Legislative Update

Housing development reform has been among the top priorities for the Governor and State Legislature. Numerous pieces of legislation relating to housing and local zoning have been proposed, passed, and continue to be of importance in Sacramento. The City understands the growing need for affordable housing and is doing its part to develop a local solution not just for Pleasanton, but also for the Tri-Valley region. However, the City remains concerned about the loss of local land-use planning control and the ability to preserve and sustain our community’s quality of life through the poorly enacted legislation. For this reason, the City has taken a very active effort in advocating our position on various pieces of legislation.

In 2019, the Tri-Valley Cities of Dublin, Danville, Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon recognized this challenge and collectively worked together develop The Tri-Valley Housing and Policy Framework to advocate and proactively engage and influence the legislative process on behalf of our shared positions on key topics such as public infrastructure, transportation, housing, local decision making, fiscal sustainability, economic development, and public safety.

Previous Housing Publications

Tri-Valley Housing Framework

Fall 2019 Progress Newsletter

Winter 2018
Progress Newsletter

City Council Action

In addition to working with our neighboring Tri-Valley Cities, the Pleasanton City Council has also taken positions on several housing bills during the 2019 legislative year and will continue to do so in the new 2020 legislative session. One bill in particular the City actively engaged in, and which gained attention across the state was Senate Bill 50 (Wiener) which would have required cities like Pleasanton to zone for buildings up to four or five stories on parcels within a quarter-half mile of a major transit lines and job centers, and allow for accessory dwelling units in residential zones.

Specifically SB 50 would have impacted Pleasanton through:

Designation of transit-rich areas within a quarter-half mile around Pleasanton BART and the ACE train, that would allow higher density housing
Allowing up to four units on any vacant residential lot OR conversion of existing structure to include up to four units.

Earlier this month, at the request of Senator Steve Glazer, the City provided a letter outlining the concerns and impacts of SB 50 would have in Pleasanton:

Letter to Senator Glazer RE SB 50

Due to the City’s active engagement with local legislators and SB 50’s author, City staff and Council were able to have substantive dialogue to share our community’s concerns of how SB 50 would impact Pleasanton. The bill was defeated in the State Senate on January 30, 2020, however, we anticipate many elements of the same bill will return during the 2020 legislative cycle. We encourage you to check back for periodic updates, get informed, and contact your local Legislators to express your opinions on housing reform and various other important legislative matters affecting our City.

This is just one of many housing production bills the City is monitoring as the 2020 legislative session progresses. Please stay connected and engaged with the 2020 Legislative Deadlines and check back for updates and related action by the City Council.