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Commission studies small‑lot subdivision options, debates requiring housing on subdivided parcels
Summary
At a study session, consultant Andrew Hill reviewed recent state laws (SB 9, SB 684, SB 1123, AB 130) and presented policy choices for Piedmont, including whether to require construction of housing on parcels subdivided under the new ministerial pathways; commissioners provided feedback and staff will return with draft ordinance language.
Planning consultant Andrew Hill told the commission the state has enacted several laws intended to catalyze small‑lot housing—most consequential in Piedmont is SB 9, which allows splitting single‑family parcels in many places. "I think the most consequential of these laws is really SB 9 given the number of eligible single family properties in Piedmont," Hill said, noting the city’s limited options for local discretion but pointing to policy choices the city can make in subdivision ordinance updates.
Hill outlined three key policy questions for commissioner feedback: whether housing should be required on each subdivided parcel; whether ADUs/JADUs should be allowed on subdivided parcels (and whether that permission should be conditioned on deed‑restricted affordability or lot‑size thresholds); and whether subdivided lots should be eligible for future subdivision. Commissioners explored enforcement mechanisms (time limits, reversionary conditions), noted state constraints on local authority, and asked staff to bring draft language for the commission’s next review. Staff also reminded commissioners that only approved housing units issued building permits count toward the regional housing needs allocation (RHNA).
