San Jose Approves CEQA Exemption for 264-Unit Residential Project on Winchester Boulevard

San Jose planning staff have granted an environmental review exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act for a planned seven-story residential development at 741 South Winchester Boulevard. The project, submitted by San Rafael-based SyRes Properties, will deliver 264 apartments on a 2.97-acre parcel formerly occupied by a Century 24 domed movie theater demolished in 2014.

The development utilizes the Housing Accountability Act, Builder's Remedy, State Density Bonus Law, and Assembly Bill 130 to streamline entitlements. City environmental staff confirmed the project qualifies for the exemption by meeting urban infill site size, density, and general plan consistency parameters. Designed by Lowney Architecture, the 85-foot-tall podium complex totals roughly 404,400 square feet, including 232,400 square feet of housing across 35 studios, 113 one-bedroom, and 116 two-bedroom units, alongside parking for 356 vehicles and 66 bicycles.

Located between Riddle Road and Neal Avenue, the infill parcel sits near major retail destinations including Santana Row and Westfield Valley Fair.

This approval illustrates how developers continue leveraging state housing laws and environmental exemptions to accelerate mid-rise infill delivery on underutilized commercial sites across the Bay Area.