San Jose council refers residential development cost memo for workload analysis

The San Jose City Council voted unanimously to refer a posted memo on the cost of residential development for a workload analysis, aiming to give councilmembers better data before a more comprehensive study later in the year.

Councilmember McKeowne moved the referral, saying the council should "have the work workload analysis done" and noting "my Brown Act" concern that solid information is needed to make good decisions. The motion received a second (not specified in the transcript) and carried 5–0.

Why it matters: Councilmembers asked staff to integrate technical and regulatory information into the analysis so the later study can address real constraints and costs. One councilmember specifically asked that the administration include findings from the state fire marshal’s report—particularly material about single stairwells—so the council could consider how state-level requirements affect local construction costs.

Council discussion focused on timing and scope. A councilmember noted there is active discussion at the state level about single-stairwell legislation and urged a "comprehensive information" approach that accounts for any impending statutory changes. Staff indicated the fuller cost study would likely be conducted toward the end of 2026.

Formal action: The council recorded the vote as 5–0 in favor. The meeting did not record who seconded the motion. The administration was asked to return with a workload analysis and additional context for the larger study.

Next steps: Staff will prepare the workload analysis requested by council and bring back findings for the council’s consideration; the more comprehensive cost-of-residential-development study is anticipated later in 2026.