El Camino Real Specific Plan

The City of Santa Clara is implementing the El Camino Real Specific Plan to transform a 238.3-acre area of automobile-oriented strip malls into a pedestrian and transit-oriented corridor. This long-range vision, targeting a build-out by 2055, aims to integrate a diverse mix of residential and retail uses, featuring the development of 4,392 housing units and a reduction of approximately 289,000 square feet of commercial space. The plan establishes goals and design standards to increase green spaces, improve multimodal transportation networks for bicycles and transit, and implement efficient parking management solutions in alignment with the City's Climate Action Plan and zoning regulations. The project is currently undergoing a comprehensive environmental review process under the California Environmental Quality Act, including a Draft Environmental Impact Report and a public review period from December 12, 2025, to January 26, 2026. Technical assessments have been conducted to evaluate sanitary sewer capacity, water supply availability through 2045, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation impacts. The project must adhere to ADA standards for Caltrans facilities and OSHA regulations for hazardous material removal. Key coordinating agencies include the California Department of Transportation, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.