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Residents split over SB 9 at Berkeley council; council majority opts for 'oppose unless amended' posture

Berkeley City Council · May 12, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Public commenters and several council members debated California Senate Bill 9 (upzoning/ministerial approvals) during an extended public comment period; speakers were sharply divided and council recorded multiple abstentions and votes opposing the bill unless amended.

Senate Bill 9 — state legislation that would permit ministerial approval of duplexes and lot splits in single‑family zones — was the subject of substantial public comment and council discussion at Berkeley’s June 15 meeting. The council considered a staff letter opposing SB 9 unless authors accept amendments; several council members registered 'no' or abstentions on the item and public commenters expressed strongly divergent views.

Public views: Dozens of callers weighed in. Supporters…

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