Image by Alden Jewell

Many free market folks were glad to see SJ’s abolition of parking minimum req’ts in 2022. But, as explored by Housing Commissioner Roberta Moore, this move—along with recently proposed changes to SB 9—doesn’t come without consequences for already-dense communities nearby. Excerpted from a 3.6 email.

Infill to protect open space is forward thinking. Building density near mass transit is also good planning.

The proposed changes to SB9 are NOT smart planning. Instead, the consultant has put together a hodgepodge approach to building in San Jose …

The consultants’ major proposed changes to SB9 are not acceptable and [are] irresponsible. They are:

1. Two (2) story homes will be allowed within 4 feet of the rear and side plot lines
2. ZERO on-site parking will be required
3. Increase Building Coverage on Lots
4. Front lot balcony requirements & rear lot balcony requirements
5. Only 50 square feet of open space will be required per unit.

The proposed changes target and will destroy the less expensive neighborhoods, as follows:

• #1 & #5: Will block sunlight and play areas for children in areas where this might be the only safe place for them.
• #2: In these neighborhoods, density is already high and parking is already limited. Allowing up to 8 units per lot with no parking is ridiculous.
• #3 is confusing and could take privacy from people’s back yards. On the surface it seems acceptable, but this might allow the use of cantilever structures that are not included under the current site coverage metric.
• #4 takes away privacy from people’s backyards.

These changes pave the way for major problems especially in lower income areas, such as parts of the east side of San Jose. These changes also pave the way for all of [the] owners of 4-plexes (through SB10) to build 16 units on each lot without parking and without open space.

Imagine what these parts of San Jose would be like for the children. No sunlight. No trees. No play areas.