Newark staff outlines ADU push, tenant-protection package and inclusionary-housing options

City planning staff on Sept. 23 updated the Newark Planning Commission on steps to implement the city—s 2023—2031 housing element, saying an updated accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance will be brought to the commission for public hearing Oct. 28 and a package of tenant-protection ordinances will be recommended directly to City Council later this fall.

The presentations were delivered by Michael Colum, housing policy and programs manager, and Joseph Balabak, associate planner, from the Community Development Department. "An ADU is accessory to a primary dwelling, and it has complete independent living facilities for 1 or more persons," Balabak said, describing ADU types, state law changes and local production trends.

Staff said the housing element programs (for example, H2.7, H4.1 and H5.3) set quantified objectives the city must show progress on to remain in compliance with the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The city adopted Newark—s 2023—2031 housing element in October 2023; HCD found it compliant in December 2023, staff said.

Why it matters: HCD will monitor progress beginning in July, and failing to demonstrate "good faith" implementation can prompt state directives to add programs or, at the extreme, affect compliance. Staff framed the work as three priorities: build more housing faster, reduce construction costs, and prevent displacement.

ADUs. Staff reported local ADU permit activity and described an ordinance update and incentive package to align Newark with recent state ADU reforms. The…