The City of Santa Cruz Planning Commission convened on July 17, 2025, to address several key agenda items. The meeting commenced with a roll call, confirming the presence of Commissioners Dan, Kelly, Thompson, and Chair Paul Hammes, while Commissioners Gordon and Kennedy were noted as absent with notice.

Following the roll call, the commission moved to oral communications, allowing members of the public to address the commission on topics not listed on the agenda. However, no public comments were made during this period.

The commission then proceeded to approve the minutes from the previous meeting held on June 5, 2025. A motion for approval was made and seconded, and the minutes were unanimously accepted through a verbal vote.

Next, the commission addressed item number two on the consent agenda, which involved a citywide commercial use permit extension. This item proposed changes to zoning ordinance chapter 24.04 of the municipal code, specifically regarding the extension of validity for current and previously expired commercial use permits. The commission opened the floor for public comment on this item, but again, no members of the public chose to speak.

After closing the public comment period, the commissioners discussed the item. A motion to approve the extension was made and seconded, leading to a roll call vote. All present commissioners voted in favor, resulting in the unanimous approval of the commercial use permit extension.

The meeting then transitioned to the public hearing segment, indicating further discussions were to follow. Overall, the session highlighted the commission's focus on regulatory adjustments to support local commercial activities while ensuring procedural transparency.