, industrial or public facility construction.

The project will be publicly noticed and decided by the Zoning Administrator at a public hearing, date to be determined.

Background
The undeveloped property is located at the corner of Conference Drive and East Zayante Road, at the edge of Felton town center, within a Scenic View Corridor. It is one of several parcels comprising the 440-acre Mt. Hermon Christian Conference Center.

A pre-application review was submitted in September 2025.

Project: Pajaro Estuary Pipeline Project
Application No.: 251336
Location: Harkins Slough, Watsonville Slough, San Andreas Road
APN: 052-211-29, 052-181-18, & 052-181-20
Applicant: Brian Lockwood, Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency
Project Planner: Evan Ditmars 
Status: Planning Application Submittal

Public Meetings
No public meetings are currently scheduled for this project.
Past public meetings: None

Background
On September 9, 2025, the applicant submit application 251336. The application is a proposal to implement the Watsonville Slough System Managed Aquifer Recharge and Recovery Project, which includes upgrades to the existing Harkins Slough filter plant (at APN 052-211-29), trenching for water distribution lines, development of Struve Slough as a new water source, development of a new recharge basin with recovery and monitoring wells (187 San Andreas Road, APNs 052-181-18 and 052-181-20), and development of seasonal pond and wetland and riparian forest habitat at Watsonville Slough. Project includes a review of the EIR certified January 2021 (State Clearinghouse No. 2019059130) and EIR addendum dated March 19, 2025

Permits required for the project include a Coastal Development Permit, a Conditional Site Development Permit (CSP), a Significant Tree Removal Permit, an Archaeologic Report Review (REV251134), a Biotic Report Review (REV251133), and preliminary grading review for approximately 40,000 cubic yards of off haul.

Project: Pleasure Point Plaza
Application No.: 241420
APN: 032-051-36
Applicant: A Plus Bay Plus (Abbas Haghshenas)
Project Planner: Rebecca Rockom
Status: Planning Application Submittal

Public Meetings
No public meetings are currently scheduled for this project.
Past public meetings: None

Before this application can move forward, a neighborhood meeting is required to be held by the project applicant to explain the proposed development to and to solicit comments from those in attendance. The County Supervisor, the Planning Director, and all owners and occupants within 500 feet of the exterior boundaries of the project parcel will be notified of the meeting.

Pleasure Point Plaza, Application 241420
On November 11, 2024, a proposal to modify a previous approval (Coastal Development Permit, Site Development Permit and Use Permit 181263, as extended by Permits 221363 and 231450) was submitted for the construction of a 41,800 square foot three-story mixed-use building with 10,050 square feet of retail space, a leasing office, and 40 residential units and 44 storage rooms on a mezzanine level, and to construct two additional 7,808 square foot, 2-story structures, each with 5 residential units on the second level over carports for residential parking – for a total of 50 residential units. The revised proposal includes a request for a residential density bonus in exchange for provision of 6 very low-income affordable rental units and a request for three “concessions”: 1) an increase in height from 40 feet to 41.5 feet, 2) a reduced rear setback to the residential dwellings and carports, and 3) that the payment of Capital Improvement Fees be paid prior to occupancy.  

The project requires an Amendment to Commercial Development Permit and Coastal Development Permit, Site Development Permit and Use Permit 181263, as extended by Permits 221363 and 231450.  

Following staff review of the submitted materials, the project was determined to be “incomplete,” requiring clarification, revision, or supplementation of application materials.

Background
The original Coastal Development Permit, Site Development Permit and Use Permit application (181263), to demolish two existing commercial buildings and other miscellaneous structures and to construct a 33,010 square foot two and three-story mixed-use building with 8,845 square feet of commercial area, a leasing office, 33 residential apartments, each with a storage room, and to construct two 3,230 square foot, one-story carports for residential tenants, was heard by the Planning Commission in September 2019 and approved by the Board of Supervisors in December 2019. At that time the project included a request for a 50% residential density bonus in exchange for provision of 4 very low-income affordable rental units and three associated concessions:  1) to allow the project to consist of 72% residential and 28% commercial floor area; 2) a reduced rear setback between the rear property line and the residential carports and 3) payment of Capital Improvement Fees be paid prior to occupancy.

The approval, subject to a 3-year expiration, was subsequently extended in 2022 (221363) and in 2023 (231450).

Project: Brommer Street / 7th Avenue - 100% affordable project, 100 rental units
Application No.: SB 330 Preapplication PA251051
APN: 026-261-13, 026-261-16, 026-261-17
Address: 905 7th Avenue
Applicant: Anton Thurber LLC
Project Planner: Nathan Macbeth 
Status: Planning Application Approved

Public Meetings
Past public meetings: Approved by the Planning Commission on September 24, 2025

Background

On August 26, 2024, the applicant submit application 241320. The application is a proposal to construct a 100 percent affordable rental housing development. Project consists of construction of five individual structures with heights ranging from 38 feet to 69 feet containing 173 residential units and service amenities (eg. fitness room, maintenance room, breakroom, management/resident services/leasing office, club room, and laundry room). Project includes construction of approximately 1,800 square feet of ground floor neighborhood commercial space at the corner of Soquel Drive and Thurber Lane, outdoor common area with tot lot, avoidance and potential restoration of riparian woodland, several parking areas containing a total of 257 parking spaces, drainage improvements, right of way improvements along Soquel Drive and Thurber Lane, removal of 13 trees, and installation of associated site improvements. The project requires a Conditional Site Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit, Design Review, and Reduction in Development Standards under State Density Bonus Law and a determination the project is exempt from further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 

Property located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Soquel Drive and Thurber Lane in the Live Oak Planning Area.

Project: Village on the Green
Application No.: 251471
APN: 039-201-36 & 039-201-37
Applicant: Swenson Development and Construction
Project Planner: Rebecca Rockom
Status: Development Review Group Pre-Application

Public Meetings
No public meetings are currently scheduled for this project.
Past public meetings: None

Village on the Green, Development Review Group Application 251471
On November 20, 2025, an application was submitted for a Development Review Group (DRG), a pre-application for the review of a housing development proposal on the site of the former Aptos Par 3 golf course. County staff from several County departments and other public agencies will review this proposal to develop 197 “for sale” 3-bedroom townhomes (each with attached 2-car garage) and a 7-story apartment structure with 215 affordable units and 274 parking spaces on the 13.85-acre site, with the intent to determine the extent of further information needed to process the application, as well as assess the project for compliance with all County ordinances. Relevant comments, corrections, and conditions will be provided to the applicant to be incorporated into proposed project, prior to the formal application.

Background
The site is the former Aptos Par 3 Golf Course which closed in 2000. Located at 2600 Mar Vista Drive, the site comprises two adjacent parcels which extend southward along Highway 1. This site was identified as an opportunity site by the 2023 Housing Element and rezoned from Parks and Recreation (PR) to Residential Flex (RF) to increase housing unit capacity in the unincorporated area. A “-min” overlay zone allows rental and owner -occupied multi-family housing to be developed by right (ministerially). A portion of the land adjacent to Mar Vista Drive was later home to the Native Revival Nursery and is currently leased to Locatelli’s Landscaping.

Housing Element
The 2023 Housing Element identified that the total number of units that could be developed under current zoning falls short of the required Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). To address this shortfall, the Housing Element identified 75 parcels for rezoning in order to increase housing unit capacity in the unincorporated area. The Housing Element Rezone Program is currently underway to implement the zone district and land use designation changes per the 2023 Housing Element and meet state law requirements.