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Albany council introduces zoning amendments to implement housing element and align with state law
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance 2025-07 to amend Chapter 20 of the Albany Municipal Code to implement housing element programs and align local zoning with state law on family day care homes and residential care facilities; council removed accessory-dwelling-unit (ADU) changes from tonight's action pending further state legislation.
The Albany City Council on Oct. 6 introduced and waived first reading of Ordinance 2025-07, a set of amendments to Chapter 20 (planning and zoning) intended to implement housing element programs and align the municipal code with state law on certain residential uses and care facilities.
Associate planner Mira Hahn presented the proposed amendments, which advance several housing element programs: eliminating language that restricts R-1 zoning to single-family homes and ADUs; treating group homes as residential uses that align with state definitions; permitting single-room occupancy (SRO) housing by right in commercial districts that allow multifamily housing; and adding a statutory definition for low-barrier navigation centers and permitting them in appropriate commercial and mixed-use zones.
Staff said the amendments also implement Senate Bill 234 (state law addressing family day care homes) by removing local zoning and procedural barriers — including spacing, discretionary review and special hearings — and treating family day care homes as residential uses consistent with the statute.
Hahn told the council staff received two notable pieces of correspondence: a resident letter in support and a letter from the California Housing Defense Fund raising questions about the city's ADU provisions. Because state ADU legislation remains pending and questions were raised, staff recommended removing ADU-related changes from the current ordinance and returning with a comprehensive ADU update after state actions are clear. Council accepted that approach.
Councilmember Mickey moved to introduce Ordinance 2025-07 with staff-recommended modifications removing ADU changes; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously by roll call. The measure advances the zoning changes except for the ADU updates, which staff will return with later.
The ordinance and supporting staff report note the amendments are intended to implement housing element programs described as Program 1A (single-dwelling zoning reform), Program 3H (recognition of low-barrier navigation centers, SROs and employee housing), and changes to reduce barriers for larger residential care facilities.
The council did not adopt final ordinance language at the meeting; the introduction and waiver of first reading moves the proposal forward for final adoption at a later hearing.
