07 - Laserfiche WebLink

Senate Bill 827, proposed earlier this year by Senator Scott Wiener, would impose statewide standards for the height, density, and required parking for new residential projects close to public transportation; thereby limiting local jurisdiction's authority over these aspects, and ability to reject such proposals. The bill has the potential to allow private for-profit housing developers to take advantage of relaxed standards for housing, which could conflict with the City's General Plan and other land use regulations and guidelines, and substantially reduce the City's ability to regulate new housing development. Cities could still regulate the design of projects and establish their own zoning standards for properties close to transit, but those standards would not be allowed to conflict with the minimum standards established under the State law. In bill amended on April 9, 2018, projects within a half-mile of a major transit stop (BART and ACE Train stations) - or within one-quarter-mile of a "high quality bus corridor" (LAVTA Bus Route 10 - Stanley Boulevard/Santa Rita Road/Owens Drive BART Station) - could rise three to four stories tall (between 45 and 55 feet), and developers would no longer be required to build parking if within a quarter mile from a major transit stop and only 0.5 parking spaces per unit for projects if further than this distance. The recent amendments also added new affordability requirements requiring below market rate units be included in all projects. Although the proposal would support high density housing production and provide much-needed housing opportunities, SB 827 has drawn significant attention from local cities, housing advocates and others, with concerns about issues such as compatibility of very dense and tall buildings with adjacent land uses, loss of local control, impacts to transportation, schools and public services; uncertainty in outcomes when, for example, non-fixed transit lines shift over time; and unintended consequences such as displacement of existing residents. Working with other Tri-Valley cities Pleasanton submitted a formal letter to oppose SB 827unless amended, articulating local concerns. The Tri-Valley Mayors also met with Senator Wiener to recommend amendments and discuss concerns. As of April 17, 2018 SB 827 failed to advance out of the Transportation and Housing Committee. The bill was granted reconsideration by the committee in its current form, however it is unlikely that it will be brought back this legislative session. CONCLUSION There continues to be significant interest at the State level in addressing the statewide housing issue, SB 827 is an example, and there is a high likelihood that additional legislation will be forthcoming. Staff continues to monitor future legislative changes. Staff anticipates starting discussions and holding informational public outreach regarding the next housing element and RHNA cycle in the 2020/2021 timeframe, during which this (and any other changes to housing law) will be discussed. Page 5 of 6