13 15-0357 Subject: Amendments To Transitional And Supportive Housing Regulations
From: Planning & Building Department
Recommendation: Adopt An Ordinance, As Recommended By The City Planning Commission, Amending The Oakland Planning Code To: 1) Change Transitional And Supportive Housing Regulations To Comply With State Law; 2) Revise Regulations For Secondary Units; And 3) Make Miscellaneous Minor Changes In Various Chapters Of The Planning Code, And Make Appropriate California Environmental Quality Act Determinations
Please support of new regulations expanding secondary units
More secondary units is an economical way to grow the housing supply. The Legislative Analysts' Office report notes that only 1% of land in Coastal California cities is vacant and available for development. We won't address the housing crisis if we don't increase housing in areas that are already developed. Secondary units can do that, without public subsidies or creating development that out of character with neighborhoods.
The smaller size and relative affordability of these units will mean a lot, particularly in built-out, expensive neighborhoods like where I live in Rockridge. Allowing more secondary units is a land use approach that prioritizes families, inclusion and diversity over parking.
Please resist those who believe their street parking is more important than creating more inclusive neighborhoods for Oakland families and who discriminate against tenants as though they are somehow second class residents.
I strongly encourage you to support passing secondary units in Oakland (with a caveat stated below) as a way to address the dire need for housing PARTICULARLY to those that might only be able to afford smaller units and rental prices that might be more affordable than the 15,000 market rate units being proposed for downtown.
Secondary units, traditionally called "granny or in-law" units really do address the need to accommodate multi-generational and equitable communities, as youngsters move back home, as residents age and need live-in, nearby support, as rent increases continue to force displacement...it truly does reflect an economy that requires more caring and equal access housing options.
Lastly, secondary unit requirements for parking should be the same throughout the city and NOT allow an "exceptionalist" approach that is granted on a neighborhood by neighborhood basis.
Please support of new regulations expanding secondary units
More secondary units is an economical way to grow the housing supply. The Legislative Analysts' Office report notes that only 1% of land in Coastal California cities is vacant and available for development. We won't address the housing crisis if we don't increase housing in areas that are already developed. Secondary units can do that, without public subsidies or creating development that out of character with neighborhoods.
The smaller size and relative affordability of these units will mean a lot, particularly in built-out, expensive neighborhoods like where I live in Rockridge. Allowing more secondary units is a land use approach that prioritizes families, inclusion and diversity over parking.
Please resist those who believe their street parking is more important than creating more inclusive neighborhoods for Oakland families and who discriminate against tenants as though they are somehow second class residents.
Dear Members of the City Council,
I strongly encourage you to support passing secondary units in Oakland (with a caveat stated below) as a way to address the dire need for housing PARTICULARLY to those that might only be able to afford smaller units and rental prices that might be more affordable than the 15,000 market rate units being proposed for downtown.
Secondary units, traditionally called "granny or in-law" units really do address the need to accommodate multi-generational and equitable communities, as youngsters move back home, as residents age and need live-in, nearby support, as rent increases continue to force displacement...it truly does reflect an economy that requires more caring and equal access housing options.
Lastly, secondary unit requirements for parking should be the same throughout the city and NOT allow an "exceptionalist" approach that is granted on a neighborhood by neighborhood basis.
Thank you,
Hiroko Kurihara from District 1