Pleasanton Continues ‘Compact’ to July

BIA|Bay Area has submitted a strong opposition letter to Pleasanton planning staff’s recommendation that the city exclude the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) as an option to fulfill a proposed mandate that single-family builders construct at least 20 percent of homes as “compact” units. Instead, such units would be strictly defined as being between 750 and 1,800 sq. ft. in size, detached or attached including duplexes or duets but excluding ADUs that are designed to accommodate a household of two or more people. Click HERE to view the letter. Originally scheduled to hear the draft ordinance in late June, the Pleasanton Planning Commission continue the discussion to July 11, 2018, in order to have more time to review the various letters and comments. The 20 percent compact unit mandate — believed to be the first of its kind in the Bay Area and perhaps the state — would be in addition to the 20 percent affordable inclusionary requirement. In the agenda report, staff wrote that they removed ADUs from the definition of “compact unit” for three key reasons: builders are already including them in many projects; ADUs don’t provide home ownership opportunities and the city cannot require homeowners to make ADUs available to renters. BIA|Bay Area’s Lisa Vorderbrueggen raised a number of questions with the city and the Planning Commission about what would be a highly onerous burden on already expensive housing in Pleasanton. To provide input and comments for use in comments to the city, contact her at lvorderbrueggen@biabayarea.org or 925-348-1956. Click HERE to view the agenda, staff report and draft ordinance. Staff is expected to bring the final draft ordinance to the Pleasanton City Council later this year. For questions or comments to the city planning staff, contact Pleasanton Associate Planner Jennifer Hagen at 925-931-5607 or jhagen@cityofpleasantonca.gov.