Housing

What's happening

• City Council will review the Anti-displacement Plan prepared to implement Housing Element and Environmental Justice commitments, focusing on the Belle Haven neighborhood.
• Staff asks the council to authorize minor non‑substantive corrections before final approval of the plan.

Why it matters

The plan aims to protect residents from being displaced and guides affordable‑housing strategies in the community.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The commission reviewed a request to change the use of a commercial print‑shop space to a church within a multi‑tenant building in the LS zoning district.

Why it matters

The change introduces a new religious use, which may affect parking, traffic, and neighborhood dynamics, though no exterior changes are proposed.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The commission reviewed a request to add floor area, modify windows, doors, and roof gables, and keep a fence taller than four feet for a single‑family home on a substandard lot.

Why it matters

If approved, the homeowner can expand living space and keep the taller fence, affecting the lot’s compliance with zoning and neighborhood character.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The commission considered a set of specific‑plan amendments that would modify allowed uses (e.g., animal clinics, banks, business services) and increase office floor‑area bonuses in the Main Street Overlay.

Why it matters

These changes could reshape the mix of businesses and services along Santa Cruz Avenue and affect future development opportunities.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Staff presented the draft Anti-displacement Plan and asked the Housing Commission to review it and recommend approval to the City Council. The plan includes strategies such as rental assistance, legal assistance, expanded just‑cause eviction protections, and a tenant anti‑harassment ordinance.

Why it matters

If approved, the plan will add stronger tenant protections and support programs that can help prevent evictions and keep residents in their homes, especially in the Belle Haven neighborhood.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The commission will review a staff report and recommend the anti‑displacement plan to the City Council.

Why it matters

The plan aims to protect renters and low‑income residents from being forced out of their homes.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The commission held a public hearing on proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance and map to temporarily exclude certain downtown parcels within 0.25 mile of the Caltrain station from SB 79 requirements. The commission will recommend the changes to the City Council.

Why it matters

Exempting these sites could limit the density and height of new housing near transit, affecting neighborhood character and housing supply.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Commission staff presented an update on Senate Bill 9 and related zoning and subdivision ordinance changes. The session gathered feedback on possible amendments to align city regulations with state law.

Why it matters

Changes could affect how single‑family zones handle lot splits and two‑unit developments, impacting homeowners and new housing projects.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Commission staff presented the draft anti‑displacement plan, outlining strategies to protect renters and preserve affordable housing.

Why it matters

The plan could shape policies that help keep residents in their homes and guide future housing decisions.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Commission considered a recommendation to the City Council to repeal existing ADU regulations and adopt updated rules that align with state law and local objectives.

Why it matters

Changing ADU rules could make it easier for homeowners to add secondary units, increasing affordable housing options.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The council will adopt a resolution accepting the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report, which includes the Housing Element and Environmental Justice Element.

Why it matters

Shows the city is tracking progress on housing and environmental equity, informing future planning.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The council will adopt a resolution allowing the city manager to complete the purchase of 975 Florence Ln., Unit 8 and allocate up to $408,949 from the below‑market‑rate housing fund.

Why it matters

Adds an affordable housing unit for low‑ and moderate‑income households, supporting the city’s housing goals.

Who is affected

How to act