Staff recommends permitting small multifamily citywide, proposing 32 units per acre and ministerial approvals

City planning staff on March 26 proposed allowing small multifamily development across San Joses Residential Neighborhood land use designation, recommending an increase in allowable density from 8 to 32 dwelling units per acre and a ministerial (non-discretionary) permitting track to speed project approvals.

The recommendation, presented by Cora McNaughton of city planning, aims to permit primary multifamily units on single-family parcels without requiring subdivision under state laws such as SB 9 or SB 1123. McNaughton said the change is intended to simplify the current mix of state pathways, reduce permitting complexity for smaller projects and expand the types of for-sale and rental housing available in neighborhoods throughout the city.

Staff framed the proposal as part of the general plans housing element (strategy p.35). The presentation outlined how state laws already enable higher densities in many single-family zones: SB 9 allows up to four units on qualifying parcels (for example, a duplex plus up to two ADUs or a parcel split into two lots) and SB 1123 creates a pathway for subdivisions of up to 10 parcels on eligible sites. Staff reported San Jose has received 19 SB 9 duplex applications (six…