Build a Better Berkeley
Build a Better Berkeley is a collaboration of Berkeley residents dedicated to expanding housing opportunities while maintaining a livable city.
We want to make sure that residents are fully informed about the massive up-zoning in the Middle Housing plan currently under consideration by the City Council—and to have the opportunity to debate the pros and cons of the proposed changes.
Our goal is a realistic plan that moves us sensibly into the future.
On June 26 the Berkeley City Council will be voting on the “Missing Middle Housing Ordinance”. It will allow for a dramatic increase in the density of housing on small single-family lots. This is the largest change to the Berkeley Zoning Ordinance in 60 years. Wouldn't you like to know more about it before the city commits us to something for the next 60 years?
But not like this!
What will the Middle Housing Ordinance do and not do?
The one thing that it will not do is provide housing for middle income residents. "Middle Housing" refers only to density (multiple family units on a lot). It has nothing to do with affordability!
Current zoning now allows for lots to contain 2 units (for zones R-1, R-1A, or R-2) and 3 units (for zone R-2A). The Middle Housing proposal allows (depending on the zone) 5 to 7 units on these standard standard “single family home” lots.
Setbacks (the distance of the house to the property line) can be reduced to as little as 5’ in the front or rear.
Multiple houses on the same lot can be as little as 5’ apart.
The new allowed height will now be 35’ for the entire house if it is 15’ from the rear property line. Current zoning allows a 28’ average height, encouraging the building of houses with sloped roofs that look like the rest of your neighborhood.
There is no provision for any additional parking to go with the additional units.
The new allowed lot coverage will now be 60% of the property. Currently, depending on zoning and the number of stories, lot coverage is 35-45%.
The actual lot coverage can be significantly higher than 60%. ADUs are not included in the density or the percent coverage calculations.
Current Berkeley code allows the open space requirement to be met by open rooftop areas and up to 50% by balconies. So again, the actual amount of what most people think of as “open space” (front or back yards) is likely to be much less than you expect.
All these extra units can be built with a “Zoning Certificate”. That means no public hearings will happen and appeals are not allowed. Currently, building a new unit would require an “Administrative Use Permit” which can be appealed and a public hearing held if a petition is filed.
New Demolition will be allowed with a “Zoning Certificate” if the old building has no tenants and the new building has an increased number of units. That means no public hearings will happen and appeals are not allowed. Currently, demolishing an existing building would require an “Administrative Use Permit” which can be appealed and a public hearing held if a petition is filed.
Solar access to neighboring properties will be adversely affected by the increased shade cast by adjacent large buildings.