San José approves its first housing development under the streamlined ministerial review process, delivering 540 units, retail space, and faster housing production under the new ordinance.
San José Accelerates Housing with Streamlined Approval Process
San José, CA — The City of San José has approved the first housing development under its new City Streamlined Ministerial Ordinance (CSMO), marking a major milestone in speeding up housing production and reducing entitlement timelines.
The mixed-use project at Stevens Creek Boulevard and Saratoga Avenue was fully entitled in just eight months, compared to traditional approval processes that could take up to two years. The development includes 540 residential units, 27 affordable units, nearly 14,000 square feet of retail space, roughly 800 parking spaces, and a public pedestrian paseo connecting the two eight-story buildings.
This early success signals a new era for growth zones like the Stevens Creek Boulevard Urban Village—an area expected to benefit from higher-density, transit-oriented development.
What Is the City Streamlined Ministerial Ordinance (CSMO)?
The CSMO was approved by the San José City Council in December 2024 and took effect in early 2025. The ordinance allows qualifying infill and mixed-use housing developments to move forward through a ministerial approval pathway rather than a discretionary one.
This means:
- No public hearings
- No lengthy environmental review in specific circumstances
- No multi-layered entitlement process
- Clear and objective development standards
- Faster, more predictable timelines for developers
To qualify, projects must meet zoning, density, design, and land-use requirements and be located within designated growth areas such as urban villages, mixed-use corridors, or transit-oriented development zones.
Under CSMO, eligible projects are targeted to be reviewed within 90 days for developments up to 150 units and within 180 days for larger projects.
Why This First Project Matters
Faster Approvals for Housing
The eight-month entitlement timeline demonstrates the ordinance’s ability to reduce delays, lower developer risk, and encourage investment in high-density housing.
A Boost to Housing Supply
The approved project delivers 540 new homes—including affordable units—aligning with the city’s Housing Element goals and regional housing needs.
Walkable, Mixed-Use Community Design
The project supports San José’s urban village vision, combining housing, retail, and pedestrian-friendly design near transit and major employment centers.
Strong Signal to Future Developers
By showing that streamlined approvals are reliable and predictable, San José is positioning itself as a more attractive city for infill and mixed-use development.
What’s Next for San José’s Housing Pipeline
With the first project approved, the city expects more developers to take advantage of the streamlined ordinance. As long as proposals meet objective standards, they can move forward faster than ever before.
City officials plan to continue refining the process, updating outreach strategies, and tracking project performance to ensure quality development across San José’s designated growth areas.
Quick Facts
• 540 residential units (27 affordable)
• Nearly 14,000 square feet of retail
• Two eight-story mixed-use buildings
• Approx. 800 parking spaces
• Public paseo connecting the buildings
• Approved under CSMO in eight months
• Ordinance effective as of early 2025