Council approves ordinance amendments to implement Emeryville housing element program LL

The Emeryville City Council voted unanimously to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance amending Title 9 of the municipal code to implement Program LL of the city’s 2023–2031 housing element.

Planning staff explained the package implements state-required provisions—permitted uses for employee housing, residential care facilities, agricultural worker housing and certain small multiunit types—and aligns local definitions with state law for low-barrier navigation centers and other housing types. "All of these are implementing state law," the planning presenter said, noting two items that require tribal notification will return later in the year.

The planning commission reviewed the amendments and recommended approval. The staff presentation noted the ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under the applicable CEQA Guidelines sections and Public Resources Code provisions cited in the staff report, and that a second reading is scheduled in mid‑February with an effective date roughly 30 days after that reading.

During public hearing, several commenters urged broader housing policy changes and questioned the balance between streamlining regulations and resident protections. After discussion the council passed the motion to waive first reading and introduce the ordinance by roll call vote; the motion carried with all members voting Aye.

Council and staff said the amendments implement commitments the city made in its adopted housing element and are intended to remove regulatory barriers consistent with state law. The ordinance will return for the formal second reading and final adoption on the date posted in the staff report.