Pleasanton Housing Cap Ruled Invalid

Pleasanton Housing Cap Ruled Invalid

In 1996 Pleasanton voters approved a 29,000 cap on Pleasanton homes. This came at a time when home construction was moving fast in surrounding areas. Pleasanton voters decided they wanted to limit the number of total homes and only allow 350 housing permits issued per year. Move forward to 2010, we are close to the 29,000 cap with about 27,000 units built and not everyone is happy with what Pleasanton has.

Alameda County Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch ruled the Pleasanton housing cap is in violation of state law. With 27,000 units built or approved, the number of affordable units could not be built under the 29,000 units.

The recent ruling ordered the city to rezone land to meet the need under state law. This case Urban Habitat v. City of Pleasanton was brought by Public Affairs Inc. on behalf of Sandra De Gregorio and regional environmental justice organization Urban Habitat.

Ruled invalid by Roesch because the housing cap does not allow Pleasanton to meet the Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA) under state law. Under the state law, 3,277 housing units, including 2,524 affordable homes be built by 2014.

Since 2006, Pleasanton has identified potential sites for housing such as the Hacienda Business Park near the BART station. Developers have been working on plans for mixed-use development aimed at transit-oriented development. Since 1999, 20 homes for very low income families earning less than $40,000 units have been built.

More information will come after the city council meets tonight in anticipation for future council meeting.