Ocean Street, 530, 542, 548

Welcome

Welcome to the City of Santa Cruz project page for 530, 542, and 548 Ocean Street. Here you will find information about this project including the projects description, plan set, and future meetings 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: CP24-0071
Addresses: 530, 542, and 548 Ocean Street
Project Status: Visit eTRAKiT for Most Current Status and the Assigned Planner

Appeal of the Planning Commission Approval of a Nonresidential Demolition Authorization Permit, Lot Line Adjustment, Watercourse Development Permit, Design Permit, Heritage Tree Permits, Density Bonus Request, and Sign Permit to demolish four commercial buildings, combine three lots into one lot, remove four heritage-sized trees and prune more than 25-percent of the canopy of one heritage-sized tree, and construct a six-story mixed use building with 225 residential units and ground floor commercial area within the development setback area of a Category B Creek on property located in the C-C/FP-O (Community Commercial / Floodplain Overlay) zone districts and within the Ocean Street Area Plan. Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption. Applicant: Lisa Vilhauer, Riaz Capital. Filed: 08/26/2024.

Public Hearing Meetings

On June 24, 2025 a City Council meeting was held and the project was on the agenda for discussion regarding the appeal. The appeal was denied and the project was approved at the June 24, 2025 City Council meeting. To keep up on the status of the building permit, please check Etrakit under Permits.

Community Meetings / Webinars

A community meeting is required pursuant to the City's Community Outreach Policy for Planning Projects, and the feedback provided may contribute to alterations in the project design and additional project entitlements. Meeting information will show here once available.

On May 20th, 2024, a virtual community meeting was held by the applicant to present the proposed mixed-use project and gather public feedback. For those who could not attend, below you will find the link to the recorded community meeting.