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Berkeley council adopts first reading to implement SB 684, adds local parcel path and numeric amendments
Summary
The council adopted the first reading of an ordinance to implement SB 684, creating a ministerial path for qualifying small-lot subdivisions and a streamlined local parcel map option for other infill projects. Council amended minimum vacant-lot size in hillside overlay to 600 sq ft and lowered usable open-space requirement to 150 sq ft; the motion passed with one abstention.
The Berkeley City Council held a public hearing and on Feb. 24 adopted the first reading of an ordinance amending Titles 21 and 23 to implement Senate Bill 684 and to create a complementary local parcel-map path. Staff said the ordinance establishes a ministerial SB684-compliant pathway for qualifying small-lot subdivisions and a streamlined, administrative local parcel option for other lower-density infill projects that do not meet SB684 thresholds.
Planning Director Jordan Klein and Associate Planner Branka Tatarovich said the ordinance aligns subdivision and zoning code by codifying a "parent parcel" rule, clarifying application requirements, and providing objective development standards for middle-housing infill projects. Staff emphasized that projects in very-high fire severity zones remain excluded from the SB684 ministerial pathway, consistent with state law.
Housing advocates including the Housing Action Coalition told the council the ordinance could help small-scale ownership projects move forward by reducing uncertainty and providing predictability. Other public commenters raised technical concerns about cross-references to newer state bills and asked the council to adopt only the SB684-consistent language until the packet language is reconciled.
During deliberations Councilmember Kesarwani moved amendments to two numeric standards: reducing the minimum lot size for vacant single-family parent parcels in the Hillside Overlay from 1,200 square feet to 600 square feet, and reducing the required usable open space from 200 square feet to 150 square feet per unit. Councilmember Humbert seconded the motion. Staff told the council these adjustments do not change the maximum number of units allowed under state law but make the local lot-size standard consistent across the city.
On roll call the motion carried with one recorded abstention by Councilmember O'Keefe; the ordinance's first reading was adopted and staff will return with final ordinance language for subsequent readings and recordation steps.
Next steps: staff and the city attorney will finalize ordinance language and return with materials required for final adoption and implementation guidance, including guidance on how the local parcel map path will be administratively processed.
