Berkeley public meetings in 2021
25 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
RSB Regular Meeting November 18 2021
The Rent Stabilization Board will hear an appeal (Case RWN-1649) regarding registration requirements for units at 1905 Essex St., with staff recommending affirmation of the hearing examiner's decision. The board will also discuss possible actions on adjusting email policy and on current demolition projects. Special presentations include the Anti-Eviction Mapping Project's Berkeley Up-zoning Report and a Housing Element Update by Senior Planner Grace Wu.
- Appeal RWN-1649 for 1905 Essex St.: decision on whether units are subject to registration requirements
- Discussion on adjusting policy that mandates board emails be delivered to certain staff
- Discussion on current and future demolition projects and permits (Lief Bursell, Senior Planner)
- Special presentation: Berkeley Up-zoning Report by Anti-Eviction Mapping Project
- Special presentation: Housing Element Update by Grace Wu, AICP
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold public hearings on several use permit applications, including a proposal to demolish a three-unit residential building at 1915 Berryman Street and construct a four-story, eleven-unit building. Other items include expanding an emergency pet hospital at 1048 University Avenue and 2022 San Pablo Avenue, and replacing single-family homes with three-unit buildings at 1442 Fifth Street and 776 Page Street. The board may also approve minutes and a continued appeal for a home expansion at 2411 Sixth Street.
- 1915 Berryman Street: demolish 3-unit building, construct 11-unit residential (Use Permit ZP2020-0045)
- 1442 Fifth Street: demolish single-family home, build 3 detached 3-story units (Use Permit ZP2021-0083)
- 776 Page Street: demolish single-family home, build 3 detached 3-story units (Use Permit ZP2021-0084)
- 1048 University Avenue and 2022 San Pablo Avenue: expand emergency pet hospital into adjacent space (Use Permit Modifications ZP2021-0138 and ZP2021-0139)
- 2411 Sixth Street: continued appeal of administrative use permit for second-story addition to single-family dwelling
RSB Regular Meeting October 21 2021
The Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board holds a regular meeting on October 21, 2021. They will consider resolutions including a 2.1% annual general rent adjustment for 2022, a 3.2% increase in relocation assistance payments, appointment of an Executive Director, and continued virtual meetings. Consent items include waivers of late registration penalties for several properties.
- Resolution 21-27: 2022 Annual General Adjustment of 2.1%
- Resolution 21-28: Relocation assistance payments increase by 3.2% effective Jan 1, 2022
- Resolution 21-26: Appointment of Executive Director and approval of employment agreement
- Resolution 21-29: Authorize continued videoconference meetings under AB 361
- Resolution 21-30: Increase contract with QuickCaption, Inc. by $10,000 for closed captioning
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold public hearings to decide on four use permits. These requests include changing building uses for a school, establishing a veterinary clinic, adding spirits service to a restaurant, and expanding a recreation center.
- 1798 Scenic Avenue: Use Permit #ZP2021-0106 to change two buildings from higher education to a middle school for up to 140 students
- 2709 San Pablo Avenue: Use Permit #ZP2021-0112 for a 3,176 square-foot veterinary clinic and a 25 square foot addition
- 2327 Shattuck Avenue: Use Permit #ZP2021-0098 to add distilled spirits service to an existing restaurant
- 924 Gilman Street: Use Permit #ZP2021-0036 to add live music and art events Monday-Thursday, 6:00PM to 10:00PM
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board is reviewing several use permits for residential construction and expansions. The most significant item involves a large-scale development including a seven-story building and affordable housing units.
- 2015 Blake Street: Proposed 155-unit seven-story building and 6-unit three-story building with 11 total affordable units
- 1716 Seventh Street: Use permit to replace one home with two detached single-family units totaling 3,393 square feet
- 2411 Sixth Street: Appeal of decision to expand a single-family dwelling to 2,051 square feet
- 1527 Sacramento Street: Appeal of decision for a 520 square foot second-story addition and porch enclosure
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustment Board will meet to consider several use permits for residential and commercial projects, including a request to increase occupancy at a group living facility and the addition of a balcony to a single-family home. The meeting will be conducted remotely.
- Approval of August 26, 2021 minutes
- 2521 College Avenue: Increase occupancy from 8 to 13 in group living facility
- 1443 San Pablo Avenue: Add beer and wine sales for off-site consumption
- 1151 Grizzly Peak Boulevard: Legalize two accessory buildings
- 2956 Hillegass Avenue: Add 170 sq ft third-floor balcony
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold a public hearing on a use permit to demolish an existing non-residential building at 1207 Tenth Street and construct a three-story mixed-use building with live/work units, art studios, R&D, light manufacturing, and retail. The board is also expected to adopt a negative declaration under CEQA for the project. Other agenda items include approval of the July 8, 2021 meeting minutes.
- Public hearing for Use Permit ZP2020-0046 at 1207 Tenth Street: demolish existing non-residential building and build a 20,390 sq ft mixed-use building with live/work units, studios, R&D, light manufacturing, and retail
- Staff recommends adopting a Negative Declaration under CEQA for the project
- Approval of action minutes from July 8, 2021
- Consent Calendar includes potential modifications of existing use permits and continuances
RSB Regular Meeting July 15 2021
The Rent Stabilization Board will consider a resolution to establish an amnesty period for automatic waiver of penalties on rent-controlled and Measure MM properties that paid registration fees late. The board will also discuss a proposed August recess with no board or committee meetings, and a temporary office closure every Wednesday through September 7, 2021. Special presentations on housing legislation (AB 832) and a hiring update are scheduled.
- Resolution 21-19 creating an amnesty period for waiving late registration fee penalties
- Proposal to observe a board recess in August with no meetings
- Proposal to close the Rent Board office every Wednesday through September 7, 2021
- Presentation on Assembly Bill 832 housing legislation by lobbyist Brian Augusta
- Update on hiring and recruitment process by human resource consultant
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board will discuss a proposed community benefits package for a development agreement amendment with Bayer HealthCare LLC. The board will also consider a use permit for a new single-family home at 1630 Carleton Street.
- Workshop on Bayer HealthCare LLC development agreement amendment for 800 Dwight Way and 2700 Seventh Street
- Proposed use permit #ZP2020-0136 to demolish and build a 1,487 square-foot home and 633 square-foot accessory building at 1630 Carleton Street
- Discussion of Bayer HealthCare LLC maximum buildout of 1,738,000 square feet
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold a continued public hearing and vote on a use permit for an 8-story mixed-use building with 82 dwelling units and ground-floor commercial space at 2000 University Avenue. The board will also open a new public hearing for a single-family home with a garage at 0 Cragmont Avenue. Consent items include approval of previous meeting minutes. The meeting will be conducted remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19.
- Use Permit #ZP2020-0134 for 2000 University Ave/2001 Milvia Ave: demolish existing buildings, construct 8-story mixed-use with 82 units and 1,415 sq ft commercial space
- Use Permit #ZP2020-0058 for 0 Cragmont Avenue: construct new single-family residence with attached two-car garage in front yard setback
- Approval of action minutes from June 10, 2021
- Staff recommendation to approve both use permits
- Public comment opportunities on non-agenda matters and each action item
RSB Regular Meeting June 17 2021
The Rent Stabilization Board will vote on the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget and staffing model, along with modifications to contracts for legal defense and media services. The meeting will be held via videoconference.
- Approval of FY 2021-2022 line-item budget and staffing model
- Authorization to modify contract with Eviction Defense Center up to $150,000
- Authorization to modify contract with East Bay Community Law Center up to $150,000
- Authorization to modify contract with Brian Augusta & Associates for advocacy up to $60,000
- Authorization to modify contract with Berkeley Community Media for telecasting up to $22,000
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold a public hearing on a Use Permit for demolition and new construction at 1634 and 1640 San Pablo Avenue, with a staff recommendation to approve. The board will also continue the hearing for a larger 8-story mixed-use project at 2000 University Avenue to a future meeting. The meeting is conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Use Permit #ZP2021-0008 for 1634/1640 San Pablo Ave: demolish a commercial building, construct addition, erect flour silos, and add trash enclosure
- Use Permit #ZP2020-0134 for 2000 University Ave/2001 Milvia St: demolish existing structures and build an 8-story mixed-use building with 82 dwelling units and 1,415 sq ft commercial space (continued to June 24, 2021)
- Approval of action minutes from May 27, 2021
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold a public hearing on a use permit to construct a three-story single-family dwelling at 1730 Blake Street. The board will also consider approving the April 22 meeting minutes and receive subcommittee reports. The meeting is conducted virtually due to COVID-19.
- Public hearing for Use Permit ZP2019-0032 at 1730 Blake Street for a three-story single-family dwelling with 33' height
- Approval of action minutes from April 22, 2021
- Consent calendar may include additional items pulled for discussion
RSB Regular Meeting and Public Hearing May 6 2021
The Rent Stabilization Board is meeting to determine annual registration fees for rent-controlled and Measure MM units. The body will also consider contracts for staff and temporary workers, as well as a strategy for building electrification.
- Contract with Kinnectics, LLC not to exceed $25,000 through June 30, 2022
- Public hearing and resolutions to set FY 2021-2022 Annual Registration Fees
- Hiring of a temporary worker for the Registration Unit from May 17 - July 17, 2021
- Appeal for Case No. T-5883 regarding habitability claims at 2030 Essex St., Unit A
- Draft Berkeley Existing Buildings Electrification Strategy presentation
RSB Regular Meeting March 18 2021
The Rent Board will consider sending a letter to City Council with comments on the proposed fourplex zoning, and will vote on amendments to Regulation 1013. The Board also will decide on disbanding the HASH committee and approve late penalty waivers for multiple properties. A closed session will evaluate the Acting Executive Director.
- Proposed amendments to Regulation 1013 on first reading
- Letter to City Council on the fourplex zoning proposal
- Disbanding the Habitable and Sustainable Housing Committee
- Waivers for late registration penalties (list includes addresses like 1434 6th St, 1322 Curtis St, others)
- Consultant report on Executive Director transition
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold public hearings on four use permits: a change of use at 1333 Sixth Street from material recovery to auto repair, and three new single-family homes on vacant lots at 55, 65, and 75 Latham Lane. The board will also consider appointing three members to a joint subcommittee for the Zoning Ordinance Revision Project (ZORP), which will develop substantive policy recommendations to simplify the zoning code.
- 1333 Sixth Street – Use Permit #ZP2019-0191 to change use to auto repair and service in MU-LI district
- 55 (0) Latham Lane – Use Permit #ZP2020-0158 for a new 2,905 sq ft single-family dwelling in R-1(H) zone
- 65 (0) Latham Lane – Use Permit #ZP2020-0159 for a new 3,344 sq ft single-family dwelling in R-1(H) zone
- 75 (0) Latham Lane – Use Permit #ZP2020-0160 for a new 3,140 sq ft single-family dwelling in R-1(H) zone
- Appointment of three ZAB members to the Joint Subcommittee for the Zoning Ordinance Revision Project (ZORP) Phase 2
RSB Regular Meeting April 15 2021
The Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board will consider taking positions on three state housing bills: AB 1199 (corporate monopoly transparency tax), AB 854 (withdrawal of accommodations), and AB 1188 (rental registry portal). It will also discuss next steps for hiring an executive director and vote on consent items including adopting amendments to Regulation 1013 and approving multiple penalty waivers.
- Take positions on AB 1199, AB 854, and AB 1188 (state housing legislation)
- Proposed next steps for Executive Director recruitment and hiring process
- Adopt amendments to Regulation 1013 (second reading)
- Disband Habitable and Sustainable Housing Committee (HASH)
- Approve waivers of late registration penalties for 13 properties
ZAB
The Berkeley Zoning Adjustments Board holds public hearings on three land-use permits, including a staff-recommended denial of a variance to legalize a garage conversion at 1205 Peralta Avenue. The consent calendar includes approval of minutes and a use permit modification for a breakfast room expansion at the Holiday Inn Express at 1175 University Avenue. The meeting is conducted virtually via Zoom.
- Use Permit Mod #ZP2020-0103: 1175 University Ave – Holiday Inn Express breakfast room expansion, losing two parking spaces (staff recommends approve)
- Use Permit #ZP2018-0178: 1241 Ashby Ave – new 1,960 sq ft detached rear yard dwelling unit behind existing duplex (staff recommends approve)
- Variance/Use Permit #ZP2020-0060: 1205 Peralta Ave – legalize garage-to-habitable conversion, add bedrooms six through eight on non-conforming lot (staff recommends deny)
- Use Permit #ZP2020-0107: 2943 Pine Ave – second-story addition, fifth bedroom, legalize existing fence on non-conforming lot (staff recommends approve)
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold public hearings on two use permits: one to allow beer and wine sales at the Natural Grocery Company store at 1330-1336 Gilman Street, and another for a 98,840-square-foot, four-story manufacturing building at 800 Dwight Way (Bayer Building 69). The board will also appoint a member to the Design Review Committee.
- 1330 and 1336 Gilman Street – Use Permit #ZP2020-0117 to add beer and wine sales at existing Natural Grocery Company store
- 800 Dwight Way – Use Permit #ZP2020-0087 to construct a 98,840 sq ft, four-story, 79-ft tall manufacturing building (Bayer Building 69)
- Appointment of a ZAB member to the Design Review Committee
- Approval of action minutes from February 25, 2021
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustment Board met via videoconference to consider two major development permits: a 17-unit residential building at 2317 Channing Way and a 461,822-square-foot R&D campus at 600 Addison Street. The board also held elections for Chair and Vice Chair.
- Approval of minutes from February 11, 2021
- Public hearing for 2317 Channing Way (17-unit residential)
- Public hearing for 600 Addison Street (461,822 sq ft R&D campus)
- Elections of ZAB Chair and Vice Chair
- Appointment of Licensed Architect to Design Review Committee
01-21-2021_Berkeley Rent Board Meeting_CAPTIONED_converted
The Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board will hear a special presentation on housing legislation and consider endorsing Assembly Bills AB 15 and AB 16, which aim to stabilize tenancies and assist tenants, small landlords, and affordable housing providers. The board may also provide direction on several other state legislative bills. Consent items include approval of December 17 meeting minutes, and information items cover committee assignments for 2021, a market medians report, and commissioner attendance.
- Special presentation on housing legislation by lobbyist Brian Augusta & Associates, with possible direction on state bills
- Recommendation to endorse AB 15 (Tenant Stabilization Act of 2021) and AB 16 (Tenant, Small Landlord, and Affordable Housing Provider Stabilization Act of 2021)
- Committee assignments list for 2021
- Market Medians report updated through Q3 2020
- Commissioner attendance records through Q4 2020
RSB Regular Meeting February 18 2021
The Rent Stabilization Board will consider adopting a mid-fiscal-year budget resolution to add a permanent Housing Counselor position and vote on several waivers of late registration penalties for rental properties. The board will also receive updates on Measure MM implementation, a new SB 91 fact sheet on COVID-19 rental assistance, and recent outreach efforts. The meeting includes a closed session to discuss ongoing litigation.
- Discussion and possible action on Resolution 21-01 to add a permanent Community Services Specialist II (Housing Counselor) to the Public Information Unit (Mid-Fiscal Year Budget Report)
- Approval of waivers of late registration penalties for 1520 Woolsey Street, 2317 Le Conte Avenue, 1327 Haskell Street, 1412 Kains Avenue, 2411 6th Street, 1819 9th Street, and 1232 Ashby Avenue
- Update on Measure MM implementation, including a mailing to 1,675 owners of rental properties
- Update on SB 91 Fact Sheet regarding COVID-19 relief and federal rental assistance
- Closed session update on litigation including Marowitz v. City of Berkeley Rent Board and other cases
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold public hearings on two use permits: one to approve enclosing a second-story balcony at 31 Florida Avenue and one to continue the application for a new dwelling unit at 1241 Ashby Avenue to March 11. The board will also receive a presentation on the Zoning Ordinance Revision Project and appoint three members to a ZORP subcommittee. All business will be conducted via videoconference due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Use Permit #ZP2020-0116: enclosure of a second-story covered balcony at 31 Florida Avenue (recommended for approval)
- Use Permit #ZP2018-0178: new 1,960 sq ft detached dwelling unit at 1241 Ashby Avenue (recommended for continuance to March 11, 2021)
- Presentation on the Zoning Ordinance Revision Project and appointment of a three-member ZORP subcommittee
- Approval of action minutes from January 28, 2021
- Staff communication on election of Chair and Vice Chair at the February 25, 2021 meeting
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustments Board will hold public hearings on four use permits, including a large project at 2015 Blake Street that proposes merging seven parcels, demolishing existing buildings, and constructing two new residential buildings totaling 161 units (with affordable units). A draft Environmental Impact Report is being prepared. Other items include legalizing a dwelling unit elimination at 1720 Delaware Street, expanding wine service at 2113 Vine Street, and demolishing a single-family home to build four units at 2421 Fifth Street.
- 2015 Blake Street – 155-unit building (9 very low income), 6-unit building (2 low income), 93 parking spaces, EIR scoping session
- 1720 Delaware Street – Use permit to legalize elimination of a dwelling unit and attic conversion to add 8th and 9th bedroom
- 2113 Vine Street – Use permit to allow wine service at an existing wine retailer and outdoor expansion at front and rear
- 2421 Fifth Street – Use permit to demolish a single-family dwelling and construct a 3-story triplex and 3-story single-family home (4 units total)
- Approval of action minutes from January 14, 2021
ZAB
The Zoning Adjustment Board will hold public hearings on several use permits, including a proposal to expand an existing bed-and-breakfast at 2740 Telegraph Avenue into a 57-room hotel with 22 parking spaces and incidental alcohol service, and to convert two commercial spaces into four dwelling units at 2980 College Avenue (Elmwood Village). The board will also consider alcohol service permits at 1549 Shattuck Avenue and 2300 College Avenue, and approve previous meeting minutes.
- 2740/2744 Telegraph Ave & 2348 Ward St: expand bed-and-breakfast to 57-room hotel, merge parcels, add parking, add incidental distilled spirits
- 2980 College Ave (Elmwood Village): convert two commercial tenant spaces into four dwelling units in a mixed-use building
- 1549 Shattuck Ave: new use permit to allow distilled spirits service at existing restaurant
- 2300 College Ave: new use permit to allow beer and wine service at existing restaurant
- Approval of action minutes from December 10, 2020