==Thank you to those of you who have written to me about the new zoning legislation that is being proposed.
==The City Council is considering what is now titled "Inclusive Neighborhood Scale Zoning", a sweeping and radical change to eliminate single family zoning in Berkeley and allow four unit (quad plex) development in all residential zones throughout the city, by right (without review or citizen input). This legislation is being brought forward by Councilmembers Droste, Kesarwani, and Taplin, and Mayor Arreguin. It will be discussed at the Land Use Policy Committee meeting on Monday, March 1st at 1:30pm.
==If approved, all single family (R-1) parcels in Berkeley would have the potential to be developed as quad plexes with the addition of an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) and a Junior ADU, for a total of 6 units. Depending on how these units are counted, this may qualify the project for a density bonus that could actually yield as many as 8 units per parcel. There is no requirement for yards or for off-street parking. These projects would be approved ministerially (over-the-counter), with no review by neighbors or the zoning board or right of appeal. There are certain other conditions which are being considered. Read the proposal here and go to page 11.
==I have several concerns about this proposal, but of greatest importance to me is that in the most recent draft, there is no exemption based on location in a very high fire hazard area. Only the ES-R, the area of Panoramic Hill above the UC Campus, is exempt. Given all the information we know about climate change, the growing intensity of wildfires, and the challenges of evacuation, I think this is problematic planning, as it poses an increased safety risk to all of us who live on narrow, curvy streets in the hills.
==There is no doubt in my mind that increased population density and an increased number of vehicles will impede safe evacuation in the event of a conflagration. Ignoring the risks of increasing density in places that we all know to be at high threat of the ravages of wildfire, without even considering appropriate mitigations, threatens the safety of the entire city.
==California has a housing shortage and we need to do our share to help solve the crisis. I am in favor of creating more housing. In fact, I have voted to approve thousands of units of housing along our transit corridors. We have the potential to build thousands of additional units along our major avenues, without scattering density throughout and destabilizing our neighborhoods.
==Residents should have a say in how this proposal moves forward. Before the City Council passes anything, community workshops and neighborhood meetings should be convened to explain the plan. Voters deserve a voice. Such a dramatic proposal requires transparency, thoughtfulness and reflection. If the proposal has merits, then let's have a full discussion so that we can all understand its value and in balance, consider it’s consequences, both intended and unintended.
==I have lots of questions regarding how this new proposal will impact displacement, gentrification, affordability, speculation, and most importantly, our safety.
==Please let the Land Use Policy Committee know your thoughts, pro and con. The Land Use Policy committee is meeting on Monday, March 1st at 1:30. You can join the Zoom meeting here. You can call in by dialing 1-669-900-9128 or 1-877-853-5257 (Toll Free) and Enter Meeting ID: 879 6348 0871. If you wish to comment during the public comment portion of the agenda, press *9 and wait to be recognized by the Chair.
