ORD 0936 - Laserfiche WebLink

Councilmember Mohr stated she felt strongly there is a need to preserve the existing rental stock. She stated she would like to see a provision amending the ordinance to include an annual review of housing stock, the provision to terminate when it was no longer necessary. Councilmember Mohr stated she would also like to see a provision that would consider new apartment construction to be brought before the City Council at the end of five years before conversion to condominiums. Councilmember Butler stated that after further review of the ordinance he was opposed to it because he felt it was too restrictive in light of the shortage of rental units, that it would inhibit new development of apartments. Councilmember Kephart concurred with Councilmember Butler, and stated be felt the incentive for building rental units should not be retarded. Mayor Mercer stated there needed to be more incentive to encourage rental apartment complexes to be built and to remain rental units for a period of time. He suggested additional exemptions under the Residential Allocation Program as a possible incentive. Mr. Frank C. Brandes, Jr., 6889 Corte Sonada, stated he did not fee]. there was a need for this ordinance; that Council has the right to review any application and can control on individual merits. He stated the original intent of Council*s request regarding condomtnium conversion was for staff to prepare some general guidelines for condominium conversion in the future so that a builder could be aware of City requirements. The City Attorney advised that the Council did not now have discretion over condominium conversion beyond compliance with zoning, parking, and build~.ng codes° Mr. George Oakes, 31123 Mission Blvd., Hayward, stated this type of regulation and control destroys incentive and d~scourages development. He noted that builders are reluctant to invest in cities with ordinances such as this one. Mr. Oakes said that the housing situation in Pleasanton is critical and will be even more so with the opening of the Stoneridge Regional Shopping Center. He urged Council to address this problem at the local level, and aot to regulate rent control or condominium conversion. Mr. Oakes stated this is also a phychological matter; dictating to the free enterprise system. Mr. Bob Dimeno, President of the Southern Alameda County Apartment Owners stated this group opposes any type of legislation that restricts the improvement increase of housing supply. He stated the only way to increase the housing stock is to create incentives and that extensive restrictions hinder incentive. Mr~ stated this ordinance would discourage building, prevent young people from buying homes, and decrease home ownership which creates a more stable population, lie re~ quested this ordinance not be acted upon before rev~.ew of the Housing El~Dent ~f the General Plan. He reiterated opposition to this ordinance and any amendmen~s~ and stated that the only way to increase housing stock is by ~ncentive, not restticI!~ tion. Mr. Madison, General Partner with Tom Orloff, cited an article relative to ban on condominium conversion and the adverse effects of such a regulation. He stated there should be more incentive without any number limit. He added there is a great need for entry level housing. Mrs. Leah Jones referred to her letter previously transmitted to Connci~!~ with suggested exemptions. She asked when the moratorium would be lifted if the ordi- nance was not adopted. Staff advised that it had already lapsed. 7. 8/12/a0 '1