pages: CityCouncil/2022-03-01.pdf, 15
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CityCouncil | 2022-03-01 | 15 | Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she supports smaller unit size. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft discussed information from an Alameda County Mayor's Conference meeting about the growing homeless population being age 50 and over; living on the street ages people prematurely; there is a lack of affordable housing for people with lower income; many people are retiring from low paying, non-union jobs lacking benefits; many people are vulnerable to medical emergencies or car repairs, which cause the inability to afford rent; the best medicine is housing; more housing needs to be built; expressed support for capping SB 9 units between 800 and 1,000 square feet; stated Council is trying to increase the amount of affordable housing by design; she would like to keep the ordinance simple; limiting the unit size allows for more outdoor space; a property owner can still build a larger second unit under the ADU ordinance; 800 square foot units are affordable by design; ensuring access to affordable housing is a matter of Statewide concern as noted in SB 9. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she strongly supports the affordable by design effort and the 800 square foot unit size; the unit size is critical; 1,200 square foot units will cost over $1 million; many people can only afford less; there is an opportunity to try and provide housing that is affordable by design; expressed concern about tree removal impacts to the environment; stated there should be balance with the SB 9 units. In response to Councilmember Daysog's inquiry, the Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated staff originally proposed 1,200 square feet; the Planning Board increased the size to 1,600 square feet; noted the January public hearing yielded Council wanting smaller units; stated staff dropped the limit to the original 1,200 square feet. Councilmember Daysog inquired the previous total number of allowable units on a parcel. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director responded the amount had been up to ten units; stated there is a range; cities that wish to be liberal about second units and interpreting SB 9 allow up to ten units; most cities are landing around four units per parcel. Councilmember Daysog stated Council previously had concerns about ten units per parcel as well as the unit size of 1,600 square feet; the current proposal is reasonable with a maximum of four SB 9 units or a combination of SB 9 and ADUs; Alameda Citizens Task Force put for a piece about price per square footage; expressed support for a smaller unit size of 800 to 1,000 square feet; stated the matter is a chance for Council to do something unique; it is reasonable to proceed with a maximum of four units between 800 and 1,000 square feet. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she would second the motion with a friendly amendment to limit SB 9 units to 800 square feet. Councilmember Knox White expressed concern about the 800 square foot size; stated people will not do SB 9 units due to the size and fewer homes will be built; expressed support for consideration of 1,000 square feet and higher; stated lower square footage will produce less housing. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she believes many additional units can be built at 1,000 square feet; expressed support for a maximum of 1,000 square feet and for working towards getting more housing built; noted a substitute motion can be created. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 1, 2022 13 | CityCouncil/2022-03-01.pdf |