Strategies for Expanding Housing Options

This initiative will develop a set of code changes and program recommendations that will help expand housing options for people of all incomes, while keeping the City in compliance with State law.

This initiative is part of the City's work to implement the 6th cycle Housing Element, adopted in 2023.

Upcoming Events

Planning Commission Study Session
Monday, November 10, 2025, starting at 5:30 pm
Council Chambers
120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 

Phases & Timeline

  • Phase 1: Research and Options (Summer-Fall 2025): Gather data, review best practices, and develop options.
  • Phase 2: Test and Refine (November 2025-Spring 2026): Evaluate and refine the options.
  • Phase 3: Final Recommendations (Summer 2026): Bring forward code changes and program recommendations for consideration by the City Council

Past meetings

What we're working on

We're reviewing and refining policies that could make it easier to build, finance, and access housing in Piedmont. Areas of focus include:

  • Smaller, more affordable homes: Promoting housing types that cost less to build, buy, or rent.
  • Challenging lots: Making it more feasible to build homes on small or oddly shaped parcels, including possible incentives for lot mergers.
  • Funding and financing: Identifying strategies to support affordable and special needs housing.
  • Subdivision standards: Streamlining rules for dividing land, creating condominiums, and handling on- and off-site improvements.
  • Home sharing: Exploring a tenant-matching program that connects homeowners who have space with renters looking for housing.

Deliverables

The outcome of this initiative will be:

  • Clear options and recommendations tailored to Piedmont's needs, informed by best practices and case studies.
  • Proposed updates to City codes and standards that make it easier to pursue the strategies listed above.

Related Documents