City intern presents ADU outreach, amnesty and Fast Track permitting work

Estrella Silva, the city’s ADU outreach and implementation intern, presented a summary of a summer internship project that focused on homeowner outreach, an ADU Fast Track permitting pilot, an amnesty pathway for unpermitted accessory dwelling units, and internal workflow improvements.

Silva described outreach methods including pop‑up events, webinars, community events (National Night Out and Citizens Academy), and one‑on‑one assistance; she said turnout varied and that integrating ADU outreach into larger events increased engagement. Staff and Silva said the city will make outreach materials and a slide deck available on the ADU webpage and that a digital archive of templates, contact lists and promotional material was created to support continuity.

Silva noted the city’s regional housing need allocation target for ADUs is about five ADUs per year (2023–2031), but staff projects roughly three per year under current conditions. Commissioners thanked Silva and asked that the presentation and the outreach materials be posted publicly; Planning Manager Andrew Hannam said staff will post the deck and ADU resources.

No formal action was taken; the presentation was received and commissioners applauded the outreach work as supporting Pinole’s housing goals.