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Commissioners discuss local 'streamlining' options, demolition control and recent urgency ordinance on starter homes
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Summary
On April 28 commissioners updated the public on subcommittee work to design local alternatives to state housing laws (examples referred to as Campbell‑9/Campbell‑1123), discussed a Council urgency ordinance implementing SB‑1123 that requires vacancy at application, and staff said they have requested technical advice from HCD on a demolition control ordinance.
At the April 28 Planning Commission meeting commissioners reported on subcommittee work to develop local streamlining alternatives to recent state housing laws and discussed how the city will implement changes adopted by the City Council.
Commissioners said they are exploring a local alternative that would preserve some streamlining while limiting the number and scale of units compared with state provisions. One commissioner framed the approach as offering a local option (discussed informally as a “Campbell 9” or “Campbell 11‑23” alternative) that uses elements of SB‑9 and SB‑1123 but with restrictions such as lower unit caps or owner‑occupancy provisions designed to reduce short‑term rental risk.
Staff reported that the City Council adopted an urgency ordinance implementing SB‑1123 requiring that properties be vacant at the time of application. Community Development Director Eastwood said staff has submitted a technical advice request to the state’s Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) seeking guidance on a proposed demolition control ordinance and expects an initial response within one to two weeks. Staff also noted there are 16 starter‑home applications on file at present.
Members of the public urged clarity and transparency around subcommittee work. Susan Landry, a longtime local and former mayor, said she was concerned about subcommittees meeting with developers without clear notice to the community and argued that removing owner‑occupancy requirements could enable short‑term rental activity that would undermine workforce housing goals. Commissioners acknowledged the need to list subcommittee names and descriptions on agendas and said draft reports will be brought to public meetings before any referrals to city council.
Commissioners also discussed practical implementation items — including park fee impacts, inclusionary zoning reforms, and a potential demolition control ordinance — and staff said the parks department funding and CalGreen recycling requirements remain considerations in any demolition or redevelopment approach. The commission said it will continue subcommittee work, schedule public updates, and coordinate with the city council on the timing of any ordinance proposals.
No formal action was taken on zoning or streamlining proposals at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to continue outreach and to present a progress report in coming months.
