pages: CityCouncil/2022-01-04.pdf, 18
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CityCouncil | 2022-01-04 | 18 | City Attorney stated staff will need to work with the Planning Department to figure out the dispersion standards, which could not be finalized at the current meeting; the dispersion standards will have to be brought back to Council. Councilmember Daysog stated input from the Planning Board and public might be considered; expressed concern about things happening on the fly; stated Council needs to measure twice and cut once; he understands concerns about the risk of State Law; however, it is best to craft the law as best as possible with public input. Councilmember Knox White inquired how bad it would be for Council not to pass anything tonight. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded that he does not anticipate a flood of applications; stated over the last few years R1 property owners have built a second unit for college aged kids who cannot afford housing in Alameda or an in-law unit; not many property owners are maximizing what is currently allowed; an average of 20 units are built out of 9,000 properties in the R1 district; staff does not see a huge risk in the approach proposed by Councilmember Daysog. Councilmember Knox White stated the sky is not going to fall if Council adopts the ten unit maximum; the City does not have lots large enough; the lots that are large enough will not have ten units; he is comfortable with the idea of taking time and providing direction to bring back an ordinance as a part of the Housing Element; expressed support for Council giving direction about what is desired; prior to SB 9, five units were allowed on a lot; if an applicant chooses not to split their lot, five housing units are still allowed; questioned the point of having anything return to Council with less than five units; expressed support for discussing goals and for smaller units; stated housing affordability is important; he will not vote on a fake use of affordable housing requirements to limit units; he is interested in increasing the ability for people to own homes in Alameda and for split lots; housing ownership is important; Council should think about how to limit the number of units and incentivize lot splits; he does not think limiting the number of units does anything; expressed support for a limit of five to seven units in the R1 district. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for providing staff direction on Council goals; stated that she appreciates the work put into the matter and the consideration of the housing crisis; the matter is one tool in the City's toolkit which can be further refined; she is unsure whether or not the matter should go back to the Planning Board; the proposed ordinance is not ready for first reading. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the matter does not need to go back to the Planning Board; it is important that the matter stays at the Council level; staff can take direction from Council and return; the matter should not drag on indefinitely and deserves to be its own agenda item, rather than as part of the Housing Element; expressed support for pursuing the recommendation related to dispersion and for the middle having opportunities to buy property; 1,600 square feet does not create the possibility of affordable units; expressed concern about 1,200 square feet; stated that her preference is 800 square feet; 1,200 square foot units are over $1 million to purchase; questioned whether the City has an ordinance which allows 1,200 square foot units for ADUs. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded in the affirmative. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 4, 2022 18 | CityCouncil/2022-01-04.pdf |