Updated Plan For Moffett Park Specific Plan, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara County

The Sunnyvale Planning Commission has reviewed updated plans for the Moffett Park Specific Plan. The proposal could bring between 16,000 to 20,000 new residential units and millions of square feet of new office space to 1,156 acres beside the Moffett Federal Airfield and Moffett Field golf course. The proposal would impact land primarily owned by Google, Jay Paul Co., and Lockheed Martin.

Moffett Park Specific Plan proposal for Crossman Square in Orleans district, currently owned by Google

The key takeaway from this recent study session is that the city council is considering zoning for as many as 20,000 new residences distributed across the park in five potential neighborhoods clustered around the existing VTA Light Rail stations. This would be achieved by zoning for a mix of mid- and high-rise apartment buildings, rising five to eight stories tall and higher. A portion of the housing will be priced as affordable housing.

Moffett Park Specific Plan proposal for Moffett Gateway, currently owned by Jay Paul

The new plan also allows for eight to ten million new square feet of office or research area. This would expand on the 22 million square feet of office and research facilities existing or approved. The majority of the new office zoning will be on land owned by Google, Lockheed Martin, and the Federal Government.

Moffett Park property ownership map

Moffett Park potential locations for new office and residential buildings

Moffett Park Specific Plan is an update to a 2004-era specific plan last amended in 2013. The new proposal expands the potential commercial development and introduces new residential zoning. The city-led program requires approval from the Planning Commission and City Council.

Moffett Park residential density analysis, mid-rise versus mid and high-rise construction

The Specific Plan will provide a comprehensive roadmap for zoning and planning. It is an opportunity for the city leadership’s vision and values to be implemented and shape the area’s future built environment. Listed below are the seven guiding principles for the Moffett Park Specific Plan

1. Establish Moffett Park as a model community through its commitment to comprehensively addressing resilience, climate protection, and equity in all activities
2. Evolve Moffett Park into a vibrant and inclusive community where all people can thrive
3. Maintain and strengthen Moffett Park as a diverse economic engine that supports economic prosperity for all
   

   Moffett Park Specific Plan vague streetscape mockup, illustration via City Presentation

4. Create a connected, accessible district that prioritizes the movement of people over vehicles to reduce climate pollution and to support a healthy community
5. Cultivate dynamic and connected public spaces that accommodate the physical and social needs of all users
   

   Moffett Park Specific Plan proposal for Moffett Towers Two, currently owned by Jay Paul

6. Create a healthy, resilient, and biodiverse environment
7. Integrate innovative and emerging technologies in the district to support the community-wide goals

Lockheed Martin Moffett Park campus mockup, illustration courtesy Lockheed Martin

Raimi + Associates is the lead for Land Use and Urban Design planning. Nelson\Nygaard is transportation consulting, and CMG is responsible for shaping the vision for landscape architecture. Starting in Spring to Fall of this year, the plan will focus on its policy direction and adoption preparation. The Sunnyvale Planning Commission will hold further hearings on April 26th and May 25th focused on land use and development program direction. Following the hearings, the proposal will start the CEQA Environmental Review process.

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