Housing

What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution authorizing the County Executive Officer to sign the Second Amendment to cooperation agreements with 16 non‑entitlement cities.
• The amendment qualifies San Mateo County as an “Urban County” for HUD programs in fiscal years 2027‑2029 and the following three‑year period.

Why it matters

Becoming an “Urban County” lets San Mateo qualify for HUD funding and programs that can support affordable housing and community development.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution authorizing the Housing Director to sign a first amendment to the agreement with Community Planning Collaborative.
• The amendment adds $52,800 to the project budget, raising the total not‑to‑exceed amount to $1,806,479 for the 21 Elements housing precarity study.

Why it matters

The added services will produce a county‑wide analysis of housing precarity, helping officials target resources and policies to address housing instability.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board will hold a public hearing on an appeal of a design‑review and grading permit for a new two‑story single‑family home on Jefferson Avenue.
• The hearing will consider whether to open, close, or deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission’s decision.

Why it matters

The decision will affect the development of a new home and set conditions for future projects in the Emerald Lake Hills area.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The commission will consider and adopt a resolution to revise the use permit and architectural control permit for a 432‑unit mixed‑use development at 123 Independence Dr. and 138 Constitution Dr.
• The revisions change phasing of the apartment building and townhome components and add a temporary pedestrian paseo for access.

Why it matters

The changes affect how the large housing project is built, influencing rental availability, commercial space, and neighborhood traffic.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Council will waive the second reading and adopt an ordinance amending the development agreement for the Woodland Park Euclid Improvements Project.
• The amendment changes impact fee timing, off‑site affordable housing units, water and storm‑drainage infrastructure, and fee credits.

Why it matters

The changes affect how affordable housing is provided and improve water and drainage services for the neighborhood.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Council will waive the second reading and adopt an ordinance creating a Temporary Housing Development Incentive Program for projects of 20 units or fewer.
• Council will direct the City Manager to adopt administrative guidelines for implementing the program.

Why it matters

The program temporarily removes inclusionary housing requirements for small projects, encouraging new housing production and helping the city meet its regional housing needs.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The city adopted a policy to expand site‑based Permanent Supportive Housing that prohibits on‑site illicit drug use.
• City funding for new PSH must be used for Drug‑Free PSH unless legal or funding conflicts exist.
• The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing must survey residents and adopt rules for evictions from City‑funded Drug‑Free PSH.

Why it matters

Ensuring drug‑free environments supports people experiencing homelessness who prefer such housing and promotes community safety.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The city reduced Inclusionary Affordable Housing requirements for projects of 25 units or more.
• The city deleted Inclusionary Affordable Housing requirements for projects under 25 units.
• Developers can now dedicate land to the city instead of paying the Inclusionary Housing fee.

Why it matters

These changes lower development costs and may speed up new housing construction, affecting housing affordability and city revenue.

Who is affected

How to act