Martinez updates condo-conversion rules, adds tenant-notification and relocation safeguards

The Martinez City Council voted to introduce an ordinance replacing Chapter 21.56 to modernize regulations for conversion of rental units to condominiums and to add tenant protections and clearer approval procedures.

Associate planner Brandon (presenting) told the council the proposed amendments add explicit findings, tenant-notification requirements at each stage of a conversion application, and a tenant-relocation-assistance plan that would require property owners to outline relocation fees, right-to-return provisions and any necessary rent adjustments. For larger projects of 11 or more units the draft includes inclusionary requirements for deed-restricted affordable units and 1-to-1 replacement requirements consistent with Metropolitan Transportation Commission TOC (Transit Oriented Communities) policies.

The amendment package also proposes administrative thresholds for approvals: smaller conversions (10 or fewer units) could be reviewed by the zoning administrator while larger projects would go to the planning commission. Staff said the changes are intended to protect renters and provide a predictable review path for property owners.

Councilmembers praised the tenant safeguards and approved staff’s recommendation to introduce the ordinance. Staff said specific in-lieu fees and nexus studies required for larger conversions would be set on a project-by-project basis.

What’s next: staff will return with the ordinance text for adoption hearings and any required nexus studies for larger projects.