pages: CityCouncil/2022-03-01.pdf, 16
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CityCouncil | 2022-03-01 | 16 | Vice Mayor Vella stated Council previously provided direction on the matter; expressed support for units which are affordable by design; stated some people find affordability in building on their own parcel in order to house family or friends; previously, she did not support capping the unit size; expressed support for the 1,000 square foot unit size; stated additional space can make a difference for people wishing to age in place; many people have supported higher square footage for full visitability; she would prefer the higher end of the unit size range. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she understands many people are building units for family members and multi-generational living; the ADU size limit is 1,200 square feet; property owners have the option to elect build either SB 9 units or ADU units; expressed support for Council being creative and trying to put into place units which are affordable by design; the option to go up to 1,200 square feet exists with ADUs. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she would like more similarities between SB 9 units and ADUs so people do not have to choose; people are considering planning for the future due to a 19% increase in home prices; Council is trying to encourage home building that meets all needs; she would prefer a higher unit size range. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether Vice Mayor Vella would support a maximum of 1,000 square feet, to which Vice Mayor Vella responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Knox White amended the motion to 1,000 square feet. Councilmember Herrera Spencer discussed a January article in The Chronicle related to home prices; stated 1,000 square feet is not affordable by design; she supports Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's analysis about ADUs being 1,200 square feet; SB 9 units provide opportunity to provide affordable by design units; 1,200 to 1,000 square foot units are not affordable by design in Alameda; homes are selling for above asking price; she is willing to compromise with 900 square foot units; higher unit sizes continue to drive gentrification in Alameda. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the amended motion; stated 1,000 square foot units provide versatility and allow people to build for all needs and create more affordability; ; the size limit is a cap; people can create smaller units. Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog inquired what would occur if Council requires at least one SB 9 unit to be 800 square feet. Councilmember Knox White stated an 800 square foot home in Alameda is $1.6 million; Council arguing between the 800 and 1,000 square foot unit size is not meaningful for affordable versus non-affordable units; housing is not affordable because people in Alameda, the Bay Area and the State have refused to build housing for 50 years; building a few 800 square foot units will not create affordability; Council needs to figure out how to incentivize housing to be built within the confines of the City Charter; expressed support for a maximum unit size of 1,000 and nothing lower; stated that he is happy to withdraw his motion if Councilmembers wish to go with a lower unit size. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated Council is trying to keep the ordinance fairly streamlined and easy to administer; expressed support for leaving the decision to the property owner; stated many things can be done with smaller units; expressed support for the 1,000 square foot unit limit. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 1, 2022 14 | CityCouncil/2022-03-01.pdf |