MAC Reviews Unincorporated Housing Standards Draft

Housing continues to be one of the most pressing issues in Castro Valley and California at large. Like every county in the state, Alameda County is developing a series of ordinances and regulations related to residential development. 

At a special meeting on Wednesday, February 15, the MAC heard background on a "Draft of Objective Standards" for long-term future residential and mixed-use development in Castro Valley and other local unincorporated areas. 

The county is working with consultants to develop a regional-specific plan that would act as a sort of framework for future developments, which would simplify the process for developers and county staff. This would also minimize constraints and keep the process in compliance with state legislation (primarily, the California Housing Accountability Act) which enacts rules so appropriate projects can't be hindered or delayed unnecessarily. 

The "objective standards" are designed to ensure that the appearance of new development is compatible with the community's vision by providing a checklist of necessities and design guidelines. Objective standards include specified approved lot sizes, heights, distances, setbacks, roof pitches, landscaping, required architectural features, open space standards, and more.

If a project complies with this checklist, it would be approved in a more streamlined process, allowing easier development and more housing in the community. A copy of the Draft Standards is available at https://bit.ly/3k20sAP. 

Next, the Draft Objective Standards will be presented to the MACs of the other unincorporated areas through March before ultimately going to the Alameda County Planning Department for approval. 

Any project requiring a discretional review (meaning not in objective compliance with these standards) would go back before the MAC for variance approval on a case-by-case basis. Still, those meeting basic guidelines would pass through the process in a more simplified manner.

"This is a tremendously important project," said MAC Chair Bill Mulgrew.

Mulgrew went on to say that he does wish that more developers participated in the development of the plan (they were invited, but few chose to participate). He said he was concerned that developers might balk at the plan at a later date when it comes to actually building housing.

"I would sleep better if I knew there was some level of acceptance in the developer community before this is written in stone," said Mulgrew.

The Castro Valley MAC was the first to hear this informational item. MAC member Shannon Killebrew said she wants to absorb feedback from the other three unincorporated area MACs (Fairview, Eden Area, and Sunol) before signing off on the plan.

Planners said that feedback from all the MACs and supplemental comments would all be considered as they work to build a cohesive document.