Frequently Asked Questions

August 18 City Council Action:

• In June 2026, investors filed a permit request to update the zoning on this site to match its land use designation in the City’s General Plan. This rezoning was approved by City Council on August 18, Land Use Consent Calendar item 10.1(a).

• The 35 acres of existing research facility were zoned to allow for research and development, manufacturing, assembly, testing and offices. The 565 acres of open space were zoned for open space.

• Councilmember Casey voted in favor because he views it as a legally-mandated “conforming rezoning,” aligning with City staff’s recommendation and guidance.

Context:

• Every parcel of land in San José has a General Plan designation (GP) and a zoning designation. The GP is the City’s official intended land use for a site (the blueprint), whereas the zoning is the actual allowed land use (the reality). Only projects that are legally allowed under the zoning can be built.

• If GP and zoning aren't consistent, GP prevails, and state law requires the City to change the parcel's zoning to "conform" (match) the GP. The City can do this "conforming rezoning" proactively, or if property owners/developers formally request it.

Next Steps:

• There is no specific project proposed yet as of August 31; view permit filings here: https://permits.sanjoseca.gov/search/permit?folderRSN=2189559).

• As many have wondered, a data center is allowed under the 35 acre site's zoning. It would be subject to all relevant regulations and permit requirements, including a Special Use Permit and full CEQA Environmental Review.

• The 565 acres of open space remains zoned Open Space. No other uses are legally allowed, so a proposal to build anything else would be denied. If the property owner wanted to change the allowed use of the 565 acres to enable building other things, they would have to apply for a General Plan amendment from City Council, which Council (and Casey) would likely reject it.

As of August 2026, re-construction will begin soon. USPS expects the post office to re-open by fall 2027.

For any further questions, contact Congressmember Jimmy Panetta’s office at [email protected].

To find nearby locations and drop boxes, visit https://tools.usps.com/locations/.

In June and August 2026, City Council directed staff to develop new consistent standards for data centers and similar large energy projects. These would build upon other state and local regulations to mitigate impacts on health, environment, and quality of life.

Further reading:

• Standards Development Process

• List of Data Centers

• Why Are Data Centers In San José