Santa Cruz City Council adopts transportation, development municipal code changes

SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz City Council unanimously approved a number of amendments to the city municipal code during its meeting Tuesday, and adopted related resolutions. The decisions will double residential parking permit rates, adjust objective development standards around transportation and allocate funds to expand the city’s vibrancy ordinance. Transportation and parking As state law continues to influence the development of affordable housing in Santa Cruz, many residents have raised concerns about eased parking requirements designed to incentivize building. To address this issue, in August 2025 the City Council directed staff to come back with policy options to mitigate development impacts on parking and the transportation system. Staff presented a number of code changes and resolutions designed to align transportation standards with the city’s goals and change the residential permit parking program. The program currently costs $30 per car, per year, and according to city staf