Ocean Street, 908

Welcome

Welcome to the City of Santa Cruz project page for the newly submitted official application at 908 Ocean Street.

Please Note:

This application package and proposed project has been submitted by a new applicant and exists separately from an already existing proposal at this location. (For information on the previously submitted project, please visit the alternate 908 Ocean Street web page).

Here you will find information about this project including the projects description, plan set(s), and all future meeting details relating to this project. You can also contact the City Project Planner by using the Question or Comment section below.

Project Description

Project Size: Significant Development Project
City of Santa Cruz Project Number:
- Pre-Application Project No. CP22-0085
- Formal Application Project No. CP23-0030
Project Status: Visit Etrakit for Most Current Status and the Assigned Planner

Pre-Application

On 7/11/2022, a pre-application was submitted for the demolition of commercial and residential buildings, the combination of 20 parcels and the construction of a mixed-use development with 351 dwelling units (requesting a 35% density bonus from a base density project of 260 units) and 7,850 square feet of commercial space.

Formal Application

On 3/06/2023, a formal application was submitted for Residential and Non-Residential Demolition Authorization Permits, Heritage Tree Removal Permit, Minor Land Division, Design Permit, Special Use Permit, and Density Bonus Request to demolish eight commercial buildings (27,631 square feet) and 12 residential units, remove 13 heritage trees, and construct a mixed-use development in three condominium lots with 389 units (requesting a 42.5% density bonus from a base density project of 273 units) and 9,570 square feet of commercial space on a site in the C-C (Community Commercial) zone district and the Ocean Street Area Plan.

Community Meetings / Webinars

On February 9th, 2023, a community meeting was held by the applicant to present the proposed pre-application project and gather public feedback. For those who could not attend, below you will find the link to the recorded community meeting.

February 9th, 2023, Pre-Application Community Meeting Recording

Community Meeting Data Reports

Public Hearings

On February 20, 2025, the Planning Commission approved the mixed-use project (CP23-0030) comprising of 21 parcels bounded by Ocean Street on the west, Hubbard Street on the north, May Avenue on the east, and commercial properties to the south. The project approval includes demolition of four commercial buildings and 12 residential units and construction of a mixed-use development with 389 units and 9,570 square feet of commercial space. The project consists of one five-story building with underground parking along Ocean Street and two three-story residential buildings fronting May Avenue. A total of 54 affordable units are part of the development, including 36 units provided at the very low-income level and 18 units at the low-income level.

No appeals of the Planning Commission decision were received during the appeal period, which concluded on March 3rd. Following the building permit plan check process, the developer anticipates breaking ground in the Spring of 2026. Check the February 20, 2025 recording of the Planning Commission hearing, including the staff report and associated documents.

Environmental Review / CEQA

Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared for the project. An Initial Study of Environmental Significance (Initial Study) was prepared to identify key issues for further analysis with the EIR. The Initial Study is available for public review from March 14, 2024 until April 15, 2024.

Initial Study(PDF, 2MB)
Notice of Preparation(PDF, 570KB)
EIR Scoping Meeting: A Zoom meeting to discuss the scope of the EIR will be on Wednesday, April 10, at 6:00 p.m.. Interested parties may join the Zoom meeting (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81627538283 Webinar ID: 816 2753 8283)

Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR)
The DEIR is available for public review from October 2, 2024 to November 15, 2024.

Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR)
The City of Santa Cruz Planning and Community Development has completed a Final EIR for 908 Ocean Street Mixed-Use Development. The FEIR is now available for public review.

A hardcopy of the initial study will be available at the Planning Public Counter Monday through Thursday, 7:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. Additionally, a hardcopy is available to view at the Downtown branch of the Santa Cruz Public Library. For questions, or to submit comments on the initial study, please contact the project planner, Ryan Bane, at rbane@santacruzca.gov or (831) 420-5141.