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Campbell council extends interim starter‑home ordinance amid calls for clearer vacancy rules
Summary
The Campbell City Council on June 2 adopted an urgency extension of interim ordinance 26‑2347 to preserve local implementation of the Starter Home Revitalization Act while awaiting state guidance on vacancy definitions; the measure passed 4–1 after public testimony from residents and developers.
The Campbell City Council on Tuesday extended an interim ordinance that implements the state Starter Home Revitalization Act, voting 4–1 to continue local application while staff seeks further guidance from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Senior planner Daniel Fwell told the council that the city’s earlier ordinance revised when a property must be deemed vacant — changing vacancy to be established at application submittal — and that the prior measure would expire June 5 without council action. "Without any further local ordinance, there is a lot of ambiguity in how the law is effectuated on a day‑by‑day basis," Fwell said, recommending a 10‑month, 15‑day extension of interim ordinance 26‑2347.
Members of the public offered mixed testimony. Chris Lindsay, who identified himself as a District 1 resident, urged reinstating the earlier ordinance (2334) rather than continuing the newer language, saying the original vacancy definition “was lawfully interpreted” and that Campbell’s infrastructure can handle growth. "There was public support for starter homes in Campbell," Lindsay said.
Other speakers urged caution or broader housing action. Alan Croner said a developer agreed to redesign a nearby Steinway project to better harmonize with the neighborhood, while Katie Gallagher urged the council and planning commission to expand housing supply across the city to reduce price pressure on lower‑income households.
Council members who supported the extension framed it as a legal and practical measure to retain local implementation and avoid immediate gaps in enforcement. Vice Mayor By said the law should allow starter projects where properties are truly vacant, not to enable demolition of occupied homes. "I fully support more housing, affordable housing, where appropriate," the vice mayor said. Council Member Hines and Council Member Skazola echoed support for a measured approach that preserves community character.
Council Member Lopez cast the lone vote against the extension. The motion, made by Council Member Hines and seconded by Council Member Skazola, met the four‑fifths vote required for an urgency extension and was adopted.
The ordinance continues the city’s method for applying vacancy requirements to single‑family properties while staff awaits technical guidance from HCD and prepares additional work on demolition regulation. Fwell said the city expects a technical assistance letter from HCD within four to six weeks that will inform next steps.
What happens next: the extension preserves local interim controls through the near term; staff will return with HCD guidance and any recommended revisions for council consideration.
