Alameda County supervisors approve 2025 general plan and housing element reports, staff to submit to state

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on March 5 approved a resolution authorizing county staff to submit the 2025 general plan annual report and the housing element annual report to the state.

Olga Viorty, who presented the staff report, said, "In 2025, the County issued permits for 107 units of housing in the unincorporated areas," and noted that the total included 11 single-family homes, one duplex (two units) and 94 accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Viorty also told the board that about 55 of those ADUs were in Castro Valley and roughly 29 were in the Eden area.

The board heard that the county has issued permits for about 718 units during the current housing element cycle and that, based on those numbers, the county has met roughly 15% of its regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) for the cycle. Viorty said staff will submit the reports to the state before the April 1 deadline and continue work on other general plan elements and specific-plan updates in the coming year.

Supervisor Fortunato Bass asked what the county is doing to support ADU production; staff described a county web resource, design assistance and efforts to encourage ADUs in new development. County counsel and staff also advised the board on the practical consequences of not meeting RHNA targets, noting potential impacts on grant eligibility and state funding but saying most jurisdictions do not fully meet their RHNA allocations.

After questions and brief discussion, Supervisor Miley moved to adopt the resolution and authorize submission of the reports; Supervisor Marquez seconded. The motion passed on roll call with four votes in favor and one supervisor excused.

What happens next: Staff will transmit the reports to the state by the stated deadline and return with further planning updates later in the year, including progress on safety, open space and the community climate action plan.